The Who’s Roger Daltrey has been presented with the 25th Music Industry Trusts Award (Mits) for his contribution to the music and entertainment industry.
The singer was given the trophy at a gala ceremony in London, held in aid of music-based charities Nordoff Robbins and the Brit Trust.
Roger, 72, was previously named as this year’s recipient of the accolade for his outstanding contribution to the music and entertainment industries, as well as his work with various charities.
The Who rocker, who is also a solo artist and a Teenage Cancer Trust Patron, said of his win: “It’s great to be honoured by my friends and colleagues in the music industry in this way in the 25th year of the Music Industry Trusts Award.
“Nordoff Robbins and the Brit Trust are wonderful charities. The Who were there at the beginning and I am proud to join the honourees that have received this award before me and themselves done so much not only for these charities but also for many others.”
The star was presented with the prize by Jeremy Clarkson.
Other attendees at the event at the Grosvenor House Hotel included former recipients Sir Tom Jones, Harvey Goldsmith CBE and the very first Mits honouree John Deacon CBE.
Hosted by Jo Whiley, the evening featured live performances from Keane frontman Tom Chaplin, The Shires and The Wilko Johnson Band, who were joined by Roger.
Guests watched a tribute video celebrating Roger, with personal messages from Robert Plant, Paul Weller, Roger Taylor, Sir Peter Blake, founder member of Teenage Cancer Trust Dr Adrian Whiteson and producers Bill Curbishley and Robert Rosenberg.
David Munns OBE, chairman of the Mits Award committee, said the award recognised Roger’s “unique music both as a solo performer and as part of The Who – but also his tireless philanthropic activities which mirror the goals of the Mits”.
Siobhan Dunn, chief executive officer of Teenage Cancer Trust, said the star is “the most extraordinary champion of young people with cancer”, both in the UK through his work with Teenage Cancer Trust, and now in the USA through the new charity he helped to establish, Teen Cancer America.
She continued: “Roger is constantly using his influence and profile to shine a spotlight on all aspects of Teenage Cancer Trust’s work, including travelling the length and breadth of the UK visiting young people with cancer, and championing our work at everyone possible opportunity.
“We’re incredibly proud to have Roger in the Teenage Cancer Trust family.”
In its 25 years, the Mits has raised over £5.5 million for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins and the Brit Trust, which is “the charitable arm of the British Record Industry”.
The annual honour was founded to raise money for the nominated charities and to highlight someone who has significantly contributed to the music industry in the UK.
Previous winners also include Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Baron Lloyd Webber, Jools Holland, Annie Lennox and Simon Cowell.
