Mercury Prize confirms 2025 date and move to Newcastle
It will be hosted outside London for the first time.
Last updated 8th May 2025
Newcastle has been revealed as the host of this year's Mercury Prize - the first time the awards have ever been held outside London.
The 2025 Award Show will be held on Thursday 16th October at the Newcastle's Utilita Arena.
The award show will feature live performances from many of the 12 shortlisted artists, and the evening will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize.
The Mercury Prize recognises the best new British and Irish music, celebrating artistic achievement across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres.
As an independent arts prize, it champions the album format, acts a snapshot of the year in music and often provides a major platform for up and coming artists and their musical work. The Prize has been an important milestone in past winners’ journeys, acting as a stepping stone to wider success in the UK and Ireland as well as internationally.
Last year saw English Teacher claim the Prize, and past winners include Arctic Monkeys, Ezra Collective, Wolf Alice, Young Fathers, Michael Kiwanuka, Primal Scream, PJ Harvey and Elbow.
Newcastle is quickly cementing its place as the cultural heartbeat of the North of England and the arrival of the Mercury Prize in Newcastle marks a landmark moment for the North East’s music sector. With the dynamic collaboration of the BPI, Newcastle City Council, The North East Combined Authority, and music powerhouse Generator, the city is gearing up to host the prestigious Mercury Prize - adding another jewel to its crown of high-profile events.
To celebrate the Mercury Prize, Generator - the North’s leading music development agency and Lead Industry Partner for the Mercury Prize - will coordinate a dynamic, week-long regional fringe programme in the lead up to the awards, celebrating the depth and diversity of Northern talent while creating new opportunities for local artists, venues, and communities.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to announce this groundbreaking moment for the Mercury Prize. We and our label community are committed to celebrating and providing the opportunity to showcase talent from all over the UK. Previous Mercury Prize winners and Album of the Year artists have consistently demonstrated this breadth of talent that is uniquely homegrown. Newcastle-upon-Tyne is a true music city and we are excited to work with our partners at The City of Newcastle & North East Combined Authority to deliver this inaugural moment and a memorable Mercury Prize 2025.”
YolanDa Brown OBE DL, BPI Chair (and Jazz FM presenter) said: “Since joining the BPI as Chair, I have held an ambition to see the Mercury Prize hosted outside of London, in part to reflect the exciting diverse breadth of human artistry that is thriving all around the country. I feel a special connection with Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and the wonderful music fans there, who I know will be absolutely thrilled that their beloved city will be hosting this premier music awards event for the first time. The anticipation will be immense, marking the culmination of an incredible year for the city with football and now in music.”
Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “Bringing the Mercury Prize to the North East is yet another fantastic accolade that builds on our proud cultural history and strengthens our reputation as a region of culture.
“The success of artists like Sam Fender shows what is possible for young musicians in our region and hosting the Mercury Prize in the North East gives us the opportunity to showcase our home-grown talent.
“Our region’s cultural offer is strong, and steeped in the pride and creativity of our people, places and industrial heritage. This event is testament to that and will help our region stand tall on the national and international stage.”
Musicians who refused awards and honours:
David Bowie - Knighthood (2003), CBE (2000)
The Thin White Duke snubbed two honours from The Queen – first a CBE at the turn of the millennium and then a Knighthood in 2003. "I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that," Bowie said of becoming a 'Sir.' Asked to comment on Mick Jagger, who accepted a Knighthood the previous year, Bowie said: "I seriously don't know what (the Knighthood is) for. It's not what I spent my life working for. It's not my place to make a judgment on Jagger, it's his decision. But it's just not for me."
Iron Maiden – Vodafone Live Music Award (2008)
Back in August 2008, Iron Maiden asked to be removed from the Vodafone Live Music Awards shortlist after being nominated for the Best Live Return award. The legendary heavy metal band rightfully questioned whether they were eligible for the gong as they had never stopped touring. Iron Maiden called the nomination "very flattering" but added: "We are not quite sure where we are returning from." Manchester indie band James were added to the shortlist instead.
Axl Rose – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2012)
When Guns N' Roses made the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, Axl Rose issued a letter declining his honour and confirming he won't be attending the ceremony. "I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorised nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf," Rose wrote. "Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should imply whether directly, indirectly or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of Guns N' Roses." The Rock Hall refused Axl Rose's request, saying in response: "We are looking forward to still inducting Guns N' Roses this weekend and will proceed forward with our original plan whether Axl is present or not.
