True blue, baby: we love you

In what observers agree was one of the most fiercely fought contests yet, Indigo Fury emerged victorious last night in the 2002 Bacardi/Hot Press Plugged Band of the Year Grand Final.

The Rory Lavelle-fronted Northerners got the nod from a panel of judges that included Def Leppard's Joe Elliott, The Almighty's Ricky Warwick, ex-Jimi Hendrix man Noel Redding, Today FM's Brian Adams and some bloke called Niall Stokes.

The fabulous Fury boys walked off with a €30,000 prize cache, which culminates in the recording, release and promotion of their own CD.

Needless to say, Vicar St. was overrun with A&R-types who were there to check out not only the winners, but fellow finalists Blotooth, Horizon, Mother Of Pearl, Romulus Pop and The Crayonz.

The night also featured a performance by Sutras, the Limerick outfit who are €9,500 better off as a result of winning the Bacardi/Hot Press Song of the Year. Chosen by an audience vote on Tom Dunne's Today FM Pet Sounds show, 'Machine' has 'hit' written through it like a stick of rock.

For a full ringside report see the next issue of Hot Press, on newsstands April 25th.