Sam Roberts video wins three trophies as Beasties rock MuchMusic Video Awards
TORONTO (CP) – A video from Sam Roberts snagged three trophies and Avril Lavigne was the people’s choice for favourite Canadian artist as fans clamoured Sunday night at the gates of the music industry’s annual house party, the MuchMusic Video Awards.
“We’ve done very little to deserve any of this,” said the scruffy-faced rocker from Montreal. Roberts’ modesty was somewhat accurate, as the video Hard Road won for best director, best post production and best cinematography – tasks taken on by members outside the band.
“We contributed our song and whatever acting skills we could muster,” said Roberts. But of his band’s success this year, the affable singer took credit where credit was due. “It’s been based on hard work, there’s no hype.”
The remainder of the microphone-shaped trophies were spread evenly among several other contenders at one apiece, with best video going to Finger Eleven, and best pop video to Nelly Furtado.
The video for Fallen, which marked Sarah McLachlan’s return to the music scene after a lengthy hiatus, snagged the MuchMoreMusic Award.
As in previous years, the show was held at MuchMusic headquarters – both in the parking lot and throughout the building. With no podiums or scripted dialogue, and an absence of seats from which to take in the multi-stage, live performances, the event has a reputation as the most unconventional of awards shows.
Enthusiastic teenage fans squealed as the rock heroes made their way down the red carpet, but the chatter from the artists predominantly revolved around one act – Beastie Boys.
“It’s huge, it’s huge,” said Nickelback lead vocalist Chad Kroeger of the groundbreaking hip-trio’s performance at the awards. “It really puts the spotlight on Canada.”
Roberts, Three Days Grace, and shock funny man Tom Green were on the same page. “I’ve never seen them live,” Green enthused.
While the Beasties – who made the trip from hometown New York to drop their cheeky rhymes on the Much audience – were a critical favourite they left empty handed, losing to Outkast for best international video by a group. Crazy in Love won best international video for artists Beyonce and Jay-Z.
Performers who were on the bill included Evanescence, Kanye West, Hoobastank, Fefe Dobson, Finger Eleven, Three Days Grace, Hilary Duff, and Billy Talent – who won for best rock video.
“We live just down the street, so for us, this is just hilarious,” said singer Benjamin Kowalewicz of the fan adulation.
Those who lined the streets around MuchMusic for the 15th annual event delighted in the star gazing, perhaps more so than the awards. Hollywood celebs Rob Lowe and Heather Locklear were joined by Vivica A. Fox of Kill Bill: Volume 1 and 2 fame and Samaire Armstrong from the TV series The O.C. on the list of guests announcing the homegrown and international winners. Kaley Cuoco, who plays daughter Bridget on the TV series 8 Simple Rules, and David Gallagher, Simon from 7th Heaven, were on hand, as was one of the Baldwin brothers – Daniel.
But there was no shortage of Canadian content. Green and Sum 41 were tabbed to present trophies as the party raged around them.
“Let’s hear you make some noise Chicago,” Green shouted out to the Toronto crowd.
Toronto’s Jelleestone won best rap video while the honours for best R&B video went to In Essence. Local band Pilate took home the trophy for best independent video.
“We had five nominations and anything would have been great, and this is a great one to have,” said singer Todd Clark.
And it wouldn’t be a Canadian awards show without a couple of hockey players in attendance, namely Joe Thornton of the Boston Bruins and Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets – both on the list of invitees.
Always an event that can be counted on to be different, the inaugural MuchMusic Awards were held in 1989 during a train ride across Canada.
Awards are chosen by an in-house MuchMusic panel, except for the People’s Choice Awards which are selected by fans via an online and telephone voting system.
Here are the winners of the 2004 MuchMusic Video Awards handed out Sunday night in Toronto:
– Best Video: Finger Eleven, One Thing
– Best Pop Video: Nelly Furtado, Powerless (Say What You Want)
– Best Rock Video: Billy Talent, Try Honesty
– Best Rap Video: Jelleestone featuring Elephant Man, Who Dat
– Best R&B Video: In Essence, Friend Of Mine
– MuchMoreMusic Award: Sarah McLachlan, Fallen
– Best Independent Video: Pilate, Into Your Hideout
– Best Director: Kyle Davison, Hard Road (Sam Roberts)
– Best Post Production: Kyle Davison/Erik Nordby/Pete Dionne, Hard Road (Sam Roberts)
– Best Cinematography: Erik Nordby, Hard Road (Sam Roberts)
– Best French Video: Corneille, parce qu’on vient de loin
– Best International Video, Artist: Beyonce featuring Jay-Z, Crazy In Love
– Best International Video, Group: Outkast, Hey Ya
– VidoeFACT award: Alexisonfire, Counterparts And Number Them
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