Stewart misses music awards

Rod Stewart was forced to miss the Silver Clef awards in London after injuring his leg on stage. Stewart had planned to attend the ceremony at the Regent's Park Hilton in London to collect its inaugural Icon award, but a freak fall during a rain-soaked gig in Manchester on Thursday night left him requiring 10 stitches. Stewarts spokeswoman said "Rod Stewart was unable to attend the Nordoff-Robbins Silver Clef lunch to receive his Icon award after cutting his leg on a wet, slippery metal step while making his entrance on stage last night," his spokeswoman said. "He performed the entire show in the rain, refusing any medical treatment, and today received 10 stitches to the wound." Stewarts spokeswoman later confirmed he would still be appearing at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium and at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday. Chef Gordon Ramsay collected the award on Stewart's behalf and read out a speech of thanks. "It's a real honour to be the first recipient of this award and I would like to dedicate it to the memory of [blues singer] Long John Baldry," he wrote. "Without him I would still be digging graves," the former gravedigger continued. "Of course, an undeniable bonus is getting something that Elton John ain't got."

Other award recipients at Friday's lunch included Snow Patrol, singer Paolo Nutini and The Feeling.

Bryan Ferry won the Ambassador of Rock award, while Paul Weller won the Silver Clef for lifetime achievement.