Richard Hawley plays storming Shockwaves NME Awards Show

Richard Hawley at his Shockwaves NME Awards Show at London's Astoira this week. The former Pulp guitarist had some quick put downs for hecklers and gave a shout out to NME for organising gigs for "old farts" like him. Pic: PA Photos

Sheffield singer even takes time out to pay tribute to the NME

Richard Hawley paid tribute to the NME at his Shockwaves NME Awards Show in London last night (February 12).

The star was playing a sold-out show at the Astoria, with support coming from Maps and Vincent Vincent And The Villains.

Hawley's 90-minute set focused mainly on current album 'Lady's Bridge', with the likes of 'Serious', 'Valentine' and Top 40 hit single 'Tonight The Streets Are Ours' all getting an airing.

Hawley also played a number of tracks from his 2005 Mercury-nominated album 'Coles Corner' such as 'The Ocean', 'Born Under A Bad Sign' and 'Just Like The Rain'.

Before an encore which featured covers of Ricky Nelson's 'Lonesome Town' and Hank Williams' 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry', Hawley said: “Thanks to the NME for letting an old fart like me play one of their shows.”

Speaking to NME.COM afterwards, he said: “I've been reading the NME since I was a little lad, and my daughter reads it now. She’s 14, and reads it cover to cover. And she’ll tell me about a band and then I'll check them out.

“My uncle’s got a massive collection of them too, from the 50s and 60s, so it’s always something that’s been important to me. I wouldn’t exactly describe my music as cutting edge, so it’s great to have the support.”

Speaking about the gig, he said: “I thought it was great tonight. I really liked the mix of the crowd.”

The set was:

'Valentine'
'Roll River Roll'
'Just Like The Rain'
'Dark Road'
'Coles Corner'
'Tonight The Streets Are Ours'
'Lady's Bridge'
'Hotel Room'
'Serious'
'Lady Solitude'
'Our Darkness'
'Sea Calls'
'Born Under A Bad Sign'
'Something Is'
'I'm Lookin' For Someone'
'Lonesome Town'
'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry'
'Oh My Love'
'The Ocean'

Earlier, Maps had performed highlights from their 2007 debut LP 'We Can Create', though frontman James Chapman later told NME.COM he was about to start work on the follow-up.

Vincent Vincent And The Villains had earlier kicked things off, playing highlights from their forthcoming debut LP 'Gospel Bombs'.

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.