NME Awards: Liam Gallagher is named Godlike Genius

Liam Gallagher’s three decade career in music was honoured on Wednesday evening as he collected the coveted Godlike Genius accolade at the annual NME Awards.

The former Oasis star was typically bullish as he posed with the distinctive award backstage at the O2 Brixton.

As always, Liam, 45, sported his favoured anorak – a popular fashion choice and rapidly developing trademark for the singer, who stubbornly wears the heavy winter staple onstage, regardless of temperature.

Scroll down for full list of winners 

All mine: Liam Gallagher’s three decade career in music was honoured on Wednesday evening as he collected the coveted Godlike Genius accolade at the annual NME Awards

Revealing a thick growth of facial hair, the Manchester-born star showed off the latest acquisition to his trophy cabinet, shortly after unfavourably comparing brother Noel to Donald Trump.

The former Oasis star, who has a turbulent relationship with his sibling, was asked who his villain of the year was as he attended the ceremony.

‘Gotta be Noel,’ he said. ‘I’m being serious. You’re laughing, but he’s worse than Kim-Jun f*****g Tung or whatever he’s called.

‘And he’s worse than Donald Trump. He’s the biggest liar and biggest faker in the business, so yeah, him. He’s worse than Piers Morgan as well.’ 

He continued: ‘Me and my brother made some good music. And I guess the attitude was just as important as the music.’ 

After four-years in the musical wilderness Liam is currently enjoying a career renaissance with the release of his well-received debut solo album, As You Were.

The album, his first release since the disbandment of former band Beady Eye in 2013, climbed to number 1 in the UK album chart, while reaching number 30 in the US Billboard 200 – an impressive feat given the abject commercial failure of Oasis in the United States. 

NME AWARDS 2018: THE WINNERS

Godlike Genius Award – Liam Gallagher

Best International Band – Haim

Best British Band supported by Zig-Zag – Alt-J 

Best New Artist supported by Vans – Stefflon Don

Best Live Artist supported by Nikon – Kasabian 

Best Track – Boys (Charli XCX)

Best Mixtape supported by Bulldog Gin – Avelino, No Bulls**t

Best Album supported by Orange Amplification – J Hus, Common Sense

Best Collaboration supported by V05 – I Know You (Craig David and Bastille) 

Best Festival – Glastonbury

Best Festival Headliner supported by Anna Valley – Muse

Music Moment of The Year – One Love Manchester

Best International Solo Artist – Lorde

Best Film supported by Zig-Zag – Baby Driver

Best Music Video supported by Princess Yachts – The Big Moon, Sucker 

Best Book – Wiley, Eskiboy

Best TV Show – Stranger Things 2

Best Reissue – Radiohead, OK Not OK

Best Small Festival – Festival Number 6 

Best Music Film – Gaga: Five Foot Two

Hero Of The Year – Ariana Grande

Villain Of The Year – Piers Morgan 

Innovation Award – Boy Better Know

Best British Solo Artist – Loyle Carner

Under the Radar – Pale Waves 

Icon Award –  Shirley Manson  

 

Centre stage: The former Oasis star was typically bullish as he posed with the distinctive award backstage at the O2 Brixton

Centre stage: The former Oasis star was typically bullish as he posed with the distinctive award backstage at the O2 Brixton

Centre stage: The former Oasis star was typically bullish as he posed with the distinctive award backstage at the O2 Brixton

Honour: Revealing a thick growth of facial hair, the Manchester-born star showed off the latest acquisition to his trophy cabinet, shortly after accepting the honour

Honour: Revealing a thick growth of facial hair, the Manchester-born star showed off the latest acquisition to his trophy cabinet, shortly after accepting the honour

Collecting his prize, he said: ‘I want to dedicate this to my mam and my army of songwriters, past and present. The parka monkeys.’  

Liam’s award was introduced by NME editor-in-chief, Mike Williams, who said it was “about time” he received the honour.

Williams said: ‘No other person has appeared on the cover of NME more times than this year’s Godlike. No one has had more words written about them by NME. No one has had their picture taken more times by NME.  

Tribute: 'I want to dedicate this to my mam and my army of songwriters, past and present. The parka monkeys,' he said

Tribute: ‘I want to dedicate this to my mam and my army of songwriters, past and present. The parka monkeys,’ he said

Main man: Liam also performed for guests at the O2 Brixton on Wednesday evening 

Main man: Liam also performed for guests at the O2 Brixton on Wednesday evening 

Feeling the heat: The singer once again wore a heavy anorak as he performed beneath the hot stage lighting 

Feeling the heat: The singer once again wore a heavy anorak as he performed beneath the hot stage lighting 

You gotta roll with it: Liam was in his element as he entertained the star-studded audience

You gotta roll with it: Liam was in his element as he entertained the star-studded audience

You gotta roll with it: Liam was in his element as he entertained the star-studded audience 

Special lady: The star planted a kiss on partner's Debbie Gwyther's lips after making his way back to his table 

Special lady: The star planted a kiss on partner’s Debbie Gwyther’s lips after making his way back to his table 

‘And when you think that this is a magazine that, for 66 years, has been writing about The Beatles, and the Stones, and The Smiths, and every other legendary band and artist that the world has seen, then that just proves how totally iconic Liam Gallagher is.’

