Complete lineup of winners announced for the 2023 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
Specsavers Scottish Music Awards have revealed the final round of winners ahead of the ceremony taking place at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom this Saturday 4th November.
Article Source: Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
Last Updated: 2 November 2023 13:46
Local and international talent from across the industry will be recognised, and organisers today announced that music legend Sir Elton John, his long-time guitarist and collaborator Davey Johnstone, veteran Scots singer Barbara Dickson, indie favourites The Snuts, up-and-comers Dead Pony, and europop royalty Middle of the Road will complete the line-up of winners for the ceremony’s bumper 25th edition.
The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards is a flagship fundraiser in aid of the UK’s largest music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, helping them to harness the power of music to break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation, creating space for people to express themselves and find connection in society. From adults with dementia reconnecting with their family, to children with autism finding their voice, Nordoff and Robbins believes that everyone who needs it should have access to music therapy, because it can, quite simply, transform people’s lives.
The ceremony will showcase the emerging and established talent coming from Scotland with Dead Pony and Middle of the Road set to perform alongside rapper Bemz, singer-songwriter Callum Beattie, social media sensation Katie Gregson-MacLeod and homegrown popstar Joesef, culminating in an exclusive performance by Bay City Roller Stuart ‘Woody’ Wood.
Global music icon Sir Elton John will receive the Specsavers Global Artist Award following his recent retirement from almost 50 years of performing live around the world. He concluded his Farewell Yellow Brick Road UK arena tour at Scotland’s home of live entertainment, OVO Hydro, this summer where Scots fans said an emotional goodbye to the star; now, he is being honoured by headline sponsors Specsavers with a Scottish Music Award.
Sir Elton John said: “Thank you for honouring me with the Specsavers Global Artist Award. I’ve always loved coming to Scotland and playing for all of you. It’s one of my favourite places and one of the most beautiful countries to visit, so I’m extremely touched.”
Arlene Stephenson, Specsavers’ Scottish divisional chair, said: “Elton John is an iconic musician and showman whose work has had, and will continue to have a lasting impact on the music industry. I would like to congratulate him on behalf of Specsavers on this much-deserved win.”
By his side throughout that time on tour, Edinburgh-born Davey Johnstone – long-time member of the Elton John band – is also set to receive the Sir Reo Stakis Foundation Special Recognition Award on the night. Johnstone has been a constant in John’s band for almost half a century, rising from session guitarist to musical director during their more than 3000 shows together.
Davey Johnstone said: “I’m so grateful to come home to Scotland to receive this award, and I’m humbled and amazed by the work of Nordoff and Robbins in their music therapy program which gives joy and healing to those in need. The healing powers of music have always been evident, but the Scottish Music Awards are bringing awareness to this issue on the contemporary stage.”
Hailing from Dunfermline, Barbara Dickson OBE will be recognised by the SWG3 Outstanding Achievement Award that honours her incredible singing and acting career first established in the 70s. The ‘I Know Him So Well’ singer is also an Alzheimer's Ambassador for Nordoff and Robbins Scotland, so the award win is a connection close to her heart.
Barbara Dickson OBE said: “I am so honoured to be recognised for my long career by the Scottish Music Awards, 2023. I’m sorry not to be able to attend, but I send love to all who thought of me and good wishes for a successful evening. Love and thanks.”
Hailing from Lothian, festival favourites The Snuts have bagged the Ticketmaster Tour Master Award following a busy summer of appearances including Reading and Leeds and two of their biggest headline gigs to date in Glasgow’s SWG3. Latest track ‘Gloria’ was the band’s first release on their own label Happy Artist Records signalling an exciting new direction for the dedicated Nordoff and Robbins supporters.
The Snuts said: “Live music is a place where you can still be truly creative as an artist and we’re grateful to have our two sold out shows at SWG3 this year, recognised by the Scottish Music Awards.”
Glasgow post-punk band Dead Pony have won the P&J Live Spotlight Award, coinciding with the beginning of their first UK headline tour and an exciting new chapter for the four-piece. Led by singer Anna Shields, the band released their debut single during lockdown and have since gone from strength to strength even gracing the stages of Glastonbury and TRNSMT.
