The Scottish band have been announced as the recipients of the Teenage Cancer Trust sponsored award, and will perform at the event on Wednesday, February 26 at London’s O2 Academy Brixton. Of the honour, Stuart Murdoch of the band commented: “We’ve just kept our head down. We’re the Status Quo of indie, we’re still here – maybe that’s the thing. We’re a baroque pop band that came up in the mid-’90s, during Britpop, and we’re still here!”The host of the event has today been revealed as Radio 1 presenter and NME columnist Huw Stephens. “I’m super excited about hosting the NME Awards with Austin, Texas. I’ve bought NME every week since I was 15. So, to host the prestigious event, well, what an honour!” he commented.

NME Editor Mike Williams added: “I’m equally thrilled for us to be singling out Belle & Sebastian at this year’s ceremony, an act who have always had a special place in our readers’ hearts and minds. And of course, to have Huw Stephens – a man who’s probably the most respected young DJ around, as well as a friend to practically every band in the room – presenting on the night is a dream come true too.”

Paul McCartney will also attend the NME Awards 2014 with Austin, Texas to collect a special, one-off prize: Songwriter’s Songwriter, whilst Damon Albarn will collect the brand new NME Award for Innovation and Blondie have been named this year’s Godlike Genius. The band will pick up the award in person and perform at the the awards.

Arctic Monkeys lead the nominations this year with a eight in total. Haim follow closely with six nominations whilst Queens of The Stone Age, Lily Allen and Arcade Fire all have three. To cast your vote visit www.nme.com/awardsvote.

Ceremony tickets for the NME Awards 2014 with Austin, Texas are on sale right now. Get yours here.
Read more at http://www.nme.com/news/belle-and-sebastian/75556#MBMMUypUg8wDUqDJ.99