Ike Turner Memorial Gallery

5:13 PM GMT 20/12/2007

Ike Turner at the MOJO Honours List 2007

“There’s been a lot of misconceptions about this man…” admitted Damon Albarn from the stage of the 2007 MOJO Honours List Awards. No stranger to controversy himself, Damon was the ideal choice of presenter to this year’s MOJO Legend, the late Ike Turner, whose undeniable contribution to music we celebrated in June this year, just six months before his death.

The decision to give rock’n’roll pioneer and soul star Ike an award was not without its problems. Two days before the ceremony we still had no idea whether he’d even turn up. His “people” requested oxygen be available for the 76-year old, whose frail health was belied by the (late) appearance of a dapper, seemingly robust figure, flanked on the red carpet by two very glamorous, very young female companions. The famously irascible Ike mumbled bitterly about the stairs at the awards venue and about the crowds between him and his table, but once the ceremony began and talk turned to the musicians being honoured, he transformed into a gracious, generous professional who made light of his own failing health (“London was my beginning, and I hope it’s not the ending!”).

MOJO’s editor fended off criticism at the ceremony from broadsheet journos fishing to whip up a moral panic and even members of our own staff who felt it was wrong to reward the infamously violent and abusive star. But ultimately, MOJO is slow to pass moral judgement on musicians (imagine how sparsely populated our pages would be) preferring instead to celebrate their contribution to music, and in Ike’s case, the very genesis of rock’n’roll.

Ike had a ball that night, as these pictures by Ross Halfin (backstage) and Mattia Zoppellaro (onstage) clearly show. And we’re so glad he made it.

To browse MOJO's exclusive Ike Turner gallery, click here

Posted by Ross_Bennett at 5:13 PM GMT 20/12/2007

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I was very fortunate to be a winner at the Mojo Honours Awards in June 2007.
One of the many thrills of that memorable night was when I met Ike Turner.
We chatted for about 10 minutes and I have a photo of him which I will always treasure. Ike was extremely gracious and was the perfect gentleman. He was very willing to talk to a star struck fan who has admired his work for years.
Ike may be remembered for the wrong reasons by people who do not know about his many achievements. However, I will remember him as a fantastic musician who gave me a few minutes of his time.

Posted by Brian Barks at 4:43 PM GMT 14/12/2007 Report Abuse

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I had the pleasure of accompanying Ike at this wonderful event and I was happy to see him receive such a prestigious award he is never given his proper due into Rock & Roll History, Ike Was and always will be the Father of Rock & Roll! He was a genius and one of the most gentle, sweet and loving men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing

Posted by at 9:51 AM GMT 16/12/2007 Report Abuse

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