Paul McCartney accepted five Ivor Novello awards on behalf of himself and John Lennon during a luncheon at the Savoy Hotel on the Strand, London, on Tuesday 13 July 1965. The ceremony was presented by David Frost, and the awards were presented to McCartney by Sir Billy Butlin.
| Date | Tuesday 13 July 1965 |
| Event | Ivor Novello Awards luncheon |
| Venue | Savoy Hotel, The Strand, London |
| Presenter | David Frost (ceremony); Sir Billy Butlin (awards) |
| Awards won | Five Ivor Novello awards |
| Broadcast | Pick Of The Songs, Rediffusion, 10.30–11.05pm |
The ceremony
Paul McCartney arrived at the Savoy Hotel 40 minutes late, having forgotten about the event entirely. Despite the inauspicious start, he accepted five Ivor Novello awards on behalf of himself and his songwriting partner John Lennon, presented to him by Sir Billy Butlin — the holiday camp entrepreneur and one of the most prominent figures in British popular entertainment.
The ceremony was presented by David Frost, then at the height of his fame following the success of That Was The Week That Was. McCartney’s acceptance speech and the presentation were filmed by cameras from Rediffusion and broadcast later that evening between 10.30pm and 11.05pm in a programme called Pick Of The Songs.
The MBE quip
John Lennon chose not to attend the ceremony. His absence was directly connected to the controversy surrounding The Beatles being awarded MBEs — announced on 12 June 1965 — which had prompted a number of existing MBE holders to return their medals in protest. The furore had clearly left Lennon disinclined to attend public award ceremonies.
McCartney acknowledged Lennon’s absence with characteristic wit. As he accepted one of the awards, he remarked: “Thanks. I hope nobody sends theirs back now.” The line drew laughter from the assembled guests and neatly encapsulated the absurdity of the MBE controversy.
The Ivor Novello Awards
The Ivor Novello Awards are presented annually by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) — now known as the Ivors Academy — to recognise outstanding achievement in British and Irish music. Named after the Welsh composer and entertainer Ivor Novello, they are among the most prestigious music awards in the United Kingdom, with a particular emphasis on songwriting craft rather than commercial success alone.
Lennon and McCartney were among the most decorated recipients in the awards’ history. Their five awards in 1965 reflected the extraordinary commercial and critical dominance of their songwriting during the mid-1960s. Paul McCartney would later receive a special Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Services to British Music.
The Beatles in July 1965
July 1965 was a remarkable month for The Beatles. Their second feature film, Help!, had its world premiere at the London Pavilion on 29 July 1965 — just over a fortnight after this ceremony. The accompanying album, also titled Help!, was released on 6 August. The group were also preparing for their second North American tour, which opened at Shea Stadium in New York on 15 August 1965 — a concert widely regarded as the birth of stadium rock.
The MBE announcement on 12 June had made global headlines. The Beatles were appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, a decision that divided opinion sharply. Several existing MBE holders returned their medals; others celebrated the recognition of popular music as a legitimate cultural force. The investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace took place on 26 October 1965.
David Frost and Sir Billy Butlin
David Frost (1939–2013) was one of the most prominent television personalities in Britain by 1965. He had risen to fame as the host of That Was The Week That Was (1962–63), the groundbreaking BBC satire programme, and was a regular presence on British and American television throughout the 1960s and beyond. He later became famous for his 1977 interviews with Richard Nixon.
Sir Billy Butlin (1899–1980) was the founder of Butlin’s Holiday Camps, the chain of all-inclusive seaside resorts that transformed British working-class leisure from the 1930s onwards. He was knighted in 1964. His presence at the Ivor Novello luncheon reflected his status as one of the most significant figures in British popular entertainment.
The Savoy Hotel, London
Shop Beatles 1965 Merch
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many Ivor Novello awards did Lennon and McCartney win in 1965?
- Lennon and McCartney received five Ivor Novello awards at the ceremony at the Savoy Hotel on 13 July 1965.
- Why did John Lennon not attend the 1965 Ivor Novello Awards?
- Lennon chose not to attend following the controversy surrounding The Beatles being awarded MBEs, which had prompted some existing holders to return their medals in protest. McCartney acknowledged this with a quip as he accepted one of the awards: “Thanks. I hope nobody sends theirs back now.”
- Who presented the Ivor Novello awards to Paul McCartney in 1965?
- The awards were presented to McCartney by Sir Billy Butlin, the founder of Butlin’s Holiday Camps. The ceremony was hosted by television presenter David Frost.
- What are the Ivor Novello Awards?
- The Ivor Novello Awards are presented annually by the Ivors Academy (formerly BASCA) to recognise outstanding achievement in British and Irish music, with a particular emphasis on songwriting. They are named after Welsh composer and entertainer Ivor Novello.
- Was the 1965 Ivor Novello ceremony televised?
- Yes. McCartney’s acceptance speech was filmed by Rediffusion and broadcast between 10.30pm and 11.05pm in a programme called Pick Of The Songs.
- What were The Beatles doing in July 1965?
- In July 1965, The Beatles were preparing for the premiere of their film Help! (29 July) and their second North American tour, which opened at Shea Stadium on 15 August 1965. They had also recently been announced as MBE recipients in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
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