Arctic Monkeys Donate Mercury Prize Money To Charity

Arctic Monkeys have donated their £20,000 prize money for winning the Mercury Music Prize earlier this week to an un-named charity.

The band released a joint statement, along with departed bassist Andy Nicholson, revealing the generous donation citing their reasons for giving up the money.

The Sheffield band picked up the award on Tuesday night for their hugely successful debut album 'Whatever People Say I Am. That's What I'm Not'.

The statement read: "We had a fantastic night and we're really chuffed with winning the award. It was unexpected but it means a lot to us as the competition was from other musicians we really respect.

"We strongly believe in the ethos of the Nationwide Mercury Prize in that it is about the music and not everything else that goes with it and are therefore really flattered by the decision.

"Regarding the £20,000 cheque, we are going to donate it to a worthy charity which we would prefer to keep private. We have discussed it with Andy, who played an equal part in the making of the album, and he is happy with our choice.

"As for the near future, we are really looking forward to taking a break to continue writing our new album."

Src: Stereoboard.com