We didn't think this band would ever agree to take to the Brit Awards stage. How times have changed...
The Brit Awards 2014 is set to be one helluva show, as organisers have announced that Arctic Monkeys will open the ceremony with a live performance.
This will be the first time the Sheffield group will have played at the show, and if something doesn't feel quite right about their agreement to take to the Brits stage, that's probably because the four-piece has been none to enthusiastic about the music awards show in the past.
In 2006, the band refused to attend the ceremony to collect their Breakthrough Act award, and the following year they sent a mocking video message instead of showing up. In 2008, they did RSVP and attend in person, but their acceptance speech for winning Best British Group was quickly cut by angry ITV bosses when frontman Alex Turner got a little too sarcastic.
Speaking to the Independent, Brits chairman Christian Tattersfield said: 'It took a lot of wining and dining on behalf of the Brits but it was my absolute priority to get Arctic Monkeys to perform. It has been their year. It helps that the Brit Awards is now seen as a credible event and is no longer the shambles it was four or five years ago.'
Katy Perry will also join the Arctic Monkeys to perform on the night, which will take place next February.
'The Brits has always showcased the music that I love and am influenced by. It's an honour to play at such a prestigious event where musicality shines at its brightest.' Katy said.
Milliner Philip Treacy has also been named as the creator of next year's Brit statuette, which will also mark James Corden's final turn as the Brit Awards host.
Responding to criticism that the Brits has become somewhat boring and predictable in the past few years, Tattersfield said: 'We needed to stop the mayhem but we want some more excitement this year.'
Maybe 2014 will see the return of the Brits we once knew and loved. Fingers crossed...
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