Arctic Monkeys win Best British Album award at the 2008 Brits

Arctic Monkeys won the Best British Album award at the Brit Awards 2008 tonight (February 20).

The band accepted the award from comedian Vic Reeves, who was told off aggressively by presenter Sharon Osbourne for being “pissed”.

The presenter was then caught on microphone criticising the band’s dress sense, declaring “what have they come as?” in reaction to the group’s shepherd look which boasted flat caps and tweeds.

Clearly having celebrated their first award for
Best British Band, the Sheffield group seemed a bit drunk as they approached the stage, with drummer Matt Helders picking up a pipe from an audience member on the way.

Bassist Nick O'Malley kicked off the band's acceptance speech explaing, "Thank you very much for this, we really mean it, not taking piss at all", although it was his frontman Alex Turner stole the show.

“We all went to the Brits School, we remember you all!” joked Turner, pointing the pupils from the talent school who were present in the audience. “I remember (former Blazin' Squad member) Kenzie. See Kenzie there, his little face beaming? We all had a great time in them years, but as great as the year's that followed. After we graduated we formed the Monkeys and we've had a fantastic time since.” (Ironically Kenzie is not a Brit School graduate).

Turner went on but his mic was cut and the band were ushered off the stage.

The other albums nominated in the category were: Leona Lewis: ‘Spirit’, Take That: ‘Beautiful World’, Mika: ‘Life In Cartoon Motion’ and Mark Ronson: ‘Version’.

Watch Arctic Monkeys' drunken acceptance speech now.

To get the full Brit Award results just click on the categories below:

Best British Live Act
Critics' Choice Award
British Breakthrough Act
Best International Male
Best British Male
Best International Female
Best International Group
Best British Female
Best International Album
Best British Band
Best British Single
Outstanding Contribution To Music Award

Keep checking NME.COM throughout the evening for the latest from the Brit Awards 2008.


The Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 are coming soon – and it’s time to have your say. Vote now by heading to NME.COM/awardsvote and you could win VIP tickets to the ceremony, which takes place in London on February 28.