In a night that celebrated the titans of songwriting, Paul McCartney paid tribute to Bruce Springsteen by presenting him with the top honor at the Ivor Novello Awards yesterday (May 23). The ceremony, held at Grosvenor House in London, marked a historic moment as Springsteen became the first international songwriter to be named a Fellow of the Ivors Academy. He joins an elite club that includes Elton John, Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and McCartney himself, who received the award 20 years ago.
McCartney, who famously brought Springsteen and Dave Grohl onstage during his Glastonbury set in 2022, kicked off his presentation with a nod to The Boss's legendary marathon performances. “Like Bruce’s concerts, I’m going to keep this brief,” he quipped, before adding that he couldn’t think of a more fitting recipient—though he humorously mentioned other icons like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift.
Highlighting Springsteen’s everyman persona, McCartney added, “He’s known as the American working man, but he admits he’s never worked a day in his life.”
Accepting the award, Springsteen embraced McCartney and reflected on his “long and wonderful history” with the UK, expressing gratitude to the “extraordinary” fans who have supported him since his first show in Hammersmith 50 years ago. He shared anecdotes from his recent gig at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, describing the wild weather and his connection with the audience. “These are my people,” he said, referencing the diverse and devoted fans who stood in the rain to see him.
Springsteen spoke about the privilege and honor of performing for his fans, thanking them for embracing his music and including him in the UK’s vibrant cultural scene. “I want to thank you for taking my music into your hearts and into your souls,” he said.
The ceremony also featured a performance of "Thunder Road" by Springsteen. Other big winners of the night included RAYE, who was named Songwriter of the Year for her “voice of a generation,” and Yussef Dayes, who took home Best Album for "Black Classical Music." Lana Del Rey received the Special International Award, and KT Tunstall was honored with the Outstanding Song Collection Award.
In a lighter moment, it was revealed that The Simpsons’ voice actor Hank Azaria is starting his own Bruce Springsteen tribute band, aptly named Hank Azaria & The EZ Street Band.
