Franz Ferdinand lead way in Brit Awards

LONDON - Franz Ferdinand have led the way after nominations were announced for the Brit Awards, celebrating their 25th anniversary as the UK record industry Oscars.

The Scottish rockers were in line for five awards when nominations were announced on Monday, one ahead of Muse with four.

But the music industry's big night on February 9 could still be dominated by two of the hottest new American bands of the past year -- flamboyant disco rockers Scissor Sisters and Maroon 5, who garnered three nominations apiece.

The international nominations also offered a fascinating clash of the generations -- Beach Boys veteran Brian Wilson against rapper Eminem in the male solo artist category.

Record executives will be reaching with relief for the champagne at the ceremony after a rollercoaster year for the world's third largest music market behind the US and Japan.

UK album sales rose 2.3 per cent in 2004 as Scissor Sisters, who made it big after signing with a UK record label, made an 11th-hour surge to finish as Britain's overall number one for the year.

With US album sales also growing for the first time in four years, the music business is buoyant again after a lengthy downturn in sales, while illicit music downloads soared.

In a fast-changing musical scene transformed by new technology, U2's "Vertigo" was the top-selling UK download, boosted by a high-profile partnership with Apple Computer's iTunes.

The band, who will be performing live on the night, has been nominated for two awards.

The Brits have raised more than six million pounds over the past 25 years for UK musical charities.

This year the organisers have agreed to donate 500,000 pounds to the Save The Children charity to help youngsters affected by the Asian tsunami disaster.

This year's lifetime achievement award at the Brits is going to Bob Geldof, who led the Live Aid efforts to relieve famine in Africa in the 1980s.

The Irish rocker has appealed for people not to forget Africa's plight in the rush to help Asia.

As the rock 'n' roll industry's big night of the year, the Brit awards inevitably inspire excess.

In 1996, Pulp lead singer Jarvis Cocker was arrested after leaping on stage and making crude gestures while Michael Jackson was performing.

Two years later, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott was targeted by a member of the anarchic band Chumbawamba who tipped a bucket of water over his head.

- REUTERS