LONDON – The Arctic Monkeys took home three major trophies, including best British band and best new band, at the NME Awards, firmly cementing the Sheffield quartet as the darlings of Britain's music scene.
The NME Awards, which were presented Thursday, are an edgier version of the Brit Awards, Britain's version of the Grammys.
The Monkeys, whose debut album, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," sold more than 360,000 copies in its first week of release, also won an award for best track for "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor."
They became the first act to win best new band and best British band in the same year.
The Kaiser Chiefs, nominated in six categories, won just one award, for best album for "Employment." Kanye West took the trophy for best solo artist and The Strokes won best international artist.
Bob Geldof, who organized 1985's Live Aid concerts and last summer's Live 8 shows, was named hero of the year.
Pete Doherty, the ex-boyfriend of supermodel Kate Moss, was named sexiest man, and Madonna was named sexiest woman.
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