Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Exeter.
Presented to him yesterday (July 17), the musician was recognised by the university for his “creativity, innovation, and commitment to environmental causes.”
The degree was also awarded in celebration of “the impact of his diverse talents and innovative spirit, and the way he has continuously pushed the boundaries of contemporary music, opera, composition, and collaboration.”
In footage shared online, Albarn is seen being presented the certificate and standing on a stage while onlookers cheer. He also gave a speech at the ceremony, where he told others receiving degrees on the day to be proud of what they accomplished and open-minded about their futures.
“The last time I came to Exeter was to receive my driving theory certificate. So this is somewhat of an elevation,” he began. “Firstly I want to say congratulations to all the families here. My daughter graduated last week and it’s such an amazing day when you see your child walk up there and receive their degree.
Damon receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of Exeter
#Blur #Gorillaz #DamonAlbarn #TheGoodTheBadTheQueen #AfricaExpress #RocketJuiceAndTheMoon pic.twitter.com/MquSbHwzYv
— Damon Days (@damondaysmusic) July 17, 2024
“Obviously congratulations to all the students too, may you forge wonderful careers. Don’t believe in anything until you really know in your heart that it’s worth your belief. These days, there are so many ways for a single fact to become so fragmented and distorted that it’s kind of insane.”
He continued, offering some words of advice to those in the room: “What I really want to say is trust in your instincts and don’t take no for an answer. Be open-minded and go out there and do great things.”
Check out footage from the moment below.
Damon Albarn receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of Exeter. pic.twitter.com/dFiOQbAAwl— Damon Albarn Unofficial (@DamonUnofficial) July 17, 2024
Damon Albarn Honorary Doctorate speech at the University of Exeter Summer Graduation Ceremony.
Congratulations!— Damon Albarn Unofficial (@DamonUnofficial) July 17, 2024
The presentation of the degree comes just a day after Albarn joined his Blur bandmates for the London premiere of their brand new documentary, Blur: To The End.
Directed by Transgressive Records founder Toby L, the film follows the reunion of Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James and Dave Rowntree, the recording of their 2023 comeback album ‘The Ballad Of Darren’, and massive shows at London’s Wembley Stadium last summer.
It received its official London premiere on Tuesday (July 16) and will be released in cinemas tomorrow (Friday, July 19).
The project will also be followed by their concert film of the Wembley gigs: Blur: Live at Wembley Stadium. A live album will be released on July 26, before the film arrives in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on September 6.
Recently, the director of To The End spoke to NME about the emotional process of making the film, and bassist Alex James revealed that ahead of their comeback last year, he had doubts about whether the members would ever join forces once again.
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