Dead Pony said: “It is such an honour and a privilege to be picking up the P&J Live Spotlight award at this year’s Scottish Music Awards. We have been working so hard over past couple of years and moments of recognition like receiving this award make the grafting all worth it. We wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the continued support from our fans so thank you for everything, this means the world to us.”
Scottish platinum-selling pop group Middle of the Road have been awarded the Raymond Weil Heritage Award recognising their distinct brand of europop that paved the way for the likes of ABBA in the 70s. Fronted by Sally Carr, Middle of the Road’s number one debut single ‘Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep’ catapulted them to overnight success and, with a new forthcoming single, they’re set to return to stages across Europe in 2024.
Stuart McCredie, son of original founding guitarist Ian McCredie, who also performs with the band, said: “We’re naturally thrilled to receive a Scottish Music Award this year, it means so much and everyone in the band is really looking forward to performing in Glasgow’s famous Barrowland Ballroom this weekend. My dad is currently unwell, so it’s my honour to be collecting this award on his behalf, and all of the brilliant musicians past and present, who have performed with Middle Of The Road.”
As well as performances and awards, the evening will also include a charity auction. Amongst the prizes, Scotland’s home of live entertainment, OVO Hydro, have donated a ‘Golden Ticket’ with the highest bidder winning a ticket to every show at the venue over the next 12 months. Those who aren’t attending the event that would like to bid for the OVO Hydro Golden Ticket can do so by contacting Simon Foy at simon.foy@nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Last year’s Specsavers Scottish Music Awards was its most successful edition yet, featuring performances from honorary Scot Rod Stewart, the newly revived Altered Images and Hebridean hot-tickets Peat and Diesel. Hosted by long-time Nordoff and Robbins supporter Edith Bowman – who is returning to present this year’s edition - it celebrated big-names and up-and-comers alike, all in the name of raising funds for the UK’s largest independent music therapy charity.
To mark the 25th anniversary of the awards, long-time supporter ROX have crafted a bespoke Scottish Music Award’s broach which will be gifted to all winners on the night.
The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards have also joined forces with Go Radio as their official radio partner for 2023. Tune into Go Radio this week for exclusive interviews and build up to the ceremony.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Action Classics Hit Vue Venues in Scotland this March
An array of action films is screening at Vue venues in Scotland throughout the month of March, kicking off with the king of the genre, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
READ MORE
Care home residents set to be radio stars this weekend
Residents from a Govan care home are going to be filling the airwaves with their favourite songs, chatter and memories this weekend as they take over Sunny Govan Community Radio.
READ MORE
Empowering Women at Glasgow Science Centre
ScottishPower backs day of science engagement for International Women’s Day.
READ MORE
FROM GLASTO TO GLASGOW: Artists performing at TRNSMT 2025 and Glastonbury
Check out the Glastonbury artists that music fans can catch in Glasgow, straight off the heels of their Worthy Farm performance at TRNSMT Festival!
READ MORE
Alona Hotel to host Wedding Fayre
The Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Country Park is to host a sparkling Wedding Fayre featuring a stylish fashion show and a host of exhibitors who will be showcasing the latest wedding trends.
READ MORE
Citizens Theatre counts down to homecoming with first projects announced
Citizens Theatre unveils first stage productions and homecoming celebrations as countdown to August reopening begins!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival reveals a host of guests who will appear at festival
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has unveiled a host of stellar guests set to appear throughout the Festival as it brings 19 days of comedy to the city this month.
READ MORE
New restaurant and bar set to open in Tarbet, Loch Lomond next month
Lomond Leisure Group is proud to announce the launch of a new restaurant & bar, strengthening its commitment to highlighting the best of Scottish produce, sustainability and experiential dining.
READ MORE
Full Casting Announced for Restless Natives: The Musical
Kirsty MacLaren, Kyle Gardiner and Finlay McKillop lead a multi-talented ensemble as the Clown and the Wolfman take to the road once again!
