21st Brit Awards
The 2001 Brit Awards were the 21st edition of the biggest annual pop music awards in the United Kingdom. They are run by the British Phonographic Industry and took place on 26 February 2001 at Earls Court in London. Notable moments. Noel Gallagher and A1. During the ceremony, boy band A1 picked up the 'Award for Best Newcomer'. At the end of the night, Oasis Guitarist Noel Gallagher walked onto stage to present U2 with their 'Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music'. As Gallagher took the microphone at the start of his presenting speech, he said "This  award ceremony over the years has been accused of not having a sense of humour, but when you see A1 winning best newcomer, you know that someone's taking the piss somewhere". A1 were apparently offended, and in April 2001 they performed a cover version of the Oasis song "Don't Look Back in Anger" in a mocking way, live using instruments, and not a backing track, as Gallagher had also called the band "manufactured".