Queen, Spandau Ballet receive BMI awards

Queen and Spandau Ballet picked up prestigious BMI awards in London last night.

The 'Bohemian Rhapsody' band were named 'Broadcast Music Inc Icons', an honour previously bestowed on Ray Davies, Van Morrison and Bryan Ferry.

Spandau Ballet songwriter and guitarist Gary Kemp was handed the 'BMI Multi Million Award' for airplay on US radio for 1983 hit 'True'.

The single has become one of the most played songs on US radio since 1983 and has so far achieved over 4 million spins Stateside.

Kemp said: "I am extremely proud to have been honoured by the BMI for what is a mind-boggling 4 million airplays of 'True'.

"As well as being immensely proud of Spandau Ballet's success in the US, it shows the strength of UK music over there during that second British Invasion in the early '80s and beyond."

Kemp added: "The continuing airplay over the past 30 years is testament to the longevity of good songs. To have reached 4 million airplays since the 80s is a great feeling as many other songs at that level date back to the '60s and '70s."

The BMI award ceremony took place at the Dorchester Hotel in London. Other winners included The Script's 'Breakeven', which won 'Best Song Of The Year', and Taio Cruz's 'Break Your Heart', which picked up 'Best College Song'.

Queen's 'We Are The Champion' was recently declared the catchiest song ever by British scientists.

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Watch the music video for Spandau Ballet's 'True' below: