was inducted into the Fellowship of the Ivors Academy at the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards in London last night, May 23, and received a warm-hearted, tongue-in-cheek, tribute from his good friend Paul McCartney ahead of receiving the award. Springsteen became the first ever international songwriter that the Academy has inducted into Fellowship in its 80-year history, recognising his outstanding contribution to the craft of songwriting and impact on the UK’s cultural landscape. McCartney told the audience at the ceremony at London's Grosvenor House hotel that he “couldn't think of a more fitting recipient”, before jokingly adding, “except maybe .
Or Paul Simon, or Billy Joel, or Beyoncé, or Taylor Swift...
The list goes on.” Continuing his teasing tribute, the former Beatle added, “He’s known as the American working man but he admits he’s never worked a day in his life.” Musing upon how Springsteen might have fitted into , McCartney concluded, “When it comes to talent, he’d definitely be in the top five.
“ In a more sincere moment, McCartney hailed his longtime friend as “a lovely boy.“ Somewhat hoarse after a three-hour show in Sunderland on the previous evening, Springsteen stated that performing for his fans “remains one of the greatest privileges and honours of my life as a musician.” “I want to thank you for taking my music into your hearts and into your souls,” he added.
“I want to thank you for including me in the challenging and.
