Iron Maiden received the Inspiration award at the Kerrang! Awards last night (13.06.13).

The heavy metal band - made up of Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson, Nicko McBrain and Janick Gers- picked up the gong for their pioneering role in British Heavy Metal, from the late 70s to the present day.

The group couldn't be at the magazine's annual awards - which is celebrating its twentieth year - but gave a speech via video link. They said: ''we can't be there [London] because we're here [Germany] doing a show and I just wanna say thanks very much for this, and what can I say, 20 years, amazing.''

Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro - consisting of Simon Neil, James Johnston and Ben Johnston - also took home the Best Album award for their sixth studio album 'Opposites', which topped the charts at the beginning of the year.

Tributes were paid throughout the evening to iconic rockers who are no longer alive and Kerrang! editor James McMahon fought back tears during his opening speech as he honoured the magazine's iconic photographer, Ashley Maile, who lost his battle with liver cancer earlier this year.

Kerrang! awards 2013, main winners:

Best Event - You Me At Six: The Final Night Of Sin

Best British Newcomer - Lower Than Atlantis

Best International Newcomer - Of Mice & Men

Best Video - Pierce The Veil, 'King For A Day' (featuring Kellin Quinn)

Best Single - Fall Out Boy, 'The Phoenix'

Best Album - Biffy Clyro, 'Opposites'

Best Live Band - Black Veil Brides

Kerrang! Inspiration - Iron Maiden

Kerrang! Icon Award - Venom

Best International Band - All Time Low

Best British Band - Bring Me The Horizon

Kerrang! Hall of Fame - Pantera

Kerrang! Service to Rock - Queen

Kerrang! Legend - Slayer