At the 2025 BRIT Awards, the International Group of the Year category generated some surprising buzz, particularly around the Australian punk band Amyl and the Sniffers. Despite being one of the most talked-about acts in the international music scene, they did not take home the coveted award, leaving many fans and critics questioning whether the band had been unfairly overlooked.
The BRIT Award for International Group of the Year is highly prestigious, recognizing non-British bands that have made a significant impact on the UK music scene. This year, the nominees included Amyl and the Sniffers, alongside popular acts like Confidence Man, Fontaines D.C., and The Last Dinner Party. While all of these bands are deserving in their own right, it’s Amyl and the Sniffers who have sparked the most debate.
Since their formation in 2016, the Melbourne-based band has taken the global music scene by storm with their raucous, high-energy punk rock sound. Their 2023 album Comfort to Me was widely celebrated, earning rave reviews for its raw, unapologetic energy and punk revivalist spirit. Their fearless attitude and electrifying live performances have earned them a dedicated and growing fan base in the UK and beyond.
Amyl and the Sniffers’ 2023 album became a fan favorite, with tracks like Guided By Angels and Security resonating deeply with fans. Their energetic live shows have only fueled their growing popularity, and many fans felt they deserved to be recognized for their contribution to both the global punk scene and the UK music landscape.
However, when the award for International Group of the Year was announced at the BRITs, the band was not the recipient. The honor went to Fontaines D.C., a critically acclaimed Irish band known for their post-punk sound. While Fontaines D.C. undoubtedly deserves the recognition, many of Amyl and the Sniffers’ fans feel that the Australian band was more than deserving of the award, especially given their impact on the UK’s music scene and their undeniable cultural relevance.
Fans have expressed their frustration on social media, claiming that Amyl and the Sniffers’ snubbing at the BRITs is indicative of a larger trend of underappreciating punk and rock acts in favor of more commercially palatable genres. “Amyl and the Sniffers have completely redefined punk in 2023, and they deserved this,” one fan wrote on Twitter, while another said, “They’ve brought such a fresh energy to music. This feels like a huge miss.”
While awards like the BRITs are a recognition of excellence, they are also subjective. Ultimately, the decision is in the hands of the voting academy. Still, the snub leaves some fans feeling as though Amyl and the Sniffers have been robbed of the recognition they rightfully deserve.
Creterial for Winning
The winners are determined by the BRIT Awards Voting Academy;
Their Impact in the Music Industry.
Popularity in the Music Industry.
Critical Acclaim within the UK Music Scene.
