Complete lineup of winners announced for the 2023 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
Specsavers Scottish Music Awards have revealed the final round of winners ahead of the ceremony taking place at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom this Saturday 4th November.
Article Source: Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
Last Updated: 2 November 2023 13:46
Local and international talent from across the industry will be recognised, and organisers today announced that music legend Sir Elton John, his long-time guitarist and collaborator Davey Johnstone, veteran Scots singer Barbara Dickson, indie favourites The Snuts, up-and-comers Dead Pony, and europop royalty Middle of the Road will complete the line-up of winners for the ceremony’s bumper 25th edition.
The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards is a flagship fundraiser in aid of the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, helping them to harness the power of music to break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation, creating space for people to express themselves and find connection in society. From adults with dementia reconnecting with their family, to children with autism finding their voice, Nordoff and Robbins believes that everyone who needs it should have access to music therapy, because it can, quite simply, transform people’s lives.
The ceremony will showcase the emerging and established talent coming from Scotland with Dead Pony and Middle of the Road set to perform alongside rapper Bemz, singer-songwriter Callum Beattie, social media sensation Katie Gregson-MacLeod and homegrown popstar Joesef, culminating in an exclusive performance by Bay City Roller Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood.
Global music icon Sir Elton John will receive the Specsavers Global Artist Award following his recent retirement from almost 50 years of performing live around the world. He concluded his Farewell Yellow Brick Road UK arena tour at Scotland’s home of live entertainment, OVO Hydro, this summer where Scots fans said an emotional goodbye to the star; now, he is being honoured by headline sponsors Specsavers with a Scottish Music Award.
Sir Elton John said: “Thank you for honouring me with the Specsavers Global Artist Award. I’ve always loved coming to Scotland and playing for all of you. It’s one of my favourite places and one of the most beautiful countries to visit, so I’m extremely touched.”
Arlene Stephenson, Specsavers’ Scottish divisional chair, said: “Elton John is an iconic musician and showman whose work has had, and will continue to have a lasting impact on the music industry. I would like to congratulate him on behalf of Specsavers on this much-deserved win.”
By his side throughout that time on tour, Edinburgh-born Davey Johnstone – long-time member of the Elton John band – is also set to receive the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation Special Recognition Award on the night. Johnstone has been a constant in John’s band for almost half a century, rising from session guitarist to musical director during their more than 3000 shows together.
Davey Johnstone said: “I’m so grateful to come home to Scotland to receive this award, and I’m humbled and amazed by the work of Nordoff and Robbins in their music therapy program which gives joy and healing to those in need. The healing powers of music have always been evident, but the Scottish Music Awards are bringing awareness to this issue on the contemporary stage.”
Hailing from Dunfermline, Barbara Dickson OBE will be recognised by the SWG3 Outstanding Achievement Award that honours her incredible singing and acting career first established in the 70s. The ‘I Know Him So Well’ singer is also an Alzheimer's Ambassador for Nordoff and Robbins Scotland, so the award win is a connection close to her heart.
Barbara Dickson OBE said: “I am so honoured to be recognised for my long career by the Scottish Music Awards, 2023. I’m sorry not to be able to attend, but I send love to all who thought of me and good wishes for a successful evening. Love and thanks.”
Hailing from Lothian, festival favourites The Snuts have bagged the Ticketmaster Tour Master Award following a busy summer of appearances including Reading and Leeds and two of their biggest headline gigs to date in Glasgow’s SWG3. Latest track ‘Gloria’ was the band’s first release on their own label Happy Artist Records signalling an exciting new direction for the dedicated Nordoff and Robbins supporters.
The Snuts said: “Live music is a place where you can still be truly creative as an artist and we’re grateful to have our two sold out shows at SWG3 this year, recognised by the Scottish Music Awards.”
Glasgow post-punk band Dead Pony have won the P&J Live Spotlight Award, coinciding with the beginning of their first UK headline tour and an exciting new chapter for the four-piece. Led by singer Anna Shields, the band released their debut single during lockdown and have since gone from strength to strength even gracing the stages of Glastonbury and TRNSMT.
