Mark Ronson was joined by Dua Lipa and Ghostface Killah for a performance celebrating his career at this year’s BRIT Awards. Watch below.
The producer was recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to Music at last night’s (February 28) ceremony.
During his acceptance speech, Ronson reflected on meeting the late Amy Winehouse, who he worked with on her second studio album ‘Back To Black’, telling the crowd: “I realised on the way here that on Thursday March 6, it will be 20 years to the day that Amy Winehouse came up to my studio in New York City.
“She came up to the steps and she said, ‘I’m here to meet Mark Ronson’. And I said, ‘That’s me’, and she goes, ‘I thought you were an old guy with a beard’,” he added. “Anyway, we went upstairs and we talked for four hours and that night we wrote ‘Back To Black’, and that day changed my life forever.”
Ronson went on to say that he “can’t believe” the list of artists he has worked with over his two-decade career, and added: “I know the music I made with Amy is the reason that any of them know who I am anyway. That’s why I always treasure her voice, her talent and our bond, all of it.
He then thanked his fans, saying: “You put these songs into your lives. You’re the reason any of us are up here. So make some noise for yourselves.”
He added: “Every time in a wedding and I hear ‘Uptown Funk’ or I see someone busking ‘Shallow’ or ‘Valerie’ in the subway – I can’t believe that I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of songs that mean something to people.
“So I’m so grateful, and thank you so much.”
Following his speech, he gave a career-spanning performance that began with an appearance from Ghostface Killah for their 2003 hit ‘Ooh Wee’.
He then went on to pay tribute to Winehouse with a rendition of her hit single ‘Back To Black’, before inviting the Dap-Kings – her live band – on stage to perform ‘Valerie’.
Lipa then made a surprise appearance to perform ‘Dance The Night’, their collaboration from the Barbie soundtrack, as well as their single ‘Electricity’.
Watch it below.
Ronson is also known for Bruno Mars’ ‘Uptown Funk’ and Miley Cyrus’ ‘Nothing Breaks Like A Heart’.
He has also dropped various solo albums over the years too, as well as helped write award-winning songs for the soundtracks of Barbie, A Star Is Born, Euphoria and more. The latest honour adds to his collection of two BRIT Awards, nine Grammys, and both an Academy Award and Golden Globe for co-writing ‘Shallow’ with Lady Gaga.
Previous recipients of the BRITs Outstanding Contribution to Music honour include David Bowie, Oasis, Sir Paul McCartney, Spice Girls, Elton John, Queen, U2, Robbie Williams, P!NK and Blur.
As for the BRITs, this year’s show marked the first time in the 46-year history of the BRITs that it was held outside of London, with Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena playing host.
Jack Whitehall hosted the show for the sixth time, and there was a glittering array of stars performing live, including Harry Styles’ first public performance in three years, a surprise appearance from Bjork alongside Rosalía, as well as Olivia Dean, HUNTR/X’s EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Alex Warren, Sombr, and RAYE.
Noel Gallagher also attended after Oasis’ huge ‘Live ‘25’ reunion tour, and was awarded the Songwriter Of The Year award, while PinkPantheress is the youngest recipient and first female winner of the Producer Of The Year award.
Ozzy Osbourne was honoured with the BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award following his passing in July, and he also received a tribute performance from Robbie Williams alongside members of Ozzy’s band over the years including Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, Tommy Clufetos and Zakk Wylde.
Meanwhile, Olivia Dean dominated the night, taking home four awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Find a full list of winners here.