Sex Pistols – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2006)
Sex Pistols were named among the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2006 alongside Black Sabbath, Blondie, Miles Davis and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Despite their honour, John Lydon issued a scathing rejection letter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Sex Pistols' official website. "Next to the Sex Pistols, rock and roll and that hall of fame is a piss stain. Your museum. Urine in wine. We're not coming," Lydon wrote. He continued: "We're not your monkey and so what? Fame at $25,000 if we paid for a table, or $15000 to squeak up in the gallery, goes to a non-profit organisation selling us a load of old famous. Congratulations. If you voted for us, hope you noted your reasons. You're anonymous as judges, but you're still music industry people. We're not coming. You're not paying attention."
Brian Eno – CBE (2007)
Legendary musician, solo artist and producer Brian Eno turned down the chance to become a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2007. He didn't issue a statement explaining his reasons.
John Lennon - Returned MBE (1969)
In October 1965, all four members of The Beatles were honoured with MBEs by The Queen at Buckingham Palace. Four years later, John Lennon took his MBE medal from his Aunt Mimi's bungalow in Bournemouth and returned it to Buckingham Palace in protest at the British government supporting the Nigerian government in a civil war, which saw the unrecognised state of Biafra become embroiled in a bloody conflict. Lennon's letter to The Queen read: "Your Majesty, I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and against 'Cold Turkey' slipping down the charts. With love. John Lennon of Bag"
Ozzy Osbourne – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1999)
Nominated for a third consecutive year, Ozzy Osbourne demanded that Black Sabbath were removed from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shortlist in 1999. "Just take our name off the list. Save the ink. Forget about us," Ozzy blasted. "The nomination is meaningless because it's not voted on by the fans. It's voted on by the supposed elite for the industry and the media, who've never bought an album or concert ticket in their lives, so their vote is irrelevant to me. Let's face it, Black Sabbath has never been media darlings. We're a people's band and that suits us just fine." Despite the diatribe, Black Sabbath were induced into the Rock Hall in 2006 and Ozzy attended the ceremony alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.
Keith Richards – ‘Refused CBE’
Although Keef himself hasn't corroborated it, numerous news outlets around the globe have reported that the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist turned down a CBE from the Queen. It's easy to believe, however, as Richards publicly lambasted his band mate Mick Jagger after he was knighted. Confirming he went "bezerk", Richards told Uncut: "I thought it was ludicrous to take one of those gongs from the establishment when they did their very best to throw us in jail and kill us at one time."
Avenged Sevenfold – The Grammys (2018)
Although Avenged Sevenfold said they were "honoured" to make the shortlist for Best Rock Song at The Grammys in 2018 for 'The Stage', they boycotted the ceremony as the category was removed from the telecast part of the show. "Unfortunately, they have taken 'Best Rock Song' off the telecast this year, so we won't be attending. Maybe next time," they tweeted. In an angry text to US radio presenter Eddie Trunk, singer M. Shadows blasted: "Rock Song of the year can't get two minutes? … And they put us in some side venue no one gives a f--- about? F--- that, waste of time and money." Ultimately it didn't matter anyway as Foo Fighters' 'Run' was named Best Rock Song.
George Harrison - OBE (2000)
Already an MBE, late Beatles legend George Harrison turned down an OBE three years after Paul McCartney received the higher honour of a knighthood. Harrison's friend Roy Connolly said in 2013: "Whoever it was who decided to offer him the OBE and not the knighthood was extraordinarily insensitive. George would have felt insulted and with very good reason."
Paul Weller - CBE (2007)
The Jam frontman turned esteemed solo star turned down a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in the Queen's New Year Honours list in 2007. A spokesperson for Paul Weller said at the time: "Paul was surprised and flattered, but it wasn't really for him."
Dolly Parton – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2022)
Country legend Dolly Parton was named among the typically eclectic 17 acts on the shortlist for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in February 2022. A month later she issued a statement rejecting the nomination and saying she does not "feel that I have earned (the) right" to be included on the list. She also explained that she does not "want votes to be split because of me" so she must "respectfully bow out." Parton later made a U-turn about her decision and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022.
John Lydon – 'CBE and OBE'
Speaking to NME in 2015, Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd. singer John Lydon claimed he has batted off attempts by the monarchy to honour him. He said: "Oh, they're trying to give me an OBE or an MBE or whatever that is. Nope, not interested."