He added: ‘This is a man who understands exactly what it means to be a rock’n’roll star. Through his history, the tunes, the swagger, and the sense of humour, Liam is one of the most I knock rock stars of all time. 

‘He’s a frontman who knows the job description – look cool, belt it out, be totally Godlike. No one does it quite like L.G.’

Incoming: Celebrating his win on Wednesday evening, Liam had good company in the form of fellow guest Stelflon Don, real name Stephanie Allen

Incoming: Celebrating his win on Wednesday evening, Liam had good company in the form of fellow guest Stelflon Don, real name Stephanie Allen

Striking: The increasingly popular British singer and rapper, 26, caught the eye in a busty, cleavage-baring mini-dress and thigh-high boots

Striking: The increasingly popular British singer and rapper, 26, caught the eye in a busty, cleavage-baring mini-dress and thigh-high boots

Striking: The increasingly popular British singer and rapper, 26, caught the eye in a busty, cleavage-baring mini-dress and thigh-high boots

Hard to miss: Elsewhere Ashley James, fresh from her recent appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, was also present at the annual awards show

Hard to miss: Elsewhere Ashley James, fresh from her recent appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, was also present at the annual awards show

Celebrating his win on Wednesday evening, Liam had good company in the form of fellow guest Stelflon Don, real name Stephanie Allen. 

The increasingly popular British singer and rapper, 26, caught the eye in a busty, cleavage-baring mini-dress and thigh-high boots while making her way inside the Brixton venue.

Elsewhere Ashley James, fresh from her recent appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, was also present at the annual awards show. 

The former Made In Chelsea star, 30, opted for a vibrant red trouser suit, however she suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction after her flared trousers bore the brunt of a rainy night in the capital. 

Sopping wet, the generously cut bottoms flapped about her ankles as she posed for photos after making her way inside. 

Meanwhile Love Island stars Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville put on a cosy display at the event. 

Catastrophe: The former Made In Chelsea star, 30, opted for a vibrant red trouser suit, however she suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction after her flared trousers bore the brunt of a rainy night in the capital

Catastrophe: The former Made In Chelsea star, 30, opted for a vibrant red trouser suit, however she suffered an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction after her flared trousers bore the brunt of a rainy night in the capital

Oh dear: Sopping wet, the generously cut bottoms flapped about her ankles as she posed for photos after making her way inside 

Oh dear: Sopping wet, the generously cut bottoms flapped about her ankles as she posed for photos after making her way inside 

Personal trainer Gabby, 26, showcased her gravity-defying cleavage in a plunging dress when she arrived on the arm of her Blazin’ Squad beau, 31.

Hand in hand with his girlfriend, Marcel showed off his quirky sense of fashion in a scarlet and gold striped bomber jacket.  

Other guests on the night included American band Haim, British singer Ella Eyre, and rapper Professor Green – who arrived on the arm of girlfriend Fae Williams. 

Hand in hand: Love Island stars Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville put on a cosy display at the event

Hand in hand: Love Island stars Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville put on a cosy display at the event

Looking good: Personal trainer Gabby, 26, showcased her gravity-defying cleavage in a plunging dress

Looking good: Personal trainer Gabby, 26, showcased her gravity-defying cleavage in a plunging dress

Looking good: Personal trainer Gabby, 26, showcased her gravity-defying cleavage in a plunging dress

Smart: Joining his girlfriend, Marcel showed off his quirky sense of fashion in a scarlet and gold striped bomber jacket

Smart: Joining his girlfriend, Marcel showed off his quirky sense of fashion in a scarlet and gold striped bomber jacket

The rapper, 33, and his stunning girlfriend could not stop giggling as they posed together on the red carpet at Brixton Academy. 

Green, real name Stephen Manderson, looked typically slick in a grey checked suit, teamed with a casual white T-shirt and trainers to let his model girlfriend steal the show on the carpet. 

Fae commanded attention in a stunning black and nude gown, formed of delicate floral lace.

Smitten: Professor Green arrived on the arm of girlfriend Fae Williams

Smitten: Professor Green arrived on the arm of girlfriend Fae Williams

Dapper dude: Green, real name Stephen Manderson, looked typically slick in a grey checked suit, teamed with a casual white T-shirt and trainers

Dapper dude: Green, real name Stephen Manderson, looked typically slick in a grey checked suit, teamed with a casual white T-shirt and trainers

Dapper dude: Green, real name Stephen Manderson, looked typically slick in a grey checked suit, teamed with a casual white T-shirt and trainers

Stylish: Meanwhile Fae commanded attention in a stunning black and nude gown, formed of delicate floral lace

Stylish: Meanwhile Fae commanded attention in a stunning black and nude gown, formed of delicate floral lace

Pulling into spaghetti straps and plunging low to flash her cleavage, the dress then extended into a striking semi-sheer skirt, to tease at her leggy figure underneath. 

