The Brit Awards 2026 ceremony drew sharp criticism for its handling of the In Memoriam section, which many viewers described as rushed. Hosted at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, the event marked the first time the awards moved outside London since 1977. Highlights included dynamic performances, Olivia Dean’s multiple wins, and several censored moments.
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Co-op Live in Manchester welcomed music’s elite for a night of celebration. Olivia Dean dominated the categories, while performances captivated the audience. However, the In Memoriam tribute became a focal point of discontent.
Tim Burgess Honors Stone Roses Legend Mani
The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess delivered an emotional tribute to his friend, Stone Roses bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield. Mani passed away peacefully in his sleep in November at age 63, following respiratory issues tied to a chronic lung condition.
Burgess, 58, addressed the crowd: “I’m here tonight to pay tribute to a good friend of mine. I know he was loved by so many of you here tonight and many more watching on TV. Mani was a kid from a few miles up the road. He changed music and inspired generations ahead of him. These songs he recorded will be his legacy, along with his unforgettable smile and uncontainable enthusiasm.”
He continued: “He was truly one of the phenomenal ones, and they are far and few between. So, I just want you to think about Mani for a moment.” The audience cheered as Burgess added, “We can cherish the thought that we got to experience our time and his time together. Let’s take a few moments to remember Mani and some of the people who we lost in the music industry, who we’ve lost in the last year.”
A subsequent montage featured names of recently deceased music icons scrolling rapidly across the screen.
Viewers Vent Frustration on X
Social media users on X quickly called out the segment for lacking depth and sincerity.
@SufcLee wrote: “That in memoriam was bit awful. seemed a bit rushed & I assumed it was building to something that never happened #BRITs #Brits2026.”
@karendiamond1 agreed: “That was the most rushed and insincere award show ‘in memorium’ segment I’ve seen.”
Gloria Gardner posted: “Worst memorial ever to musical artists deceased #Brits2026 may have not bothered. Seemed like a fleeting tribute. Not even a photo of Ozzy, the names flashed by so fast I could not even spot them all. #disrepectful.”
@bookmadmum stated: “That was the worst memorial part of the Brits I’ve ever seen – if you are going to honour those we have lost do it properly and with dignity and don’t get anyone to introduce it if they can’t string a sentence together #Brits2026.”
@FIOatHeart remarked: “What on gods green earth was that memorial … a couple of clips with a tonn of names popping in and out quick is not a memorial. All them names on there, deserved a million times more of a memorial montage, like they usually have. Do better.”
@ZODl4C added: “that was terrible, who thought it was a good idea to do the memorial section like that #Brits2026 #brits #BRITsAwards.”
@xmaaisieex concluded: “Pretty weak memorial moment from the #BRITs #BRITsAwards.”
