Foo Fighters scoop top rock award

Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl sent a recorded acceptance speech

Foo Fighters have been crowned band of the year at the Classic Rock awards with veterans Whitesnake picking up best album for Good To Be Bad.

Singer Ozzy Osbourne was given the living legend award by ex-Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash.

Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley was showman of the year while Australian rockers Airborne were named best new band.

The central London ceremony also celebrated the 10th anniversary of Classic Rock magazine.

Editor-in-chief Scott Rowley said the rock scene was in rude health.

The Classic Rock Roll of Honour is a celebration of rock music as the most vital and vibrant genre of music Scott Rowley Classic Rock magazine

"Ozzy's a household name and bands like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Metallica and Guns N' Roses are getting more headlines and front covers than ever, breaking box office records and topping the charts," he added.

"The Classic Rock Roll of Honour is a celebration of rock music as the most vital and vibrant genre of music."

Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl accepted the band's award in a video-taped acceptance speech.

Led Zeppelin won event of the year for their tribute gig to late Atlantic Records boss Ahmet Ertegun at the O2 in London last December.

It was their first show for 19 years.

Inspiration award

AC/DC won DVD of the year for Plug Me In while Metallica won the award for reissue of the year, for the reissuing of their first three albums.

Syd Barret died in 2006 at the age of 60

Guitar hero Jeff Beck was presented with the outstanding contribution award by Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood while music promoter Harvey Goldsmith was presented with a special award by Osbourne's wife Sharon.

Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett, who died in 2006, was posthumously honoured with the inspiration award.

It was collected by his sister Rosemary.

The awards, many of which were voted for by Classic Rock magazine readers, were announced at a gala ceremony at the Park Lane Hotel.