30 bizarre facts about the Brit Awards

1
 

The Brit Awards take place tonight (February 22). There’s bound to be plenty to mock and enjoy in equal measure. It was ever thus. As the following facts demonstrate…

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Artists were frisked and had to undergo x-ray security checks for the first time in 2002, which were, according to The Independent, due to police worries over So Solid Crew’s attendence. Pic: PA Photos

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Amy Winehouse allegedly once caused £3,000 worth of damage to her hotel suite after playing at the Brits. Pic: PA Photos

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Shortly after collecting her award for Best International Female at the Brits in 2009, Katy Perry vomited backstage and had to leave immediately. Pic: PA Photos

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Prescott isn’t the only politician to have had a hard time at the awards. When Tony Blair stood up to speak in 1996 he was jeered – by members of the Conservative Party. Pic: PA Photos

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Nicky Wire turned up to the Brits in style in 1997, wearing an ‘I Love Hoovering’ T-shirt and running off when Zoe Ball tried to kiss him, saying, “My wife will kill me.” Pic: Alpha

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In 1998, four out of the five bands nominated for the Best British Group award did not attend the event. The Verve were playing a one-off gig for a homeless charity in Brixton. Pic: PA Photos

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You might know this one, but we couldn’t resist bringing it up anyway. Back in 1996 Jarvis Cocker took umbrage at Jacko’s performance of ‘Earth Song’ and stormed the stage. Pic: PA Photos

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The Brit School in Croydon, which is funded by the government and the British Record Industry Trust, has given the world a whole host of pop acts, from Amy Winehouse to Leona Lewis and The Kooks.

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Robbie Williams has received the most nominations for Brit Awards, clocking in with an impressive 24 nods. He’s won the most too, picking up 12 across his career, though thankfully not for ‘Rudebox’. Pic: PA Photos

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In 2008 Jason Orange was refused re-entry to the event because one of his friends swore at the security guard. They were only allowed back in once Orange contacted the guard’s superior. Pic: PA Photos

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Before the 2009 Brit Awards, Lady Gaga went for three spray tans in one day. Pic: PA Photos

13
 

In 2009, Seasick Steve was drinking whisky on his way to the Brit Awards and decided to play an impromptu gig for commuters. Pic: PA photos

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