London stars scoop two top honours at the Ivor Novello Awards

London stars James Blake and London Grammar scooped two of the major prizes at the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards this afternoon.

Former Goldsmiths student Blake, 25, took the prize for best contemporary song for Retrograde, the first single from his album Overgrown which won the Mercury Prize last year.

London Grammar — Dominic Major, Hannah Reid and Daniel Rothman —were given the prize for best song musically and lyrically for Strong.

It marked a meteoric rise for the three-piece indie pop band. Reid is from Acton while Rothman is from Hendon, and the pair met Major while at Nottingham University before relocating to London and releasing their first album, If You Wait, last year.

The ceremony’s other most prestigious prize, the album award, went to the Australian legends Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds for their 15th studio album, Push The Sky Away. Former busker Passenger’s song Let Her Go was the most popular song on radios across the country last year, earning it the PRS for music most performed work prize.

The 59th Ivor Novello Awards took place at Grosvenor House hotel in Mayfair and attracted a host of names from the industry including Nile Rodgers, Jimmy Page, Mick Jones, Disclosure, Lily Allen, Laura Mvula and John Newman.

Folk superstars Mumford And Sons were due to attend to collect the international achievement prize, while The Specials’ Jerry Dammers won the Ivors inspiration award. Newcomer Tom Odell, 23, was named songwriter of the year and Jeff Beck was honoured with the PRS for music outstanding contribution to British music gong.

Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie was given the lifetime achievement award while Chic star Rodgers was given the PRS for music special international award.

BBC drama Ripper Street was awarded the best television soundtrack award.