Yoko Ono’s biggest inspiration in life is herself.
The 83-year-old musician-and-artist was at the NME Awards on Wednesday night (17.02.16) to collect the Inspiration Award but she insists she doesn’t need to look outwardly to keep her creative spark shining brightly.
When asked who inspires her on the red carpet of the event – held at the O2 Academy in Brixton, south London – she said: "I am inspired by myself. It’s so great to win this award, I’m so flattered."
Just as she is inspired by herself, Yoko – the widow of late Beatles legend John Lennon – hopes her fans are motivated to make positive choices in their lives by her music and art.
Yoko – who engages in a weekly Q&A session with her fans via her website ImaginePeace.com – told BANG Showbiz: "I want to keep on making music and art and keep on inspiring people. But I don’t know what my fans take from what I do with my work and my website, I just keep dishing out things and I hope for the best, but I never know how people will react to what I do."
Yoko also admitted when she was told she had to go to Brixton to collect her prize she had no idea where she would be travelling to in the UK.
She said with a laugh: "Before tonight I didn’t even know where Brixton was! I thought I had to go somewhere that was three or four hours from London, because it’s usually like that. But when I found out it was right in London, it was easy."
Yoko was presented with her award by former Sonic Youth guitarist Thurston Moore who paid tribute to her and John’s efforts to bring peace to the world before she walked out on stage.
He said: "She is an activist for peace. Her and her husband expressed peace. To say her name is to express happiness."
A video of her incredible life was then screened before she came out to be handed her prize.
After accepting her accolade, she said: "I’m excited to get this award. I didn’t expect it at all. It’s great to be busy together."
Other stars in attendance at the NME Awards included Charli XCX, Ricky Wilson, Kylie Minogue and Coldplay – who were given the Godlike Genius prize.
Yoko Ono inspires herself
