The BRIT Awards 2007 • Features

The Brits does not have quite as much glamour and gravitas as the Grammys but I rather like its somewhat chaotic, amateur and anarchistic tone - and lack of reverence to the music industry that spawned it. In the case of the Brits this year, the host, Russell Brand (below), is perfectly suited to the occasion. Typing this makes me recall a very cold night in New York when I decided to wander down to Madison Sq Gardens to watch the Limos arrive and decant the 'stars' for that year's Grammys - the place was awash with screaming girls; I felt rather out of place ... for me, the Brits encapsulates what music should be about.

Music and glamour? Not for me - leave that to Hollywood.

ps, if you never saw the last live airing of the Brits that Russell is referring to - well, you missed a landmark in broadcasting incompetence. It was splendidly hysterical in its utter rubbishness.

In fact it was Very British! Don't get too professional, guys ...

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“The last time the BRIT Awards was transmitted live,” says Russell Brand, “was in 1989, when Sam Fox and Mick Fleetwood presented. If I can capture half of the professionalism of that night, I’ll be happy!” He grins, “I just don’t know which one of them to call for tips first…”

Of course, 1989 was a bit of a blip in BRITs history, when it definitely did NOT go alright on the night. There’s a lot of pressure, therefore, riding on this year’s BRITs host - the tousle-haired Essex cad, Russell Brand.

A veteran of live talk shows, such as Big Brother’s Big Mouth and The Russell Brand Show, the controversial stand-up relishes the opportunity to take the reigns on the big show. “And I love that it’s live,” he grins. “I do live. In fact, trust me. I’m even doing this interview live right now…”


The BRIT Awards 2007 • Features