WOOD FLOORED BY FIRST-EVER ROCK AWARD

The Who star Pete Townshend was on hand to present the veteran guitarist with the Outstanding Contribution Honour at the annual ceremony on Monday (02Nov09) in recognition of his "ageless presence on the scene".

And Wood was delighted with his prize, telling reporters: "It means a lot. It's about time - I've never had one just for myself."

Classic Rock magazine readers and editors also honoured Iggy Pop, who was named a Living Legend, a title previously won by Alice Cooper, Lemmy and Ozzy Osbourne.

Late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, who died in 1980, was given the Tommy Vance Inspiration Award while another percussionist, Cream star Ginger Baker, was named a leading Innovator for his pioneering use of rhythm.

Rockers Iron Maiden took home the band of the year prize, while AC/DC's Black Ice was branded the best album of 2009.