Being from Sheffield, I always remember this moment as being such an iconic speech that blasted the Arctic Monkeys into a whirlwind on social media. Sending the world into wild debates and opinionated social media battles nobody could get their heads around Turners witty and unusual way with words.
Upon collecting their prestigious award for 'Best Album' at the 2014 Brit Awards, the Arctic Monkey's saw their charming, rock n roll front man take center stage once again to provide the nation with his beliefs behind the album, stating that 'rock n roll will never die'. The speech complimented his quirky hair style, 50's rock fashion sense and mysterious yet absolutely god damn gorgeous personality which subsequently saw most of the population take to Facebook and twitter naming Alex a 'living legend' and describing his actions to be literally the most rock n roll thing they have ever seen. However, not all watchers that tuned in to witness Alex's speech thought he stole the night. Critics turned on him accusing him of being 'pretentious', a 'tool' and an overall embarrassment but do you really think those harsh words would ever stop Turner?
My guess is no. His talk of sludge and a 'cynical nature of the universe' may come across as arrogant but he is setting an image for himself (and it worked). Alex no longer wants to be known for his indie, long fringed, 17 year old self when he first took to the scene, it has been 10 years and with the last album edging on electronic rock n roll his image has become somewhat, well, amazing! His 50's look and Elvis/Richard Hawley like hair style is what every girl wants in a guy and what every guy wants to be.
The Brits aren't about great music, they're are about popular music, which is why we have to put up with the likes of Bastille, Ellie Goulding, Disclousure etc. So, is receiving a Brit award the most un-rock-and-roll achievement out there? Who knows? I think Alex Turner certainly thinks so.
Turner eventually defended his controversial speech by saying:
'Wonderful as it is to be acknowledged, I don't necessarily think the talent, or how good a group of musicians is, is directly shown by their trophy cabinet. That's not meant as a downer - it's a pleasure to be mentioned alongside great people.'
ROCK AND FUCKING ROLL INDEED MR.TURNER
