Chris Blackwell wins Music Week award

Chris Blackwell was named the most influential UK-based music executive of the past 50 years at last night's Music Week Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The Island Records founder beat off competition from the likes of Sir George Martin, Simon Cowell and Simon Fuller.

Other big winners on the night included XL as independent record company of the year, Polydor for its marketing of Elbow, and Mercury for its promotion of Stereophonics.

U2's Bono gave a video tribute to late Coalition PR founder Rob Partridge, who was recognised with the Strat award.

Music Week Editor Paul Williams said: "I thought tonight showed that, despite all the evident difficulties in the music industry, there is still a great deal to celebrate.

"I would like to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone for coming."

> Click here for a full list of award winners