Dead Pony said: “It is such an honour and a privilege to be picking up the P&J Live Spotlight award at this year’s Scottish Music Awards. We have been working so hard over past couple of years and moments of recognition like receiving this award make the grafting all worth it. We wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the continued support from our fans so thank you for everything, this means the world to us.”
Scottish platinum-selling pop group Middle of the Road have been awarded the Raymond Weil Heritage Award recognising their distinct brand of europop that paved the way for the likes of ABBA in the 70s. Fronted by Sally Carr, Middle of the Road’s number one debut single ‘Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep’ catapulted them to overnight success and, with a new forthcoming single, they’re set to return to stages across Europe in 2024.
Stuart McCredie, son of original founding guitarist Ian McCredie, who also performs with the band, said: “We’re naturally thrilled to receive a Scottish Music Award this year, it means so much and everyone in the band is really looking forward to performing in Glasgow’s famous Barrowland Ballroom this weekend. My dad is currently unwell, so it’s my honour to be collecting this award on his behalf, and all of the brilliant musicians past and present, who have performed with Middle Of The Road.”
As well as performances and awards, the evening will also include a charity auction. Amongst the prizes, Scotland’s home of live entertainment, OVO Hydro, have donated a ‘Golden Ticket’ with the highest bidder winning a ticket to every show at the venue over the next 12 months. Those who aren’t attending the event that would like to bid for the OVO Hydro Golden Ticket can do so by contacting Simon Foy at simon.foy@nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Last year’s Specsavers Scottish Music Awards was its most successful edition yet, featuring performances from honorary Scot Rod Stewart, the newly revived Altered Images and Hebridean hot-tickets Peat and Diesel. Hosted by long-time Nordoff and Robbins supporter Edith Bowman – who is returning to present this year’s edition - it celebrated big-names and up-and-comers alike, all in the name of raising funds for the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the awards, long-time supporter ROX have crafted a bespoke Scottish Music Award’s broach which will be gifted to all winners on the night.
The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards have also joined forces with Go Radio as their official radio partner for 2023. Tune into Go Radio this week for exclusive interviews and build up to the ceremony.
Sponsored Links
Latest Fife News
World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date
Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.
READ MORE
Stay Active this January at Gravity Active
Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!
READ MORE
Fife knitting expert takes on the toughest row in the world
Fife knitting and yarn entrepreneur, Milli Abrams, is set to row solo and unsupported 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a bid to raise money for charity.
READ MORE
Celebrate the Arrival of Spring at the 2025 Snowdrop Festival in Cambo Estate
Cambo Country House and Estate is thrilled to announce details of its upcoming renowned Snowdrop Festival, now in its 16th year, which will run throughout February and early March 2025.
READ MORE
Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies
Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.
READ MORE
First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.
READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day
After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition
A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots
Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MORE
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores
Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORE
Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list
Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!
This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards
The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage
James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives
A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MORE
Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MORE
Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line
A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MORE
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024
Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025
50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MORE
Brewer gives away free pints to celebrate mockumentary launch
Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MORE
Christmas tree season arrives at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.
READ MORE
Glasgow music festival The Reeling announces extended 2025 dates and performances from Dougie Maclean, Eddi Reader and Valtos
A popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!
READ MORE
Final date added as 30,000 expected at biggest itison Drive In Movies Christmas
itison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.
READ MORE
Revolutionary swim teaching tool launches in Scotland
A pioneering visual teaching tool has launched across Scotland, making swimming lessons more accessible to everyone.
READ MORE
Decade of growth and success for Lowland distillery
The visitor experience at Kingsbarns Distillery is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month and has grown from humble beginnings to now exporting its whisky to all corners of the globe.
READ MORE
Festive favourites back on the big screen at Vue in Scotland
To mark the countdown to Christmas, some of the most loved holiday classics are being brought back to the big screen at Vue venues in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Asda Foundation supports lonely over 60s this Christmas
Asda and Asda Foundation pledges almost £1 million to help combat loneliness and isolation in the older generation this festive period through its 'Don't be Gnome Alone this Christmas' campaign.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links