Arctic Monkeys shine at Brit Awards

02/14/2007 6:08 PM, Reuters
Peter Griffiths

British rock band the Arctic Monkeys and their Las Vegas counterparts The Killers triumphed on Wednesday at the Brit Awards, the UK music industry's biggest night of the year.

Striking a blow for guitar-driven indie rock, the groups both won two awards at a London ceremony, beating more established names such as Bob Dylan, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Flaming Lips.

Victory at Britain's version of the U.S. Grammy Awards sealed a momentous 12 months for the Arctic Monkeys, whose first album became the fastest-selling debut ever in Britain last year.

"We're thrilled," said lead singer Alex Turner, who accepted the awards for best British group and best British album with the band dressed first as the characters from "The Wizard of Oz" and then as 1970s act, The Village People.

"Our debut had a lot of recognition, but there's no doubt that this is a very special award and much appreciated by us all," he said.

Little known two years ago, the band built up a huge following over the Internet and through a hectic round on high-octane live shows.

The Killers, whose transatlantic influences have earned them the tag the "best British band to have come out of America," were named the best international act and won the international album award.

"This is something else," said lead singer Brandon Flowers. "Thank you for making this dream possible."

Justin Timberlake won the international male solo artist award, while Canadian pop singer Nelly Furtado picked up the female solo artist prize.

English singer-songwriter James Morrison, who sold more than a million copies of his first album "Undiscovered" within months, won the best male solo artist award.

"I really cannot believe I'm here," he said. "The last year has been mad for me."

English soul and jazz singer Amy Winehouse accepted the best British female solo artist award, saying: "I'm just glad my mum and dad are here."

Other winners included Scottish indie band The Fratellis (breakthrough act); rock trio Muse (live act) and U.S. rock band Orson (international breakthrough act).

Reformed boy band Take That won public vote for the best British single award for "Patience." The rest of the winners were chosen by the music industry and media.

Britpop rock group Oasis receive an award for their outstanding contribution to music.