The 2014 Xperia Access Q Awards ceremony took place this afternoon at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London. The awards, voted for by the public, and artists, consisted of a number of categories covering the normal topics, with the nominees all in line to win the new look trophy designed by Buster + Punch, but still featuring the classic Q logo boldly.

This year, Kate Bush was one of the more notable inclusions, being nominated for a pair of awards on the strength of her stage return after 35 years – Best Live Act and Best Act In The World Today - but won neither.

However, there was no doubting the winner of the Q Classic Album category: Pink Floyd's 1973 album The Dark Side Of The Moon. Nick Mason was on hand to accept the award from The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan (who also presented the Floyd with their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction, back in 1996):

Many happy returns to Jon Carin, who today celebrates his birthday (Tuesday, October 21st).

The talented multi-instrumentalist has been a key part of the Pink Floyd operation since 1985, and more recently toured with David Gilmour on his On An Island tour, and Roger Waters on his Dark Side Of The Moon tour which was followed, of course, by The Wall Live. This saw Jon as a key member of Roger's band for the mammoth tour, which saw the show thrill audiences in North and South America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, with Jon playing keyboards, guitar and more during the show.

Since then, he has spent a whole year working with Kate Bush on her triumphant return to the live stage, in a sequence of shows which were held at London's Eventim Apollo from August to the start of this month. Those who saw any of Kate's concerts (including from the Floydian world David and Polly, and James Guthrie) were in for a treat, and Jon was a key member of the band. A DVD and Blu-ray is due to be released at some point for all those who weren't able to see the show in the flesh (and for those who want to enjoy it all over again!).

For those who might have missed it, or want another chance to read it, check out our extensive and exclusive interview with Jon from August 2007. It's full of fascinating insights into his life and work with various top musicians, including (of course) David, Roger, and Pink Floyd!

Have a great day, Jon!

Last month we told you that the fourth edition of Storm Thorgerson and Peter Curzon's Mind Over Matter, from 2007, the book celebrating the iconic imagery of Pink Floyd, was being revised for an upcoming fifth edition.

Originally due to appear on November 30th this year, the revised edition has now been moved to January 30th, 2015. Those who have already pre-ordered the book may have had an email to advise the revised date. The new, fifth edition is due to incorporate an additional 32 pages of material used in re-issues created since 2007. Before his sad passing last year, Storm revisited the work he created for the albums and offered insights into the work that went into the creation of this legendary album art.

Designers who worked with Storm have also contributed to this new edition of Mind Over Matter. Amongst the new material is artwork from the Oh By The Way box set, the rather wonderful Atom Heart Mother 40th Anniversary 'Wire Cow' sculpture, the Why Pink Floyd? Campaign and the Dark Side Of The Moon 40th Anniversary images and stickers.

For those who haven't seen previous editions, the book features the images from Pink Floyd's album sleeves and promotional material designed for the group. It features almost all Pink Floyd's iconic album covers, posters, singles bags, a selection of band photos, booklet pages and rough artwork that developed into iconic designs. Thoroughly recommended, of course!

You can place your pre-orders for the book now, automatically qualifying for Amazon's pre-order price guarantee so you pay (on publication) the lowest price they've advertised it for, since the time you ordered it. Please use these direct links: Amazon UK, Amazon.com, Amazon Canada, Amazon France, Amazon Germany, Amazon Espana and Amazon Italy.

This afternoon, we've put a couple of very special items up on eBay which we hope will be of great interest to Pink Floyd, and more specifically, Syd Barrett fans. Bidding started today at 4.00pm (UK); the auctions run for seven days.

In the two special auctions, we have authentic, and personally signed, Storm Thorgerson fine art prints, which are being sold by Syd Barrett's sister Rosemary Breen through us (with the approval of OneFifteen, the management team who look after Syd's affairs) with all the money raised being used by Rosemary for charitable causes.

Both are signed to Rosemary by the late Storm, and both are pieces of artwork he created in tribute to Syd. The first, for 2010's "An Introduction to Syd Barrett", was created by Storm for the following reasons. "Firstly, to be vivid and colourful to reflect Syd's creative imagination. Secondly, to be varied and diverse, which is why there are illustrations to all his songs, and thirdly to hint at the darker, sadder side of Syd's life, hence the mirror which is not a mirror, the feather trees of autumn, and the escaping swan, breaking free from the confines of upbringing and education".

The second fine art print is officially known as Tribute to Syd Barrett, but also known as 'S' for Syd, and initially (as Storm has written in pencil under the image), Green Doors. It was created by Storm for The City Wakes, a tribute event for his late friend Syd that was held in Cambridge 2008.

Both are handsigned by Storm and he has hand-numbered it to Rosemary as edition 1 of 1. There are no others in this edition for each print, making them very special.

An item such as this would grace any Syd Barrett/Pink Floyd fan's collections, as well as benefitting some great causes. With Storm sadly no longer with us, this now sold-out, high quality print will never again be available signed by the man himself, and with it having been gifted to Syd's sister, it makes it even more special. It would also be a wonderful Christmas present for the Floyd fan in your life. Get your bids in now!