Radiohead crowned world's best act

Radiohead have achieved success in the States

Radiohead, famed for their distinctive brand of haunting rock, are officially the best band in the world, according to this year's annual Q Awards.

And while Liam Gallagher was unusually well-behaved it was former Sex Pistol John Lydon who stole the limelight as he heckled winners and tried to hand back his own award.

Oxford-based Radiohead beat off competition from the likes of the Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers and last year's winners Travis.

John Lydon: "Who wants this [award], because it doesn't mean anything to me"

Radiohead, who have achieved the difficult task of breaking the US market, were voted favourites by the readers of music magazine Q.

The awards, which are well respected within the music industry, also singled out veteran singer Kate Bush for a special classic songwriter award.

After receiving a standing ovation she said: "This is just great, I am making an album but it is just taking a little longer than I thought and I have been having a great time with my son."

Last year's award ceremony was dominated by the much-publicised spat between Liam Gallagher and Robbie Williams.

This year it was the turn of punk star Lydon, who arrived at the ceremony at London's Park Lane Hotel with his elderly father John, and received the Inspiration Award for influencing music today.

Travis picked up an award for best album

But as he collected his award he asked: "Who wants this, because it doesn't mean anything to me."

The best new act award was presented to Starsailor, while a Q Merit Award was handed to singer and songwriter Elvis Costello.

Other winners included Ash for the single Burn Baby Burn and Scottish outfit Travis for the album The Invisible Band.

Despite picking up three Q Awards in a row, Travis said they were always suprised to be voted.

Kate Bush made a rare public appearance at the award ceremony

Singer Fran Healy said: "We always feel a little intimidated when we look at the other bands up for awards, we always think we do not stand a chance of winning."

The Manic Street Preachers were named best live act, following their groundbreaking series of concerts in Cuba earlier this year.

And the cartoon band the Gorillaz, formed by Blur singer Damon Albarn and illustrator Jamie Hewitt, were awarded best video for Clint Eastwood.

The band, who never appear on stage at their concerts, had earlier snubbed a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize.

Natalie and Nicole Appleton were on hand to present an award

And Roxy Music founder Brian Eno was awarded handed the Special Award.

Although Irish stars U2 were nominated in three categories they failed to collect an award.

Instead they were honoured with the Q Editor's Choice title, for their consistent success.