While Liam walked away with the Godlike Genius award, fellow nineties icon Shirley Manson of Scottish band Garbage claimed the Icon Award. 

Haim were also among the winners after being named Best International Band, while Manchester based newcomers Pale Waves claimed the Under the Radar award.  

Winners: American trio Haim were named Best International Band at the NME Awards on Wednesday evening  

Winners: American trio Haim were named Best International Band at the NME Awards on Wednesday evening  

In attendance: Neelam Gill and Ella Eyre were among guests at the annual event

In attendance: Neelam Gill and Ella Eyre were among guests at the annual event

In attendance: Neelam Gill (L) and Ella Eyre (R) were among guests at the annual event

Success: While Liam walked away with the Godlike Genius award, fellow nineties icon Shirley Manson of Scottish band Garbage claimed the Icon Award 

Success: While Liam walked away with the Godlike Genius award, fellow nineties icon Shirley Manson of Scottish band Garbage claimed the Icon Award 

Party time: Clara Amfo and Lilah Parsons were on hand to let their hair down at the celebratory event

Party time: Clara Amfo and Lilah Parsons were on hand to let their hair down at the celebratory event

Party time: Clara Amfo (L) and Lilah Parsons (R) were on hand to let their hair down at the celebratory event

International garage sensation: Singer and DJ Craig David also joined in the fun 

International garage sensation: Singer and DJ Craig David also joined in the fun 

Charli XCX, who was not present on the night, also won thanks to hit single Boys, which was named Best Track. 

Rapper J Hus has collected the album of the year prize at the NME Awards for his debut release, Common Sense.

The 22-year-old – who is nominated in the same category at next week’s Brit Awards – beat off competition from the likes of Lorde to claim the accolade at the event on Wednesday night, which saw a number of female artists among the big winners.  

Main man: Grime star Skepta posed for photos backstage at the annual event

Main man: Grime star Skepta posed for photos backstage at the annual event

There's a pattern forming: The cast of TV show Tattoo Fixers made a surprise appearance at the event

There’s a pattern forming: The cast of TV show Tattoo Fixers made a surprise appearance at the event

Make way: Grime star Big Narstie and singer Ms Banks posed for photos on the red carpet

Make way: Grime star Big Narstie and singer Ms Banks posed for photos on the red carpet

Make way: Grime star Big Narstie (L) and singer Ms Banks (R) posed for photos on the red carpet

Say cheese: Marcel Somerville rubbed shoulders with Clara Amfo 

Say cheese: Marcel Somerville rubbed shoulders with Clara Amfo 

And the award goes to: Naomi Campbell presented J Hus with the award for Best Album a the NME Awards

And the award goes to: Naomi Campbell presented J Hus with the award for Best Album a the NME Awards

And the award goes to: Naomi Campbell presented J Hus with the award for Best Album a the NME Awards

Thank you: Alt-J collected the award for Best British Band 

Thank you: Alt-J collected the award for Best British Band 

Speaking at the event, Craig David – who along with Bastille picked up the Best Collaboration award for I Know You – said he did not expect to win a new generation of fans when he made his music comeback.

The singer has been enjoying a career revival in the last couple of years, more than a decade after his music first hit the airwaves.

And he admitted that he just wanted to make music that his core fans who have been there from day one would appreciate.

‘But to have people who are like, have you heard of this new guy, Craig David, he’s got this album out – I never expected that. So I think that’s the major difference, but outside of that it’s all about making good music. Music always rides to the top.’ 

Delighted: Boy Better Know won the NME Innovation award, presented by DJ Annie Mac 

Delighted: Boy Better Know won the NME Innovation award, presented by DJ Annie Mac 

Banter: Professor Green and Ella Eyre shared a laugh backstage as they indulged in some complimentary red wine

Banter: Professor Green and Ella Eyre shared a laugh backstage as they indulged in some complimentary red wine

Banter: Professor Green and Ella Eyre shared a laugh backstage as they indulged in some complimentary red wine 

Good times: The pair were in high spirits as they rubbed shoulders on Wednesday evening 

Good times: The pair were in high spirits as they rubbed shoulders on Wednesday evening 

Let's go: Ashley and Ella left the event following the award presentations on Wednesday evening

Let's go: Ashley and Ella left the event following the award presentations on Wednesday evening

Let’s go: Ashley and Ella left the event following the award presentations on Wednesday evening 

He's off: Muse rocker Matt Bellamy was seen leaving the event later that night

He’s off: Muse rocker Matt Bellamy was seen leaving the event later that night



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