READ MORE
King Pins is coming to Glasgow
State-of-the-art bowling and activity venue is set to bring ten-pin & duck pin bowling, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, arcades and more to Glasgow's Silverburn this Summer!
READ MORE
Glasgow celebrates 850 years with spectacular music event
In celebration of Glasgow's 850th anniversary, Clyde Chorus, a spectacular three-day music event will shine a light on the city's rich musical heritage and its status as a UNESCO City of Music!
READ MORE
YOTEL Glasgow offers Short N Suite 4 hour room package for Sabrina Carpenter fans to get gig ready!
Sabrina Carpenter fans looking to get ready for her hotly anticipated Glasgow tour date will now be able to book a Short n' Suite room to get ready, thanks to a new package from YOTEL Glasgow.
READ MORE
Introducing the charity gourmet burger that tastes good and does good!
Full-on flavour and a force for good as Luxford Burgers mark International Women’s Day by donating 50p from the sale of every Lady Bird burger in March to Strut Safe!
READ MORE
Award winning Raja Rani Restaurant named Best Curry Restaurant in Scotland
Bearsden's Raja Rani, has officially been crowned Scotland's Best Curry Restaurant at the Nation's Curry Awards 2025.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches spring with special shopping weekend
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting the nation to get excited for the busiest season in the gardener's calendar with its Spring Launch Weekend, taking place 6-10 March!
READ MORE
Legendary choir conductor to be celebrated in special concert
The extraordinary musical career of one of the UK’s longest standing choir conductors is set to be celebrated in a special concert in Glasgow later this month.
READ MORE
Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badgers Drift comes to Glasgow
The Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badgers Drift, based on the Caroline Graham novel and ITV series, comes to Glasgow's Theatre Royal in February!
READ MORE
Work, rest and retail, as Silverburn reveals new work hub for guests
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has announced it is launching a brand-new Work Hub which will help to diversify its offer to meet the evolving needs of guests in 2025.
READ MORE
Amore Ristorante e Pizzeria wins the 2025 Let Glasgow Flourish Awards
Amore Ristorante e Pizzeria on Ingram Street, Glasgow was announced winner of The Robertson Silver Spade award at this year's 'Let Glasgow Flourish' awards, held today at Trades Hall.
READ MORE
Topgolf marks inclusion in PGA Tour 2K25 with UK wide activations and giveaways
Topgolf will bring the virtual game to life at its four UK venues with exclusive giveaways for players.
READ MORE
One legendary voice, decades of hits... Diana Ross is heading to Glasgow
The highly anticipated 2025 UK tour by Diana Ross is set to arrive in Glasgow this June, bringing pure magic to the stage!
READ MORE
The UK Pantomime Association announces major sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment
The UK Pantomime Association is delighted to announce a significant new sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment (ATGE).
READ MORE
Arriving near you! Adventure Cinema returns for special Summer screenings under the stars
The UK's largest outdoor cinema, Adventure Cinema announces its most spectacular season to date with incredible films at new magical locations!
READ MORE
Holland & Barrett unveil new Glasgow Central Station store
To celebrate the opening, customers can get 20% off in-store from opening until Monday 24th March by quoting 'GLASGOW20' at the till point.
READ MORE
Free gardening workshops at Dobbies this March
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting two free workshops this March for gardeners of all ages; Prepare to Propagate and Beyond the Secret Garden.
READ MORE
Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!
READ MORE
LUSH Glasgow City Spa celebrates first anniversary
It's been one year since LUSH Glasgow City's Anchor store opened its spa on the second floor, and what a year it has been.
READ MORE
Roblox hits the big screen at Vue Cinemas
British kids will go head-to-head on Roblox to be crowned the Gaming Challenge UK champion.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland Announces CHAS as the Official Charity Partner for its 2025 Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland has proudly announced Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the official charity partner of its long running and hugely popular Supermarket Sweep initiative for 2025.
READ MORE
Two global fashion brands confirm first Glasgow stores to open at Silverburn
Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn has announced it has secured Spanish retail duo Bershka and Pull&Bear, further strengthening its fashion offer.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links