Last week, the FAULT team had the privilege of attending the Kerrang Awards! Browsing the newsstand of my newsagents recently, its funny how many of the must-have publications from my teens have either disappeared or are now shadows of their former selves, filled with bland interviews with even blander musicians. That being said, I picked up a copy of Kerrang! and was pleasantly surprised to see that it is still the same as I remembered. Slightly dated now? Probably; but sod it, it’s Kerrang! and it works for them.

This year we were hosted by Zippo. The ceremony was held at the Troxy and some of our FAULT Favourite bands were in attendance from Iron Maiden, to blink-182 and even FAULT alumni, Don Broco were there. At the time, I thought that seeing Lethal Bizzle there was to be one of the biggest shocks of the night, but it turns out I hadn’t seen anything yet!

The ceremony opened with a speech from Kerrang!’s current Editor, James McMahon who thanked the musicians and readers of Kerrang for proving that Kerrang! is still a relevant magazine 35 years in. Ending his speech, he honoured Motörhead’s frontman Lemmy, who passed away at the end of 2015.The mic was then past to our hosts for the evening Justin Hawkins of ‘The Darkness’ and  Skindred front-man, Benji Webbe, neither of whom made for great hosts and verging on insufferable at times…But less of that, let’s get to the awards!

 

Creeper took home their well deserved Best British Newcomer awards. If you’re not too familiar with the band, give Black Mass a listen. It’s great and they’re all great musicians, we foresee great things.

Best International Newcomer (Presented by Troxy) went to New Orleans five piece, Cane Hill. Accepting their award, they exclaimed “We’re from America so we don’t really give a shit”, proceeding to pouring a bottle of wine over their award while lighting up a doobie on stage. It was all very comical although looking around the room I would say more were laughing at them as opposed to with. Rock on fellas…

 

Best Album presented by Zippo went to No Devotion for ‘Permanence’. Give track Addition a listen, it’s awesome but if Alt-Rock isn’t your thing then ease in with Stay which is more on the lighter side. Best Live Band went to Japanese trio

Best Live Band went to Japanese trio Baby Metal and note that the two youngest members are only 16-years-old so let’s see what else they have to offer in the next few years!

The Icon Award went to blink-182, as they played a reel of their hits, it’s amazing to see just how many iconic tracks their discography possesses. Mark Hoppus and new member Matt Skiba collected their award to what could have been a standing ovation…I know I was standing but I was rather in awe so tunnel vision ensued.

Iron Maiden were awarded a Kerrang! Legend presented by Ghost Vodka award and Kerrang!’s Hero award went to Thin Lizzy. Best Event presented by K! TV went to You Me At Six for their ‘The Ghost Inside Benefit Show’ performance.

Finally, The Deaftones took home the Kerrang! Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Planet Rock.

After the award show Asking Alexandria took to the stage for an awesome performance. We remained on the floor level with the incoming ticket holders because what’s the point of the show if you don’t get a good mosh in!?

All in all, we had a great time. It’s great to see that the spirit of Kerrang! that so many of us remember from is still going strong if not stronger than ever. I should mention that while I’m looking at Kerrang! From my own now nostalgic view, what I was most pleased to see was all the young readers who barreled through the doors for a great after party with awesome music. Hats off to Kerrang! and editor James McMahon for being able to keep the original spirit of Kerrang! alive, but also continuing to captivate their younger audience.

Great night and while I woke up with a dragon tattoo on my neck, I’m very glad to see that is was only a temporary one!