Backstage at the NME awards 2008

By Kev Geoghegan
Newsbeat music reporter

With a strike rate that would make even Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo jealous, Arctic Monkeys pulled off a hat-trick at the NME awards just a week after bagging a double at the Brits.

Scooping best band, best track and best video, the Sheffield lads turned up just minutes before the bash kicked off inside London's O2.

Have your say: Who is your favourite band of 2007?

Pressed on which awards would mean most to them, they seemed a little unsure.

Drummer Matt Helders said: "Out of the Brits and NMEs?

Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders and singer Alex Turner

"Well, some are voted for by the people and some aren't.

"Who votes for this? Readers?

"Oh these do, then."

Live act

Last year's winners of best band, Muse, were named best live act after performing two sell out shows at London Wembley Stadium.

Frontman Matt Bellamy agrees of all the awards out there, the NME has the most pleasing shape.

He said: "It's the most lairy thing you can put on the mantelpiece and I've already got one of these so I'm going to give this one to my mum.

"Just to offend her neighbours."

It's the most lairy thing you can put on the mantelpiece. I'm going to give this one to my mum, just to offend her neighbours. Matt Bellamy

Lack of controversy

Over the years, the NME awards have become notorious for some good old rock and roll bad behaviour.

Two years ago, Cribs singer Ryan Jarman was carted off to hospital after skewering himself on a table centrepiece.

This year, with an audience watching, things seemed a little more sedate.

Noel Fielding found himself in the position of joint top winner, with The Mighty Boosh picking up best TV show, plus two personal awards for best dressed and sexiest male.

He agrees, it was all a bit light on controversy.

He said: "It's a bit of a boring awards this time.

Sexy? Moi?...

"Usually, there's some chaos, fighting, fire, something.

"Usually, it's like the King's palace with just the chosen few but it's quite good to have some punters in."

In the hotly contested new band category, The Enemy came out on top. Singer Tom Clarke had a novel idea for what to do with the trophy.

He said: "What we're gonna do, we're gonna remove the bracelet which comes off and them we're gonna sell it down the market.

"Starting at four quid."

The Enemy collect their award

Godlike Genius

Manic Street Preachers closed the show after picking up the Godlike Genius award from their fellow countryman, Welsh boxing champion Joe Calzaghe.

Nicky Wire told Newsbeat that the NME award mean more to him the Brits

He said: "It's not about selling records, the Brits has just become a way to boost your sales.

"This is just about recognition and it's a lovely feeling."

With most bands resisting awards for outstanding achievement for as long as possible, Wire couldn't resist a dig at Brits winner Sir Paul McCartney.

Nicky Wire, 39. Not as old as Macca

He said: "Paul McCartney's about 88 isn't he? We're half his age!

"No, I don't feel like that.

"I feel joyful and embellished because it's only gonna happen once, isn't it?"

Click here to see a full list of winners