On April 6, 2026, Radio X unveiled the results of its annual poll, the Best Of British 500, where listeners voted for their favorite British songs of all time. This year marked a significant expansion of the poll, increasing from 100 to 500 songs, allowing for a broader representation of British musical talent.

Oasis’ iconic track ‘Live Forever’ was once again crowned the greatest British song of all time, marking its fourth consecutive year in this esteemed position. The song’s enduring popularity reflects its deep connection with listeners, as noted by Radio X’s Matt Deverson, who remarked, “It’s no surprise to see ‘Live Forever’ take the crown again after such a huge year for Oasis, showing just how deeply that song still connects with people.”

Following closely behind, Queen’s legendary ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ secured second place for the third consecutive year. This classic track continues to resonate with fans, solidifying its status as one of the most beloved songs in British music history. The Stone Roses’ ‘I Am The Resurrection’ climbed to third place, showcasing the band’s lasting impact on the music scene.

Oasis further demonstrated their dominance in the rankings, with ‘Slide Away’ and ‘Champagne Supernova’ taking fourth and fifth places, respectively. This remarkable achievement highlights the band’s significant contribution to British music and their continued relevance in popular culture.

In a notable entry, Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ made its debut in the top ten, landing at ninth place. This marked the first time the song has entered the top ten, illustrating the band’s enduring appeal. Additionally, Black Sabbath’s ‘Paranoid’ entered the top 100 for the first time, coming in at position 69, further emphasizing the rich history of British rock music.

Among the newer entries, Wolf Alice’s ‘The Sofa’ debuted impressively at number 21, becoming the highest-placed new release in this year’s poll. This indicates a promising future for the band as they continue to gain recognition in the music industry.

Geographically, London emerged as the most represented city in the poll, contributing 148 songs from 39 different artists. Manchester followed as the second most represented city with 91 songs from 14 different artists. Notably, over 26% of the songs included in the list were released in the 1990s, showcasing the decade’s significant influence on British music.

As the Radio X Best Of British 500 continues to evolve, it remains a vital platform for celebrating the rich tapestry of British music. Matt Deverson expressed that this year’s results feel particularly special, reinforcing the importance of listener engagement in shaping the musical landscape.

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During their acceptance speech at the Brits, Wolf Alice emphasized the significance of grassroots venues throughout the United Kingdom.

Alongside their performance of ‘The Sofa’ at the Co-op Live, Wolf Alice also triumphed in the ‘Group of the Year’ category.

This was the second occasion they secured the honor in their career, surpassing The Last Dinner Party, Sleep Token, Wet Leg, and Pulp to claim the award.

While accepting the accolade, lead singer Ellie Rowsell expressed gratitude to the individuals and locations that contributed to Wolf Alice’s rise within the British music scene. Rowsell commenced her address with, “We wish to dedicate this honor to everyone who supported us during the formative years of Wolf Alice.”

She remarked, “Launching the band can be the most challenging aspect, and we wouldn’t have achieved this without all the individuals who supported us financially, drove us across the nation, offered us a place to sleep, purchased tickets to our initial performances, and even bought some of our terrible merchandise – though I doubt anyone actually did that.”

Rowsell paid tribute to the venues, many of which have since vanished, where Wolf Alice developed their skills in the band’s formative years and made a significant point about the importance of securing their future.

The vocalist expressed, “We also want to extend our gratitude to all the pubs, clubs, and grassroots venues throughout the nation where we truly honed our skills and crafted our music. We appreciate your hospitality and are thankful to those who strive to keep these spaces alive.”

The ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ artist emphatically stated, “It’s important to note that even though the live music industry contributes billions to our economy, last year saw the closure of 30 independent venues, the loss of 6,000 jobs, and more than half of the small venues reported no profits whatsoever.”

The statistics referenced by Rowsell originate from a survey conducted by the Music Venue Trust, released in January. This survey also revealed that approximately 6,000 jobs, nearly 22 percent of the entire workforce, have been eliminated in the industry due to rising business rates and increased national insurance contributions.

Her address went on, “It shouldn’t be a struggle for bands and artists to thrive; we shouldn’t have to depend on favors or external funding initiatives to operate at a level we can take pride in. It ought to feel like a legitimate career choice for individuals from any background, not just a lucky break.”

Rowsell’s passionate statement wrapped up with, “Just look around us today and witness the pride we take in Britain’s musical legacy and the significance of fostering and safeguarding the incredible music scene in the UK.”

Check out the speech and the performance by Wolf Alice at the Brits below.

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