Rush wins Band of the Year and Album of the Year at the 2012 Classic Rock Awards

Classic Rock magazine has announced the winners of the  2012 Classic Rock Awards. Rush walked away with Band of the Year and Album of the Year awards.  As they couldn't attend the ceremony as they were performing in Seattle, they did send out the tweet "Sorry we couldn't be there, playing in Seattle but thanks to @ClassicRockMag readers for the Album of the Year and Band of the Year awards!" For complete details visit ClassicRockMagazine.com.

The winners at the eighth annual Orange Amplification Classic Rock Roll of Honour have been revealed at a gala evening at the Roundhouse in London. The event was hosted by Duff McKagan (Guns n’Roses, Velvet Revolver, Loaded) with Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx presenting his Sixx Sense show from the ceremony.

ZZ Top were presented with the coveted Living Legend Award by last year’s winner, Jeff Beck. The Texan three-piece join an exclusive club including Jimmy Page, Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop. Among the other winners were Rush for Album of the Year and Band of the Year, Pink Floyd for Film/DVD of the Year and Reissue of the Year; Status Quo for Classic Album; The Damned for Outstanding Contribution and Rival Sons for Breakthrough. Anthrax were named Metal Gurus and manager Tony Smith was named VIP. The late Jon Lord was given the Tommy Vance Inspiration Award. Lynyrd Skynyrd, who won the Comeback Award, played a 30-minute set for invited guests after a gala dinner.

Classic Rock editor in chief Scott Rowley said: “You would never know it from listening to the radio or watching TV – but while you were all getting excited about Psy and Fun and Nicki Minaj, it’s actually been a great year for new rock music.  We’ve heard brilliant new albums from ZZ Top, Rush, Aerosmith, Kiss, Springsteen, Slash, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Van Halen. Some great new artists are coming in to their own: Rivals Sons, Tracer, Howlin’ Rain, Gary Clark Jr – the list goes on.  Classic Rock is proud to keep on supporting rock music, classic and brand new, and the Roll of Honour has become a office party for the rock industry.”

- Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!