Having completely missed out on even a nomination at the Brit Awards, Colchester singer/songwriter Graham Coxon fared a lot better at last night's NME awards.

The former Blur guitarist picked up the award for best solo artist despite being up against some tough opposition including Brits winner Mike Skinner of The Streets.

The NME awards are seen as the cool alternative to the Brits these days and picking up the prize can certainly be regarded as a feather in the former Stanway schoolboy's cap.

Towards the end of his time with Blur, Graham was often spending time on his side solo projects, but it wasn't until he left the group two years ago, and the release of his last two albums, Kiss of the Morning and Happiness in Magazines, that he started to achieve some notable critical acclaim.

While he continues to tour and work on his own, there has been a lot of speculation recently about the band getting back for a one-off gig at this year's tenth V Festival, although organisers have denied it.

Published Friday, February 18, 2005

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette