The Brit Awards 2026 has faced backlash from viewers who described the In Memoriam segment as 'rushed' and 'insincere'. The ceremony, held at Manchester's Co-op Live, marked the first time the event took place outside London since its inception in 1977.
The tribute featured The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess honouring Stone Roses bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, who died in November 2025 at age 63 from respiratory complications. Burgess delivered a heartfelt speech, saying: 'Mani was a kid from a few miles up the road. He changed music and inspired generations ahead of him.'
Following the speech, a montage flashed names of other music industry figures who died in the past year. However, viewers criticised the segment on social media, with many saying the names appeared too quickly and lacked dignity. One user wrote: 'That was the most rushed and insincere award show in memoriam segment I've seen.'
Another commented: 'Worst memorial ever to musical artists deceased. Not even a photo of Ozzy, the names flashed by so fast I could not even spot them all.' The backlash comes despite other highlights of the evening, including Olivia Dean's multiple wins.
