This has been released just today:
The UK's recorded music association, the BPI, today unveiled the winner of the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Music Award. Paul McCartney, the most successful musician and composer of all time will be recognised with the coveted trophy, a gift from the Council of the BPI, at The BRIT Awards with MasterCard 2008 on Wednesday 20 February.
In an extra special night, Paul McCartney will take to the stage to be honoured with the ultimate BRITs accolade and also perform some of his greatest hits in front of the audiences at Earls Court and at home as millions tune in to watch the show broadcast live on ITV1.
Ged Doherty, Chairman of The BRITs Committee said: "This is a historic moment for the BRITs. Sir Paul McCartney is one of the greatest songwriters of all time and a member of Britain's biggest ever group. It is a special honour for me to be able to confirm such an influential and important artist to accept the Outstanding Contribution Award and perform at this year's BRITs."
BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor added: "Over a career spanning five decades and more than 100 million albums, very few contemporary artists have had as significant an impact on British music and culture as Sir Paul. Few artists can truly be described as legends, and even fewer are revered by the public like Sir Paul. He richly deserves the accolade of legend yet - as anyone fortunate enough to see him on stage will testify - he remains one of today's most compelling performers. BRITs 2008 is shaping up to be a classic."
One of the founding members of The Beatles, Paul McCartney is one of the UK's most revered recording artists.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon formed one of the most influential and successful song-writing partnerships in the history of rock and roll. After leaving The Beatles, McCartney went on to launch a triumphant solo career and formed the band Wings with his wife Linda. Paul McCartney's love of music spans many genres from Rock and Roll right through to Classical with Ecce Cor Meum [Behold My Heart] being voted Classical Album of the Year at The Classical BRIT Awards in 2007.
