To all those at MTV,

I would like to start by thanking you all for the support you have given me over recent years and I am both grateful and flattered by the nomination that I have received for best male artist. The air play given to both the Kylie Minogue and P.J. Harvey duets from my latest album murder ballads has not gone unnoticed and has been greatly appreciated. So again my sincere thanks.

Having said that, I feel that it's necessary for me to request that my nomination for best male artist be withdrawn and furthermore any awards or nomination for such awards that may arise in later years be presented to those who feel more comfortable with the competitive nature of these award ceremonies. I myself, do not. I have always been of the opinion that my music is unique and individual and exists beyond the realms inhabited by those who would reduce things to mere measuring. I am in competition with no-one.

My relationship with my muse is a delicate one at the best of times and I feel that it is my duty to protect her from influences that may offend her fragile nature.

She comes to me with the gift of song and in return I treat her with the respect I feel she deserves - in this case this means not subjecting her to the indignities of judgement and competition. My muse is not a horse and I am in no horse race and if indeed she was, still I would not harness her to this tumbrel - this bloody cart of severed heads and glittering prizes. My muse may spook! May bolt! May abandon me completely!

So once again, to the people at MTV, I appreciate the zeal and energy that was put behind my last record, I truly do and say thank you and again I say thank you but no...No thank you.

Yours sincerely,
Nick Cave 21 Oct 96.

NME online (http://www.nme.com) said:

NICK CAVE has refused to take part in this year's MTV European Music Awards or any future awards ceremony because he does not feel "musically in competition" with anyone else. Although he thanked the satellite TV channel for the airplay and support it had given him for his duets with Kylie Minogue and PJ Harvey and his last album, 'Murder Ballads', he asked that MTV withdraw his nomination for Best Male Artist.

In a statement sent to the station, Cave said: "I have always been of the opinion that my music is unique and individual and exists beyond the realms inhabited by those who would reduce things to mere measuring. I am in competition with no-one. "My relationship with my muse is a delicate one at the best of times and I feel that it is my duty to protect her from influences that may offend her fragile nature. She comes to me with the gift of song and in return I treat her with respect - in this case this means not subjecting her to the indignities of judgement and competition. My muse is not a horse and I am in no horse race and if indeed she was, still I would not harness her to this tumbrel - this bloody cart of severed heads and glittering prizes. My muse may spook! May bolt! May abandon me completely!"

An MTV spokeswoman said: "We're obviously disappointed but we have to respect his decision. We can't do anything about it." The MTV European Music Awards will take place on November 14 at Alexandra Palace, presented by Robbie Williams. Cave was recently given an Aria Award, one of the Australian Music Industry's annual awards, for 'Murder Ballads'.

Reported on the Goodson List:

For what it's worth: Last night George Michael, the guy who won the Best Male Artist Award, said: "I'd like to thank Nick Cave for giving us all a chance." (while pressing his tongue firmly against his cheek)