Honda goes pop!

HONDA’S NO stranger to mega-celebs of course – we can still remember when Valentino Rossi was a Honda rider, and in the bike world, the firm’s at the top of the pile.

And the big H has been mingling with proper mainstream superstars like Bono, Noel Gallacher and Nile Rodgers this week as well. The firm was one of the main sponsors of the annual Q magazine music awards, and its bikes were centre stage at the swish event at London’s Roundhouse. Honda Motorcycles had sponsored the Lifetime Achievement award won by Brett Anderson, best known as lead singer of Britpop band Suede.

Honda had hung a Fireblade SP above the tables of champagne-quaffing stars, and its Glemseck 101 special CB1000R was on stage all night, together with the Monkey 125 and new Super Cub 125 also on show.

Anderson (below) won the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the music industry over the course of his career. Each year the ceremony recognises British talent, within the world of music, rewarding artists and bands for their efforts and successes.

Honda UK bike boss Neil Fletcher said, “It’s fantastic to see our motorcycles amongst the leading lights of the UK music scene. There’s always been a natural affinity between music and motorcycles and we’re continuing that tradition at this prestigious event. Hopefully our showing here will encourage younger people to explore motorcycles.”