Dave Matthews band tops irreverant VH1 awards
Dave Matthews Band won four awards yesterday at the second annual My VH1 Awards, an irreverent fan-based ceremony honouring everything from the year’s best song to the best display of a musician’s belly-button.
Dave Matthews Band took favourite group, best fan-managed Internet site and their single, The Space Between, won the Damn I Wish I Wrote That award, which recognises the song of the year.
The group also won the Must Have Album award, defeating The Beatles’ re-release disc, No. 1.
‘‘I feel a little bit ridiculous,’’ Matthews said. ‘‘I’ve been listening to that ’No. 1’ album by The Beatles and it kicks the crap out of our album, but it’s still kind of you to vote for us.’’
No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani, who performed two chart-topping duets this year with rocker Moby and rapper Eve, won favourite female artist.
‘‘What? Shut up!’’ the singer said, accepting the award. ‘‘I can’t believe you guys would vote for me. That’s insane.’’
Lenny Kravitz, who ended the show by performing a duet with Mick Jagger, won favourite male artist.
The French prostitute-themed video for Lady Marmalade, a cover song for the Moulin Rouge soundtrack performed by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya and Pink, won two awards, favourite video and the Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Just My Video category, which honours the sexiest performance.
Meanwhile, British rockers Coldplay won two awards, Best Kept Secret and the Big In Japan category, which recognises the international star-power of a performer or group.
Eric McCormack, star of the TV comedy Will & Grace, hosted the event at the Shrine Auditorium, with singers Sting, Nelly Furtado and Mary J Blige also among the live performers.
Singer Jon Bon Jovi and guitarist Richie Sambora opened the show with a rendition of Here Comes the Sun in a tribute to former Beatle George Harrison, who died on Thursday.
‘‘We’ll miss you, George,’’ Bon Jovi said.
The categories and winners are voted on by an undetermined number of fans via the Internet. Organisers said votes were still being filed up to a few minutes before the individual awards were presented.
The complete list of winners:
Must-Have Album: Everyday, Dave Matthews Band.
Your Song Kicked Ass but was Played Too Damned Much: It’s Been Awhile, Staind.
Welcome to the Big Time: Alicia Keys.
Is It Hot In Here or Is It Just My Video: Lady Marmalade, Christina, Lil’ Kim, Mya and Pink.
Best Kept Secret: Coldplay.
Damn, I Wish I Wrote That (Song of the Year): The Space Between, Dave Matthews Band.
Favourite Male Artist: Lenny Kravitz.
Favourite Female Artist: Gwen Stefani.
Favourite Group: Dave Matthews Band.
Hottest Live Show: Bon Jovi.
Navel Academy (Best Belly-button Appearance): Britney Spears.
Favourite Video: Lady Marmalade, Christina, Lil’Kim, Mya and Pink.
Best Actor in a Video: Christopher Walken, Weapon of Choice (artist Fatboy Slim).
There’s No I In Team (Best Collaboration): What’s Going On, various artists.
Coolest Fan Website: Nancies.org (for Dave Matthews Band).
Big In Japan (International Award): Coldplay.
