Arctic Monkeys take two NME music awards

Rock band, Arctic Monkeys perform on stage during a performance at Leeds University in Leeds, February 1, 2006.[Reuters]

British bands swept the NME music awards on Thursday, with last year's champions the Arctic Monkeys doing it again in 2007 with two more prizes.

But the United States were also honoured, with My Chemical Romance taking the Best International Band category and The Killers winning Best Video for "Bones."

"This is the verdict of the real passionate British music fans, the ones who keep the music scene alive at gigs up and down the country week-in and week-out," said NME editor Conor McNicholas.

"It's a reflection of how strong the British music scene is that there's so much to be celebrated."

NME magazine, or New Musical Express, bases its decisions on what the fans say rather than on a panel of judges. Last year, more than 80,000 people took part in the voting.

Best British Band went to rockers Muse, while Best Solo Artist was won by London newcomer Jamie T.

The Klaxons, based in the southern coastal town of Brighton, were named Best New Band, while Best Live Band went to Leicestershire lads Kasabian.

The Arctic Monkeys, who took three NME awards in 2006 following the sensational success of their debut album, were the only multiple winners of 2007, picking up prizes for Best Album for "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" and Best Music DVD for "Scummy Man."

The View were voted top of the Best Track shortlist for "Wasted Little DJs."

The ceremony, held at the Hammersmith Palais in London, also honoured Primal Scream with the Godlike Genius Award, which organisers called "this year's highest accolade."