

The 67-year-old Bowie, who is enjoying a renaissance with his first album in a decade, ‘‘The Next Day,’’ was named British male artist of the year.

The trophy was accepted by supermodel Kate Moss. She was sent, presenter Noel Gallagher joked, as New York-based Bowie’s ‘‘representative on Earth.’’

Moss wore one of Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust outfits from the 1970s as she read out an enigmatic speech from the musician. Bowie quoted a Japanese myth and declared himself ‘‘completely delighted’’ to be named best male—‘‘But I am, aren’t I, Kate?’’ The speech ended with an appeal to Scots not to vote for independence in a referendum later this year: ‘‘Scotland, please stay with us.’’

The evening’s biggest winner was rough-edged northern English rock band Arctic Monkeys, who won album of the year for ‘‘AM’’ and were named best British group for a third time.

‘‘There’s the 15 quid we put on One Direction to win down the drain,’’ lead singer Alex Turner quipped.


‘‘Rock ‘n’ roll,’’ Turner said, accepting the album prize. ‘‘It seems like it has faded away sometimes, but it will never die.’’



Rock band Bastille was named British breakthrough act, and British single of the year went to drum ‘n’ bass quartet Rudimental for ‘‘Waiting All Night.’’



Lorde—who also performed her Grammy Award-winning anthem ‘‘Royals’’ with an assist from British electronic duo Disclosure—said winning awards was so new to her that ‘‘my brain still feels like it’s exploding every time it happens.’’

French electronic tricksters Daft Punk were named international group. The prize was accepted by disco maestro Nile Rodgers, who worked on their global hit ‘‘Get Lucky.’’

Rodgers joked that some people had said ‘‘those old-school guys can’t make a funky record. I guess they were wrong.’’




Performances by Arctic Monkeys, accompanied by giant faming letters ‘‘AM"; Katy Perry, riffing on Cleopatra during a rendition of ‘‘Dark Horse"; and Bruno Mars singing smooth hit ‘‘Treasure’’ were slick if a tad tame.

The highlights included Beyonce in a sparkling green gown as bright as her star wattage, effortlessly in a class of her own as she performed ‘‘XO.’’

