Parklife - Blur are set to be honoured at next year's Brit Awards for their outstanding contribution to music. It comes 21 years after their debut and 17 years since they won four Brits off the back of their Parklife album. "It's great to have recognition for all the work and all the heartache and all the joy that's gone into this band," said frontman Damon Albarn. The four-piece briefly reformed in summer 2009 but chose to disband after a series of high profile outdoor shows. Blur will receive the award at the Brits ceremony in February, held at London's 02 arena. There has so far been no comment on whether the band will perform on the night.
Oscars Update - Singer and producer Pharrell Williams and film composer Hans Zimmer will be the music consultants for the 84th annual Academy Awards. Oscars producers Don Mischer and Brian Grazer hailed "an exciting and prestigious collaboration". Zimmerwon an Oscar for the original score for 1994 film The Lion King with a further eight nods for films including Gladiator and Rain Man. Williams, whose hits include Frontin', has won three Grammy Awards.
(Jim Evans)
