John Peel prize to reward 'boundary pushers'

Organisers of the NME Awards today revealed that a top new music prize will be renamed after legendary DJ John Peel.

The John Peel Award for Innovation will be introduced as a permanent testament to his legacy. Formerly the Innovation Award, it credits acts that push the boundaries of music. Previous winners include Dizee Rascal and Polyphonic Spree. "John Peel was an icon in British music and was deeply loved by several generations of music fans," said Conor McNicholas, editor of NME.

"It's absolutely appropriate that at the NME Awards 2005 we celebrate the man and his legacy." Peel's family will be at the awards at Hammersmith Palais this Thursday.

Organisers are hoping this year's ceremony can trounce last week's Brit Awards for rock'n'roll controversy. The odds are already firmly placed on at least one controversial guest. Pete Doherty's former group The Libertines and new outfit Babyshambles are both nominated for best live band and he has said he plans to attend.