Yoko Ono
With the avant garde artist and wife of John Lennon being honoured later this month, Getintothis’ Shaun Ponsonby gets the scoop hot off the press.
NME have announced that the winner of this year’s Inspiration Award at this year’s NME Awards with Austin, Texas will be no other than Yoko Ono.
Though often remembered as being the wife and collaborator of John Lennon, Ono has made her mark as a true avant-garde artist in her own right, working extensively in painting, film, literature, sculpture, theatre, performance art and – of course – music. As she approaches her 83rd birthday, NME have chosen to honour Ono for her immeasurable influence. Throughout her eclectic career, she has inspired and delighted several generations of musicians, artists and activists, from David Bowie to Savages, Ornette Coleman to Nile Rodgers, Siouxsie and the Banshees to Sonic Youth.
Bowie himself once lauded Ono’s work by labelling it “dangerous”, before jokingly adding “If one is not careful it could get one thinking and may cause one to form an opinion. A subversive notion if ever there was one.”
NME’s editor-in-chief Mike Williams : “Yoko Ono’s influence on modern culture is undeniable. As an icon and a rebel, her revolutionary ideas and concepts have subverted cultural norms and boundaries, and she shows no sign of slowing down even as she turns 83. Yoko is a truly amazing inspiration who we’re honoured to welcome to the NME Awards with Austin, Texas this year.”
Ono herself has thanked NME for the award: “Thank you, NME for this great honour. I accept this as your encouragement for me to keep making my Sound of Music. I love you!”
Concurrent with exhibiting her work around the world, Ono’s music continues to reach new audiences and recent years have seen her collaborate with artists as diverse as Lady Gaga, Flaming Lips, Pet Shop Boys, Anthony Hegarty and Basement Jaxx. Quite unexpectedly, she has now topped the Billboard dance Chart 12 times.
Later in the month, Ono will release Yes, I’m A Witch Too, the sequel to 2007’s critically acclaimed collaboration/remix record Yes, I’m A Witch. The new album features collaborations Death Cab For Cutie, Sparks, tUnE-yArDs, Moby and more.
The NME Awards 2016 with Austin, Texas have already announced the winner of their Godlike Genius awards will be Coldplay, with The Libertines and Wolf Alice leading the main nominations with six apiece.
- The NME Awards with Austin, Texas will take place on Wednesday, February 17.
[paypal-donation]
