Robbie is still best male

Music

16:30 15 March 2006

Robbie Williams has been named best male at the German Echo music awards for the fifth year running.

The singer - who will visit the country as part of a 40 date European tour this summer - did not attend the ceremony but sent a video message thanking fans.

Other winners included Madonna, who scooped the best female prize, and Coldplay, who won best international group.

Bob Geldof was given a special accolade for organising last year's Live8 charity concerts, and for his work with poverty relief.

He told the audience how they could make a difference.

The former Boomtown Rats frontman said: "When the representatives of industrialised nations meet next year at the G8 conference in Germany, it will be your turn to act."

Other winners on the night, included veteran rockers AC/DC - who won the best music DVD prize for 'Family Jewels' - and US rock group System of a Down.

(c) BANG Media International