The Times UK
Adam Sherwin

It has taken Neil Diamond an awfully long time to become hip. But last night The Sex Pistols, Led Zeppelin and Motorhead all hailed the resurgent crooner at the Mojo magazine Roll of Honour awards.

Diamond, 67, was the star attraction at a unique gathering of rocks legends and cult heroes, held appropriately enough, at a disused brewery in East London.

Newcomers Duffy and The Last Shadow Puppets, the side-project of Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner, were both recognised in votes from the publications readers.

However it was Diamond, the "Jewish Elvis", who had winners including Genesis, the hell-raising Lemmmy from Motorhead and John Lydon, queuing up for an audience.

Diamond's latest album Home Before Dark, a collection of brooding ballads, has topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

Produced by Rick Rubin, who revived Johnny Cash's career, Diamonds recent records have helped him shake off a "cheesy" image and encouraged a new generation of fans to rediscover classic hits such as Sweet Caroline.

Yorkshire crooner Richard Hawley presented the Classic Songwriter award to Diamond, who currently has three albums in the top eleven places in the UK chart.

Tribal feuds were set aside as The Sex Pistols, on their third lucrative reformation, shared a stage with Genesis, titans of the progressive rock scene which the punk movement sought to destroy in the late Seventies.

Jimmy Page, accepting the best live act award for Led Zeppelins comeback concert, joined those acknowledging the important cultural contribution of Motorhead, the ear-shredding heavy metal trio.

Phil Alexander, Mojo Editor, said: "They continue to astound us with the sheer volume of their performances. They've influenced everyone from Metallica to Primal Scream. There's simply no better way to go deaf than by listening to Motorhead."

Mr Alexander sought to persuade The Specials, the chart-topping ska band who have not shared a stage in their originial incarnation since 1981, to collect the Hall of Fame award. Singer Terry Hall agreed to accept the award.

Mr Alexander said: "Not only was their music terrific but they stood for something in terms of what they had to say. In four short years they united subcultures and made a lasting impact."

Music's quieter side was recognised with a special award for Judy Collins, the American folk singer, who was a contemporary of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. John Fogerty, 63, frontman with US 60s rockers Creedence Clearwater Revival, took the Inspiration award.

Mark E. Smith, frontman with John Peel favourites The Fall, received the Maverick Award. The punk survivor, who has made a career barking often indecipherable lyrics, published an acclaimed autobiography in which he detailed the failings of the nearly 50 musicians he has hired and fired over 30 years.

Mojo Honours List 2008
Duffy - Mercy - Song Of The Year

The Last Shadow Puppets - Breakthrough Act

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! - Best Album

Motorhead - MOJO Hero

The Sex Pistols - MOJO Icon

Led Zeppelin - Best Live Act

Neil Diamond - Classic Songwriter

The Specials - Hall of Fame

Genesis - Lifetime Achievement Award

Judy Collins - Special Award

Irma Thomas - Legend Award

My Bloody Valentine - Loveless - Classic Album

John Fogerty - Inspiration Award

Paul Weller - Outstanding Contribution To Music

Toots Hibbert - Roots Award

John Martyn - Les Paul Award

Mark E. Smith - Maverick Award

Julien Temple - Vision Award

Juno Original Soundtrack - Compilation Of The Year

Pillows & Prayers Cherry Red Records 1981 – 1984 - Catalogue Release

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