Bacharach, Jones honour George Martin

Burt Bacharach, Tom Jones and Jeff Beck performed at a Los Angeles ceremony to honour former Beatles producer Sir George Martin yesterday.

Sir George picked up a career achievement award from the Recording Academy's Grammy Foundation at the event at the University of Southern California.

Bacharach, Jones and Beck performed tracks Sir George had worked on for an audience including Yoko Ono and George Harrison's widow Olivia.

"Paul and Ringo can't be here because they're doing their own tour," Sir George said in an emotional acceptance speech. "They're workaholics. I can't understand why, but they are.

"I miss a lot of people. I miss so many people who have died on me. God knows I'm old enough. But younger people have left the scene and I miss them, as you do. Great people; John and George particularly."

Meanwhile, The Who were recognised at the annual VH1 Rock Honours event, also held in LA yesterday.