Sir Elton John dedicates Scottish Music Awards win to Edinburgh-born guitarist

Sir Elton John took home the top prize last night as a host of stars lined up for the Scottish Music Awards.

The music legend, who finished touring this year, was honored with the Specsavers Global Artist Award, which was accepted on his behalf by longtime guitarist and friend Davey Johnstone.

Edinburgh-born Davey himself subsequently received the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation Outstanding Achievement Award.

Although Sir Elton was not there, he delivered a video message dedicated to his Scottish friend, in which he said: “Davey Johnstone…you are certainly the best guitarist, I think, that has ever come out of Scotland, and that means a lot .

“I had the best time playing with you…you’re an amazing musician and you’ve been with me for so long. You have always inspired me with your genius.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than you and I love you dearly.”

Now in its 25th year, the awards, sponsored by Specsavers, celebrate the best music from Scotland and beyond and were presented by Scottish broadcaster Edith Bowman.

The rock ‘n’ roll ceremony in aid of Nordoff Robbins – Britain’s largest music therapy charity – saw stars walk the red carpet to Glasgow’s legendary Barrowland Ballroom for the ceremony.

Ayrshire rapper Bemz joined pop icons Bay City Rollers and Middle of the Road, as well as rising alt-rock stars Dead Pony, and singer-songwriters Joesef, Katie Gregson-MacLeod and Callum Beattie to perform for guests from the music and entertainment industry.

Europop icons Middle of the Road teased their upcoming tour with old favorites like ‘Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep’ and new material, before taking home the Raymond Weil Heritage Award.

And The Snuts received the Ticketmaster Tourmaster Award in recognition of the success of their live shows over the past year.

Rock royalty The Who won the ROX – Diamonds & Thrills Icon Award and ‘I Know Him So Well’ singer Barbara Dickson OBE received the SWG3 Outstanding Achievement Award.

Hard-working DJ and producer Rebecca Vasmant also received Ballantine’s x Sub Club Electronic Music Award.

And Barrowland’s Tom Joyes was surprised with Go Radio’s Music Industry Award in honor of his remarkable 38 years as the venue’s general manager, while Callum Beattie received the Hard Rock Cafe Breakthrough Award.

Donald MacLeod MBE, chairman of the Nordoff and Robbins Scottish Fundraising Committee, said: “Over the past ten months, Nordoff and Robbins, which is not publicly funded, has used the money it receives through charitable donations to fund more than 37,000 funds. music therapy sessions, of which approximately 12,500 are in Scotland, across 330 partner organisations.

“As the need for their life-changing services continues to grow, so does the need for even more funding, and never more so than in these austere times.”

Host Edith Bowman said: “It’s great to be here tonight. We have an exceptional evening of entertainment to celebrate the wealth of talent in the music scene. Nordoff and Robbins music therapy needs support in the current climate.”

Davey Johnstone said: “Forget the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. The Barrowland is where it is located. Usually I only come here when there is a concert, so it’s nice to come back. It’s a real family affair. I especially miss the people here, and of course the architecture and culture, but especially the people.”

He added, “I also can’t wait to meet Woody from the Bay City Rollers since it’s been over twenty-seven years since I last saw them.”

Rick Astley, who to everyone’s surprise turned up to present Davey with his award, added: “Davey is such a great friend and we met through our wife’s. He is a true icon and deserves this award. It’s also great to be back in Scotland as I’ve been here many times over the years.”

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