U2 land double honour at NME awards
U2 have won two top prizes at the high-profile NME Carling Awards.
The band took the Godlike Genius title and Best Rock Act honour at event but Robbie Williams was named Villain of the Year while Liam Gallagher was the pop fans' Hero of the Year.
U2 were at the event to pick up their titles ahead of a low key show in London tomorrow night. They will play at the Astoria club in front of 2,000 fans, their most intimate UK show for 17 years.
The awards are voted for by readers of the magazine. They see themselves as the credible alternative to the Brits, which will be held later this month.
Radiohead were named Best Band at the ceremony held in London, beating U2, Oasis and Coldplay.
The latter, however, won a trio of prizes including Best New Artist. Their top five hit Yellow was named Best Single. The outfit also won the Session of the Year prize for a recording they made for Radio 1.
Eminem was named Best Hip-hop and Rap Act, while Mercury Music Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy was Best Solo Artist.
All Saints were named Best Pop Act.
NME editor Ben Knowles said: "This is an awards ceremony that means something. It's voted for by the most discerning and intelligent music fans on the planet, NME readers.
"It means something to the bands, cos it's not voted for by a committee."
