The Most Unconventional Brit Awards Winners

With the BRIT Awards 2017 just around the corner, we’ve got something pretty special for all of you lovely readers of the Zavvi blog. You can win tickets to the BRIT Awards 2017 just by following the instructions here! To celebrate, we’ve delved into the archives to bring you some of the more unconventional BRIT Awards winners. We’ve organised it all into a handy playlist for you to maybe discover something a little different to the usual pop affair.

1987 Best Female Solo Artist: Kate Bush

To say that Kate Bush is like any other female vocalist you’ve heard is a misnomer, with her eclectic lyrics and incredible vocal range. In 1987 Kate Bush fever hit critical mass, with her album The Whole Story featuring new mixes of previous hits like ‘Wuthering Heights’. Listening to Kate Bush might be an acquired taste, but her legacy is undeniable.

1988 Best British Single: Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or have successfully avoided the internet for the past decade, you’ll understand that Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up has turned into an unstoppable meme, infuriating many. But before the internet, Astley found critical acclaim for Never Gonna Give You Up. While the internet video has hundreds of millions of views, it’s well-known tat YouTube only paid Astley $12 for 230,000,00 views on the original ‘Rickroll’ video. Whether he likes it or not, the Rickroll will remain a lasting part of Astley’s back-catalogue forevermore.

1996 Best British Dance Act: Massive Attack

Remember when Electronic Music was just known as Dance? Halcyon days. Massive Attack’s nod for Best British Dance Act in 1996 has proven to be well-deserved. In many ways, Massive Attack has pioneered soundscapes in a way that’s approachable to a casual audience. With a psychedelic feel and unconventional song structures, Massive Attack remains to be a favourite of both critics and a casual audience. Several of their songs are also licensed to be used in mainstream television programs as their opening songs, such as BBC’s Luther.

1989 Best British Video: Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal

Wait a second here… isn’t this supposed to be the best BRITISH video? We’re not really sure what happened here. Either way, can’t beat a bit of Jacko’.

1998 Best International Newcomer: Eels

Another international entry into this list is Eels, lead by frontman Mr E (Mark Oliver Everett), Eels explores the themes of love and loss. With 1998’s ‘Electro-Shock Blues’ Everett ruminates on his sister’s suicide and caring for his terminally ill mother. Underneath the veneer of unassuming indie rock, Eels deservedly won the 1998 Best International Newcomer award. The band still records albums, however Everett has stated that he is currently on a sabbatical.

2009 Best British Live Act: Iron Maiden

Arguably one of the best live acts you can see today, Iron Maiden have perfected their craft in the 30 years that they’ve been touring. With a wide repertoire of albums and classics, Iron Maiden pioneered the new wave of British Heavy Metal after Black Sabbath opened the doors. Sporting a twin-guitar lineup, Iron Maiden takes inspiration from classic bands like Wishbone Ash and Thin Lizzy to take their sound to the extreme. Currently touring their latest album, Iron Maiden remains an active band, despite the majority of its members reaching their 50s.