Alex B Cann Column - March 6th 2025

"It's a Brat Brits", shrieked irksome host Jack Whitehall, as Charli XCX bagged one of her five awards during the ceremony. I've watched the Brits most years for as long as I can remember, and whilst it's shattering my showbiz age admitting this, I remember the Mick Fleetwood and Samantha Fox 1989 debacle all too clearly. If you don't recall this TV car crash, it's worth watching on YouTube for the sheer comedy value. Bros being presented with the Best Newcomer award by Ronnie Wood was a highlight.

In this week's film column, I wonder aloud how relevant the Academy Awards are for most casual film watchers, and I'd pose the same question about the Brit Awards. From the unfunny jokes about Philip Schofield and Sam Smith to the tiresome bleeped-out swearing and attempts to say something controversial, it felt at times like your dad trying to be cool (if my dad's reading this, he is effortlessly cool anyway).

It felt like a long show to watch from start to finish, especially without the free bar that no doubt the likes of Danny Dyer and that DJ who looks like a horse from Germany were taking full advantage of. It wasn't without its good bits, including Ezra Collective making a passionate case for kids being given musical instruments at school. Femi from the group argued that giving a young person a trumpet an help to fix "so many of the problems that face greater society in the UK.". He added: "I'll bang this drum a bunch of times and I'll continue to do so until the entire country gets it".

Rising Star winner Myles Smith spoke out along similar lines, saying during his acceptance speech: "I was a kid raised by a single mum on free school meals in a state school that had instruments because of government-backed schemes. And I'm somehow here, a four-time Brit nominee, a graduate from a Russell group university, and having the biggest hit single of 2024". We loved playing Stargazing on Tameside Radio, and the follow-up Nice To Meet You is ace too. Smith also remarked that "moments fade, but careers last forever", urging record labels to stick with artists for the long term, rather than chasing the next big hit and dropping them the moment something new comes along, like a cat following a laser.

Last Dinner Party (who?) called for large arenas to do more to contribute towards keeping grassroots venues alive. Although fewer closed in 2024 compared to the year before, at least 40 were lost, which is sad.

Raye and Chappell Roan won, but couldn't be there, but luckily the lads from Five were on hand to celebrate their first tour as a five-piece in about a quarter of a century. You can't beat the Five Megamix on a night out (in 1998!).

There are huge problems with streaming in terms of the amount of the pie that goes to artists, and I wonder if things like awards and chart positions are even on the radar of many music fans. When we used to physically buy our favourite songs, there was a bit more of a sense of ownership and investment, whereas things feel more disposable now. I wonder if the Brits is an analogue event trying to exist in a digital world. Around two and a half million viewers watched, which isn't a ratings disaster but is hardly breaking any records.

Sabrina Carpenter's medley opened the show and no doubt drew a few complaints for its suggestive nature, but there were no big moments like the Jarvis Cocker Michael Jackson protest or Chumbawamba ice bucket incident this year. It was all fairly anodyne and the host's jokes felt a bit like they were being shouted into the void of the arena, with barely a titter at times. Not a euphoric viewing experience, but well done to all the winners. Nice to see a nomination too for The Cure's latest album, which is brilliant, and well worth checking out. Teddy Swims sounded great during his set, and I was a little surprised there was nothing for Dua Lipa. I still don't know who The Last Dinner Party are, but I'll ensure I check them out soon. Oh, and a mention for Paloma Faith, and her excellent swipe at American voters. Good to see the orange one being called out on stage.

Will I watch it again next year? Probably. Will I complain about a lot of it again? Most likely, yes.