The 63rd Ivor Novello Awards honoured UMPG writers Shane MacGowan and Steve Mac. 

Shane MacGowan was presented with The Ivors Inspiration Award – in recognition of the power of his songwriting to inspire the creative talents of others. In announcing the award, The Ivors recognised that ‘…MacGowan – a unique musical force in all sorts of ways – is unusual in that his poetic work also influenced his peers, and even iconic stars whose careers preceded his’.

Shane’s legacy of inspiring other songwriters is well documented, with The Clash’s Joe Strummer calling him “one of the best writers of the century” and Tom Waits declaring “Shane has the gift. I believe him. He knows how to tell a story”. Bob Geldof has said “The Pogues made great records and played great gigs, but the glory are the songs. This is what will last. Great words. Great music. Great art.”

Steve Mac won the award for PRS For Music Most Performed Work, for co-writing Ed Sheeran's ‘Shape Of You'.  This award credits the song that received the most broadcast, online and general performance in the UK during 2017.

The Ivor Novello Awards celebrate and reward excellence in British and Irish songwriting and composing. Presented and judged by music creators they represent the pinnacle of musical achievement and peer recognition. The event took place on Thursday 31st May at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.

Photo credit: Kristy May