This year’s BRIT Awards paid tribute to artists who have died over the past 12 months, but the In Memoriam segment prompted criticism from viewers at home.
During Saturday’s ceremony, host Jack Whitehall introduced Tim Burgess to the stage to open the tribute. Burgess delivered a speech in honour of his friend Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, who died in November aged 63.
Mani, best known for his work with The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, was remembered as a musician who left a lasting impact on British music.
Burgess told the audience, ‘Hi everyone, I’m here tonight to pay tribute to my good friend. Mani changed music and inspired generations ahead of him. These songs he recorded will be his legacy.
‘He was truly one of the phenomenal ones. I’d like you to think about Mani for a moment and 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.’
Following the speech, a video montage played featuring other music figures who have died in the last year.
Among those shown on screen were Ozzy Osbourne, Nicky Ryan, Roberta Flack, Thommy Price, Gilson Lavis, and Chris Dreja.
However, viewers watching the ceremony at home said the tribute felt rushed, with several taking to social media to criticise the pacing of the montage.
One viewer wrote, ‘Watching #Brits2026 on ITV+1. Was the In Memoriam section supposed to be a test of how quickly you can read things off a screen? Awful.’
Another posted, ‘Sidenote – the in memoriam segment was shocking #Brits2026.’
A third commented, ‘In memoriam was more of an insult the way every name flashed for 1 second. Meant to be reflective no?’
Others described the segment as ‘a mish-mash’ and ‘amateurish’, with one viewer writing, ‘The In Memoriam segment wasn’t a good enough tribute for those much missed artists at all. It was such a mish-mash and looked amateurish and as if it was cobbled together at the last minute #Brits2026.’
Another added, ‘Wow! One of the worst In Memoriam I have ever seen,’ while a further post read, ‘Pretty poor In Memoriam there. We couldn’t spare a couple minutes to briefly show each person?’
Other notable moments at the BRIT awards this year included Robbie Williams’ Ozzy Osbourne tribute and Harry Styles’ debut live performance of new album Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally.
Noel Gallagher’s acceptance speech also raised a lot of eyebrows when the live broadcast cut it a little short.
The Oasis legend said – as he stepped on stage to receive the songwriter of the year accolade – ‘up the f***** blues,’ showing support for his football team, Manchester City.
It was deemed a bleepable offence thanks to his F-bomb, and all that aired were the boos from the audience, confusing at-home viewers.
Another highlight was the Mark Ronson, with multiple unexpected cameos from artists who showed their love for the producer.
Metro music writer Danni Scoot, who attended the awards, noted: ‘Dua Lipa’s entrance had the crowd going insane as she descended from the ceiling atop a giant disco ball, rocking a giant fur coat.’
So while the in memoriam section left fans dissapointed, there was still plenty to love about the 2026 Brits.
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