The Gin Club (pictured) and James Grehan were the big winners at Q Song Awards at The Tivoli last week, with three gongs each. The Gin Club’s Ben Salter won best song and best rock song for Ten Paces Away and best folk song or ballad for You, Me and the Sea, from the band’s latest album, Junk. Grehan took best alternative, best regional and the Courier-Mail People’s Choice award. Altogether $25,000 in prizes were handed out, with 1400 songs entered.

20-year old South African born guitarist Michael Gavriel received the inaugural Billy Thorpe Scholarship, saying he will use the $10,000 prize to study guitar at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. The scholarship was decided by Thorpe’s family and Michael Chugg Management, and administered by Arts Queensland.

The G. W. McLennan lifetime achievement award went to international songwriter and producer Mike Chapman. The Brisbane-born Chapman moved to England and, with music partner Nicky Chinn launched the careers of Sweet, Mud, Blondie and Suzi Quatro.

Robert Forster took published song of the year award for From Ghost Town, his tribute to Grant McLennan from his album The Evangelist. And perennial Rave faves The John Steel Singers scored the Pop Award for song Strawberry Wine. For a full list of winners, see www.qmusic.com.au.

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