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Between the creative losses and the musical triumphs, the past 12 months have been pretty momentous for the music industry. Needless to say, the Brit Awards 2017 was yet another excuse for music types (and those wanting a free party – hey Rita Ora!) to let their hair down in the midst of awards season. Although there were no Arctic Monkeys dressed as farmers or further ‘Cape-gate‘ incidents, we did manage to learn a thing or two from this year’s ceremony:

1. DON’T make a speech calling on celebrities to highlight social issues – and then not highlight the social issues you’re rambling on about (we’re looking at you Matty Healy).

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Matt Healy / ITV

There’s nothing we love more than celebrities standing up for what they believe in and sticking two fingers up at the man who tries to hold them down.“And I just want to say… ” declared 1975 frontman Matty Healy, “People in pop music and in the broader public consciousness are told to stay in your lane…  [but] if you have a platform, don’t do that.” ‘Good on him!’ we thought – that was until we realised he’d handed over the microphone without making said statement. Matt Healy, we adore your ‘say what you think’ attitude, but if you’re going to highlight the fact people need to use their platform to make valid social statements, MAKE A VALID SOCIAL STATEMENT ALREADY! Rant over.

 

2. DO flash critics opinions up at random points throughout your performance – it confuses the shit out of people.

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It’s no secret that The 1975 have a tumultuous relationship with their critics – which is precisely why we love them. You know what we also love? When bands blend quotes from their critics, a la ‘The Sound’ music video, into their live Brits performance and convince my mother ITV had been hacked by activists. Brilliant job boys, brilliant job.

 

3. DO make sneaky political statements through the art of puppetry

 


A round of applause for Katy Perry and her art director, anyone? Aside from remaining squeaky clean and avoiding all mention of the dreaded word that begins with T and ends with -UMP, Perry still managed to make a political statement – through the power of puppetry no less. With two giant skeletons dressed oh-so similarly to a certain Donald Trump and Theresa May (nice waist belt Miss M!), Perry pulled it off in the most stylish way possible.

4. DON’T walk too close to the edge of a stage whilst dressed as a two bed detached house

 

Whether you’re dressed as a crayon, an easter bunny or, as in this instance, a two bed detached house, never walk off the edge of a stage. Ever. Just don’t do it.

 

5. DO ply celebrities with alcohol, it makes the PG fest that bit funnier


Alcohol makes everything more entertaining, it’s pretty much a fact (sorry mum). And while things were pretty tame on the drunken antics front (let’s be honest, the camera barely strayed from Emma Willis and Dermot O’Leary), Rita Ora was up to her usual tricks. Presenting ‘Best British Breakthrough Act’ with Nick Grimshaw, she declared “Who wants to wake up at six o’clock in the morning to do the radio?”, to which Nick retorted, “Well you hopefully, she’s only had 17 drinks.”

 

6. DON’T auto mute the word ‘Pussy’

 

 

Your mum may no agree with it, and the big bosses at ITV may not agree with it, but for the love of god, STOP CENSORING THE BLOODY MUSIC! Granted, Skepta may not be everyones cuppa, but isn’t that the beauty of creativity and freedom of speech?! That’s got us riled, time for a lie down…

 

7. An Ed Sheeran / Stormzy collab sounds pretty sweet


We’ve got to admit, a ginger lad from Suffolk inviting a grime legend on stage at the o2 Arena isn’t your usual Wednesday night viewing. Stormzy joined forces with our very own Ed Sheeran for a surprise duet – and what a stroke of genius it was. For the first time the corporate veil was lifted and it actually looked like people were having a good time (or maybe we’ve got to thank the 10 bottles of fizz for that).

 

And if you’re still wondering who the winners and the losers were, check out the list below:

Best British Album – David Bowie – ‘Blackstar’
Global Success Award: Adele
Best International Male – Drake
Best International Female – Beyonce
Best Internatonal Group – A Tribe Called Quest
Best British Video – One Direction – ‘History’
Best British Female Solo Artist: Emeli Sandé
Best British Male Solo Artist: David Bowie
Best British Group: The 1975
Best British Breakthrough Act: Rag N’ Bone Man
Best Single: Little Mix – ‘Shout Out To My Ex’
Icon Award: Robbie Williams

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