Brown booed as he honours 'fifth Beatle'

Gordon Brown received a frosty reception when he turned up at a showbiz event to present an award to “fifth Beatle” George Martin.

The British Chancellor was booed at the ceremony, attended by some of the world’s biggest music stars, such as Prince and Beyoncé.

He had arrived at London’s Alexandra Palace as a surprise guest last night to present an honorary award to the legendary Beatles producer and induct him into the UK Music Hall of Fame.

Mr Brown ignored the whistles, shouts and boos from some members of the audience that greeted him as he walked on stage to pay tribute to Martin.

He told the audience: “George Martin is the most amazing man and I’m proud to be able to present him this evening.”

He added: “In 1962, even after every major producer rejected the Beatles and one producer said guitar groups had no future, George Martin made the Beatles the most successful group in history.

“George was the architect of the most creative period in music that this country has seen.”

He said: “I spoke to Sir Paul McCartney this afternoon and Paul McCartney said: ’This great man George Martin is the great creative genius of our time.’

“Self-made, self-taught, he worked his way up. He is a great national icon. He is a great national institution.”

Martin, 80, who produced every record made by the Fab Four until they disbanded in 1970, said it was a great honour to be given the award.

The producer, who also made his name as a film composer said: “I never realised I was as good as all that. I’m not, to be honest. This is hyperbole.

“I think the reason I am here today is I have been a very lucky man and I have worked with the greatest people in showbusiness, performers and writers.

“It rubs off working with people like that. It makes all the difference in the world.”

Queen drummer Roger Taylor and Razorlight singer Johnny Borrell helped perform classic Beatles tracks alongside a 31-piece orchestra and 20-piece London community gospel choir conducted by Martin at the event.

Despite performances from some of the biggest names in music, including James Brown, Beach Boys star Brian Wilson and Bon Jovi, it was youngster Joss Stone who stole the show.

She turned up in white over-the-knee boots, a green mini-dress and hair died pink and black to induct the late Dusty Springfield into the Hall of Fame.

Former US president Bill Clinton and chat show host Oprah Winfrey paid tribute to US rockers Bon Jovi in a recorded message as they were inducted.

Rocker Rod Stewart accepted his award by video link from Los Angeles, saying: “It’s only quarter to one here but what the hell, I’m going to have a drink,” before he swore after accidentally dropping his glass.

Since the launch of The UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Bob Dylan, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, U2, Bob Marley, Elvis Presley and the Kinks have been inducted.

Musicians are selected by a panel of 60 artists and executives in the music industry, broadcasters and journalists.