The dudes in Iron Maiden weren’t all that pleased by the recent announcement of nominees for the Vodafone Live Music Awards, the British awards ceremony that reminds the world just how awesome live music is. It would seem that the band was nominated for “Best Live Return,” which is given to the artist that has the greatest comeback show of the year. Only problem? The band never really stopped touring, and as a result Bruce Dickinson & Co. were so offended by being lumped in with such reuniters as the Verve, the Spice Girls, and Led Zeppelin, they actually asked to be unnominated. This resulted in some last-minute scuttling and the following mea culpa from the organizers (via the bad-press-releases clearinghouse Lost In Showbiz):

To: Tony Harding
Date: 7-8-2008 18:09
Subject: “Iron Maiden today advised that they do not wish to be featured in this year’s Vodafone Live Music Awards category for Best Live Return”

Iron Maiden today advised that they do not wish to be featured in this year’s Vodafone Live Music Awards category for Best Live Return. Although nominated in this year’s category for Best Live Return following their triumphant recent show at Twickenham Stadium, they felt that since they have always toured regularly throughout their careers it would not be at all appropriate for them to be included for an award for a Best Live Return.

Vodafone spokesperson commented “We respect and support the band’s decision and have complied with their request to be removed from this year’s shortlist. We are also extremely pleased to announce that James will be replacing them in the category of Best Live Return”.

Tony Harding
Digital Comms Executive

Jeez, what with this year having no shortage of bands making reunion cash grabs, you’d think that the people at Vodafone would have at least done a little research setting up the sacrificial lambs for Led Zeppelin’s inevitable victory.

Left Hand, Meet Right Hand [Lost In Showbiz]
Earlier: The British Sure Do Give Out Lots Of Awards