Music God Paul Weller

Music God Paul Weller

Paul Weller will be named Godlike Genius at this year's NME Awards.

The musician - who was a key figure in the Mod revival movement of the 70s in Britain - will receive the annually awarded title from the music magazine, in celebration of his contribution to pop.

'Changing Man' singer Paul said: "I'm very happy to accept the award, I don't feel Godlike or a Genius but I'm happy to have it.

"It's nice to be recognised, you get your rewards in other ways too like playing live and seeing people's reaction, but it's nice to be recognised.

"I'm very flattered. I shall find a special place for it. A little altar to myself with garlands of flowers around it."

Paul, 51, rose to fame as frontman of The Jam in 1976, and the group enjoyed huge success with hits including 'Eton Rifles', 'Going Underground' and 'A Town Called Malice', scoring four number one singles before splitting in 1982.

The rocker then went on to record six albums in a more synth-driven style with The Style Council before launching a successful solo career.

Paul will also perform at the ceremony which will be held at London's 02 Academy Brixton on February 24.

Past recipients of the Godlike Genius award include New Order, Manic Street Preachers, The Clash and Ian Brown.

NME Editor Krissi Murison said: "Paul was first on the cover of NME with The Jam in 1977, then again with The Style Council.

"Three decades on he remains just as influential as a solo artist - and it's this connection with the current music scene which makes him all the more Godlike."