Woohoo! Blur to be honoured at 2012 Brit awards

Tom Jones, Eurythmics, Paul McCartney… the outstanding contribution prize at the Brit awards was once the domain of classic, yet faded, musical icons.

But in recent years the gong has fallen into notably younger hands. In 2010 it went to Robbie Williams, who recently rejoined resurgent boy band Take That.

In 2007 it was a celebration of Oasis, a mere decade after their Britpop heyday. And in February it will be their rivals Blur delivering the event’s finale at London’s O2 arena.

Blur broke up in 2003 but reformed in the summer of 2009 to perform a series of huge comeback shows – at Glastonbury and in London’s Hyde Park.

Now they are set to join the hall of Brit award heavyweights, 17 years after sweeping the boards with their classic album Parklife. In 1995, they won awards for best British album, best British single, best British video and best British group.

Frontman Damon Albarn said: “It’s great to have recognition for all the work and all the heartache and all the joy that’s gone into this band.”

Being in a band this long is like a kind of time travel. We’re the same gang we ever were. Graham Coxon, guitarist

The award used to be seen as a bookend at the end of an illustrious career (see U2, McCartney) but with Blur it fuels rumours that the group might be planning further activities, following the 2009 reunion.

Guitarist Graham Coxon said: “Being in a band this long is like a kind of time travel.

“We’re the same gang we ever were, we’ve just landed in a different era. Or possibly we’re a totally different Blur still playing the old tunes in 1991 – forever. I haven’t decided.

“But it’s always nice to get a Brit award.”

Tim Jonze, editor of Guardian Music, told Channel 4 News Blur winning this accolade now “makes perfect sense”.

He said: “At the peak of their success the headlines were dominated by their rivalry with Oasis, meaning their biggest musical accomplishments – carving out a distinctly British take on guitar pop, and then playing a part in Britpop’s death by embracing lo-fi American indie – were perhaps overlooked.

“However, their shows in 2009, especially the stunning headline performance at Glastonbury festival which saw Damon Albarn reduced to tears, proved not just that Blur’s music had stood the test of time but also just how much affection there still is for the band.”

The outstanding contribution prize returns in February after a year off. It was dropped in 2011.

It is rumoured the likes of Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones and former Smiths singer Morrissey have in the past turned it down.

Brits chairman David Joseph said: “Blur are a seminal British band who have long been worthy outstanding contribution winners. Their contribution to British music is immense.

“Blur are the perfect band to bring this award back for.”

Nominations for the Brits will be announced on 12 January at the Savoy Hotel in London. Tickets are already on sale for the awards show which takes place on 12 February.