Beach Boy Brian Wilson quoted one of his own songs to thank his fans as he was honoured at a top music awards.
The star, responsible for hits including California Girls and Good Vibrations, was inducted into Mojo magazine’s Hall of Fame.
Also honoured was Beatle Ringo Starr who picked up the Icon award at the ceremony at the Brewery in east London.
Former Crowded House frontman Neil Finn introduced Mr Wilson and told the audience he could “summon up the sound of pure joy” in his music. The former Beach Boy was greeted by a standing ovation by the crowd.
He said: “I’d like to thank England for being so supportive of me throughout my career. God only knows where I’d be without you.”
Meanwhile, Starr told the crowd: “There is not a lot I can say. I’m still doing what I love to do and I’ve just finished a tour. Just got back from Vienna where I could use the line, finally I could say that phrase Goodnight Vienna.”
Gongs were also handed out to synthpop pioneer Gary Numan, who was given the Inspiration award, and folk-rocker Donovan, who was given the Maverick award.
Other winners at the awards, formally known as the Glenfiddich Mojo Honours List 2011, included Primal Scream, soul singer Eddie Floyd and Public Image Ltd. The band, fronted by former Sex Pistol John Lydon, picked up the award for Outstanding Contribution To Music.
Accepting his award, Mr Lydon criticised record companies who he said had left him “bankrupt”.
He said: “Listen, Public Image has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do in my entire life as it’s about my entire life.”
The singer said the band stood in “direct opposition to this record industry”.
He said: “The point is the record companies have kept me bankrupt for 18 years.”
He ended his speech by telling the audience: “England, do not give up. England, we are the best country in the world in music.”
Motown star Martha Reeves was given the award for Outstanding Contribution To Music.
The 70-year-old burst into an impromptu version of her 1967 hit Jimmy Mack, before telling the audience: “Music keeps me young. I love it.”
Rumer won the Breakthrough award but was beaten to the Best Album award by Arctic Monkeys who won it for their fourth album Suck It And See.
Grinderman’s Heathen Child was named Song of the Year while American singer John Grant won the Best Live Act award.
The ceremony also recognised Squeeze, Orange Juice and Booker T and The MGs guitarist Steve Cropper.
Bob Geldof presented the Mojo Medal award, designed to recognise services to music, to DJ and broadcaster Whispering Bob Harris.
List of winners
Breakthrough: Rumer
Song of the Year: Heathen Child by Grinderman
Best Album: Suck It and See by Arctic Monkeys
Classic Album: Screamadelica by Primal Scream
Best Live Act: John Grant
Les Paul award: Steve Cropper
Compilation of the Year: Sweet Inspiration: Songs of Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham
Catalogue Release of the Year: Coals To Newcastle by Orange Juice
Merit: Martha and the Vandellas
Medal: Bob Harris
Hero award: Eddie Floyd
Maverick award: Donovan
Inspiration award: Gary Numan
Classic Songwriter: Squeeze
Vision: Upside Down
Outstanding Contribution to Music: Public Image Ltd
Icon: Ringo Starr
Hall of Fame award: Brian Wilson