With the gaffer off playing solo shows, the award was accepted on Vance’s behalf by his band.
“We’re all very proud to have been nominated, let alone to have received the award for best album,” the singer reflects. "I'm gutted I couldn't be there on the night but the award has been collected by the people who made it possible – so justice has been served."
Joy Of Nothing was up against other must-have releases from A Plastic Rose, And So I Watch You From Afar, Anthony Toner, Axis Of, The Bonnevilles, Fighting With Wire, Girls Names, Jetplane Landing, Le Carousel, Space Dimension Controller, Tired Pony, Trucker Diablo and Two Door Cinema Club.
Despite losing out, Tired Pony – and Snow Patrol – man Gary Lightbody is more than happy with the winner.
“It is my favorite Northern Irish record of many years,” Gary enthuses. “Foy Vance is a goddarn legitimate genius and should be treasured as such. In him we have one of the greatest songwriters in the world.”
And so say all of us!