The Who will be honoured as music icons - and where better to do it!

Generations of talent are being honoured at the Barrowland Ballrooom

Author: Rob WallerPublished 14th Sep 2023
Last updated 14th Sep 2023

A legendary British rock band will be coming to Glasgow's most famous gig venue to be be recognised for their decades-long contribution to music later this year.

The Who will receive the icon award, at the Scottish Music Awards at the Barrowland Ballroom on November 4 in a ceremony which raises funds for the music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins.

The band has enjoyed a career spanning almost six decades since forming in London in 1964, and will be recognised for their achievements and contribution to music.

Frontman Roger Daltrey said: "We've been involved with Nordoff and Robbins since the beginning... and it's good to see it's still going.

"I hope people continue to support the charity."

Rising star from the Highlands

Inverness singer-songwriter Katie Gregson-MacLeod, 22, will receive the breakthrough award after a video of her singing her first track Complex went viral on social media and led to a record deal.

She said: "I owe so much to the Scottish music scene and am so grateful to have come from such a vibrant and supportive community, so to be receiving this breakthrough award nomination is a huge honour.

"The last year has been so wild for my career, but it highlighted to me the importance of my years in the grassroots scene in Scotland and the way it shaped me as an artist.

"I'll never stop shouting from the rooftops about the Scottish scene, because I'm so proud to be a part of it.

"Thank-you to the Scottish Music Awards for this recognition, it's baffling and affirming in equal measure."

Stranraer rapper

Also being recognised is rising star rapper Bemz, 28, who was born in Nigeria and grew up in London before moving to Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, as a teenager.

He is set to receive the sound of Scotland award for his work in helping to further establish Scotland as a bona fide hotbed for black music.

He said: "I'm so honoured to be nominated for the sound of Scotland award.

"My music has been a journey and comfort to me and for it to get me this far is something I could only have dreamt off.

"Thank-you everyone, always."

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