Bluesy rock legend Eric Clapton kicked off a live multicity broadcast of the Second International Rock Awards Wednesday and minutes later walked off with an "Elvis" as the world's most valuable guitarist.
The ceremony, broadcast live by ABC, originated from a Manhattan armory and featured David Bowie singing "Suffrogate City" from London. Winners in 10 categories walked off with statues of a young Elvis Presley, and presenters pointedly dubbed each prize an "Elvis."Pepper-tongued comedian Sam Kinison co-hosted with actor Gary Busey, and the controversial comic vowed to avoid the kind of language that earned Andrew Dice Clay a lifetime ban from MTV during presentation of the Video Music Awards.
Clapton, however, was the first to give broadcast censors fits.
After playing the night's first live performance with another blues guitar legend, Buddy Guy, Clapton accepted his award with a modest, "I'm too old for this s--."
Clapton also took the "Living Legend of the Year" award.
"Tour of the Year" winners, the Rolling Stones, were shown stomping out their special brand of rock 'n' roll in front of the Berlin Wall in a video of their recently completed world tour. Charlie Watts also was named the world's best drummer.
Aerosmith, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, and the Who also were nominated for "Tour of the Year."
The evening's first Elvis went to Alannah Myles, named "Newcomer of the Year" against nominees Bad English, Lenny Kravitz, Skid Row, and Stone Roses.
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Other winners:
Aerosmith captured "Artist of the Year" against nominees Fine Young Cannibals, the Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt and the B-52s.
Lou Reed presented the award for "Album of the Year" to Tom Petty for "Full Moon Fever."
"Late Night With David Letterman" musician Paul Shaffer joined model Christie Brinkley in presenting the Elvis for best keyboards to Brinkley's husband, Billy Joel.
Joel beat out Elton John and Kate Bush.
Bonnie Raitt, who recently won four Grammys, continued her winning ways by taking the most valuable female award.
Steven Tyler, singer for Aerosmith, won the most valuable male award.
Don Henley won the best songwriter of the year award.
Best bass player honors went to Nathan East and best drummer, to the Stones' Charlie Watts.