Moody popsters get the blues with award night

Oasis snubbed the MTV Europe Awards last night - turning the glitterati- packed ceremony into Hamlet without the Prince.

The moody popsters sent record boss Alan McGee on their behalf to collect their Best Group award. He said the Manchester combo were too busy recording their third album to attend, but also promised the fans: "Oasis will always be about music - not the soap opera the tabloids are busy trying to create." There was an embarrassed pause at the live TV ceremony when Oasis's Best Group award was announced and joint presenter Jay Kay of Jamiroquai offered to take it himself before McGee reached the stage.

George Michael, the Fugees, Metallica, Boyzone, Bjork and many more were at the awards at Alexandra Palace, and seen by a potential European audience of 123 million people. An upset occurred when American group, the Smashing Pumpkins, beat Oasis for the prize of Best Rock Act.

Even Smashing Pumpkins member D'arcy said: "I am sure Oasis should have won this.

"They are the best band since the Beatles, but thank you anyway."