KEY POINTS:
Coldplay were big winners at this year's Q Awards ceremony in London, scooping awards for best album and best act in the world today.
The Yellow hitmakers picked up two accolades at the annual ceremony, taking home the best album accolade for Viva La Vida, Or Death And
All His Friends.
They also beat off stiff competition from Oasis, Muse, veteran heavy metal band Metallica and US stars Kings of Leon to be named the best act in the world today.
Upon collecting the prize, an apologetic Chris Martin said: "I don't think we're the best act in the room, let alone the world."
However, they missed out in the best track and best video categories, seeing Violet Hill lose out to Keane's Spiralling and Vampire Weekend's A-Punk respectively.
Arctic Monkeys star Alex Turner saw his side project The Last Shadow Puppets beat The Ting Tings, Vampire Weekend, Glasvegas and Fleet Foxes in the best new act category, while Mercy singer Duffy saw off competition from Adele, Gabriella Cilmi, Santogold and Bon Iver to take best breakthrough.
The prestigious Q Icon award went to Prince Charming singer Adam Ant and Grace Jones was named Q Idol at the ceremony, which was held by the British music magazine at London's Grosvenor House hotel.
Other winners included John Mellencamp, who was named Q Classic Songwriter, Kaiser Chiefs, who left with Best Live Act, and Massive Attack, who were recognised for innovation in sound.
Meatloaf - who arrived on the red carpet looking dishevelled, was unsteady on his feet and spoke incoherently, later blaming medication for a torn retina for his strange behaviour - was presented with the Q Classic Song gong for his 1979 hit Bat Out Of Hell.
Presenter Alan Carr joked: "Meatloaf was a bit worse for wear when he came on. He was on medication, so I'm told - but that's what they all say!
"He tipped forward and almost fell off the stage and I actually saved him! I saved his life!"
Travis frontman Fran Healy added: "It was a shame when Meatloaf came up to get his award from Al Murray, because Meatloaf's not been well. It was like two worlds colliding, it was kind of like, 'What the f**k?'"
Pink Floyd's David Gilmour was honoured with the outstanding contribution to British music award, and in an emotional acceptance speech, the guitarist paid tribute to his late bandmate Rick Wright - who died last month after losing his battle with cancer.
Gilmour said: "I'd like to dedicate this award to Rick Wright, my colleague and old friend, who died a couple of weeks ago and with whom I had worked for 40-odd years.
"That's now come to an end and there's all sorts of music that I will not be able to play again without him. That's a source of sadness for me.
"He deserves this as much as I do. His work was mighty important."
Q Awards 2008 full winners list:
Best New Act: The Last Shadow Puppets
Breakthrough Artist: Duffy
Best Track: Keane - Spiralling
Best Video: Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
Q Classic Songwriter: John Mellencamp
Q Classic Song: Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell
Q Inspiration: Cocteau Twins
Q Legend: Glen Campbell
Best Live Act: Kaiser Chiefs
Best Album: Coldplay - Viva La Vida, Or Death And All His Friends
Q Innovation In Sound: Massive Attack
Q Icon: Adam Ant
Q Idol: Grace Jones
Q Outstanding Contribution To Music: David Gilmour
Best Act In The World Today: Coldplay
- BANG! SHOWBIZ