1996 Brit Awards

16th Brit Awards
Date 19 February 1996
Venue Earls Court
Hosted by Chris Evans

The 1996 Brit Awards were the 16th edition of the biggest annual pop music awards in the United Kingdom. They are run by the British Phonographic Industry and took place on 19 February 1996 at Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London.

Live performers

The awards

Mastercard British Album Best British Single
Best British Video Best Soundtrack
Best British Male Best British Female
Best British Group Best British Breakthrough Act
Best British Dance Act Best British Producer
Best International Male Best International Female
Best International Group Best International Breakthrough Act

Outstanding Contribution to Music

Freddie Mercury Award

Artist of a Generation

Notable moments

Michael Jackson and Jarvis Cocker

Michael Jackson was given a special Artist of a Generation award. At the ceremony he accompanied his single "Earth Song" with a stage show, culminating with Jackson as a 'Christ-like figure' surrounded by children. Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker mounted the stage in what he would later claim as protest at this portion of the performance. Cocker ran across the stage, lifting his shirt and pointing his (clothed) bottom in Jackson's direction. Cocker was subsequently questioned by the police on suspicion of causing injury towards three of the children in Jackson's performance, who were now on stage. No criminal proceedings followed. This was Jackson's penultimate performance in the UK before his death in 2009 - the final performance being at Wembley Stadium in 1997.

Oasis and Blur

1996 saw the height of a well-documented feud between Britpop rivals Oasis and Blur. The differing styles of the bands, coupled with their prominence within the Britpop movement, led the British media to seize upon the rivalry between the bands. Both factions played along, with the Gallaghers taunting Blur at the ceremony by singing a rendition of "Parklife" when they collected their "Best British Band" award.

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