The MPG (Music Producers Guild) have announced the recipients of two more of their gifted awards ahead of this year’s ceremony. Peter Gabriel will be presented with the MPG Pioneer award, while Paul Epworth will receive the MPG Icon award.
MPG Pioneer Award: Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel will receive the inaugural MPG Pioneer Award, a new honour that celebrates visionaries who have fundamentally reshaped the musical landscape. A true innovator, Gabriel has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical expression throughout his legendary career, paving the way for future generations.
From his transformative years as the original lead singer of Genesis to his groundbreaking solo work, orchestral projects and soundtracks, Peter has been a perpetual creative force, leaning into experimental sounds and theatrical performances. His solo albums have explored various genres including rock, world music and electronic, gaining him a wide audience, with Iconic songs like ‘Solsbury Hill’, ‘Sledgehammer’, ‘In Your Eyes’ and ‘Digging in the Dirt’ cementing his place in music history. He is also the founder of Real World Records and Real World Studios, one of the world's premier recording locations.
MPG Icon Award: Paul Epworth
Following in the footsteps of previous recipients like Bob Clearmountain and Alan Moulder, Paul Epworth will be presented with the prestigious MPG Icon Award, recognising his immense impact on contemporary music production.
A British record producer, musician and songwriter best known for his work with acts such as Adele, Kate Nash and Florence + The Machine, Paul has helped nurture the early careers of artists including Futureheads and Bloc Party, as well as working with more established acts such as Coldplay, U2 and Mumford & Sons. He has won multiple awards, including an Oscar for Best Original Song for the Bond film Skyfall. He is also the owner of the award-winning Church Studios and founder of the independent record label Wolf Tone, which has released music by Glass Animals, The Horrors and Rosie Lowe.
"We are thrilled Peter and Paul are to accept these awards which are not just recognition for their extraordinary achievements in music, but also for the talent pipeline they have created which has provided a vital home for both emerging and established producers. We are so excited to be welcoming two such outstanding individuals who have given so much back to our industry to our awards and we can't wait to celebrate with them on the night." - Emma Townsend, Director, MPG
Upcoming Announcments
The MPG have already announced two other special award winners, with Lauren Laverne taking home the MPG Special Recognition Award and Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) receiving the award for PPL Presents The Outstanding Contribution To UK Music. The final gifted award will be announced in the coming weeks, and the rest of this year’s winners will be revealed at the MPG Awards ceremony at The Troxy, London on 24 April 2025. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased via the link below.
