Damon Albarn Receives Honorary Degree From University Of Exeter
Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn has been awarded with an honorary degree from the University of Exeter.
Albarn was recognized by the educational institution for his “creativity, innovation, and commitment to environmental causes,” as well as “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.”
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In a brief speech given while accepting his honorary degree, Albarn told students to “trust in your instincts and don’t take no for an answer. Be open-minded and go out there and do good things.”
This weekend, Blur unveiled a new documentary called To the End, which chronicles the making of their 2023 comeback album, The Ballad of Darren, and ensuing reunion tour dates. Blur: To The End is out now in cinemas across the UK and Ireland. The film depicts the most recent chapter in the band’s story, captured during the period in which they made a surprise – and emotional – return with their first record in eight years, The Ballad of Darren.
Blur: To The End is an intimate moment in time with this most enduring of English bands, who have been at the heart of British cultural life and influence for over three decades.
Speaking in the film, Alex James said – “We’ve barely communicated for the last 10 years… I mean even when we really split up, it didn’t take this long to make a record, but what’s wonderful is as soon as the four of us get in a room together, it’s just exactly the same as it was when we were all 19.”
“I don’t think any of us thought we’d make another record, especially not a record like this. I suppose that’s why I wanted to try and make it as good as possible,” Damon Albarn says of The Ballad Of Darren.
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