I wonder if Bryan called round to Paul's for a cup of tea whilst in the area?

Far be it for me to sprinkle a little rain on the parade, but I feel it only appropriate to quote BF's memorable take on higher education from Steetlife:

"Education is an important key, yes
But the good life's never won by degrees, no
Pointless passing through Harvard or Yale
Only window shopping and strictly no sale"

But hey, better BF gets an honorary degree than some politician like Condalezza Rice or Donald Rumsfeld!

In Germany many (formerly) well-respected politicians of all parties up to secretaries of state lost their doctor's degrees during the last years because of manipulations à la copy and paste (analogue/digital method ). The reputation of doctor titles rapidly fell in public's esteem.

But nevertheless I am proud of being a die-hard fan of a band that in the meantime consists of three honorary doctors (Bryan Ferry, Brian Eno & Andy Mackay). And thereby "Roxy Music" and "FYP" have become incredible academic artwork. Anyway, these two albums were/are/will be my musical credo .

By the way, cher M. Windswept2: "Is Your Love Strong Enough" doesn't seem to be your favorite but I think it isn't that bad ... the longer the version, the more you'll understand. I had extreme difficulties with "Taxi" - the only Ferry record I own but never play. Out of these individual aversions we could start a thread "The song you'd wish Bryan had never recorded ..." But that could be too destructive during these times when half of the band have become doctors

Dear DCJ if you watch Roxy's post earlier in this thread from Fri. it covers the whole ceremony. In an address to the audience the lines from Streetlife are quoted saying that the lines do not apply to the students from Newcastle Uni.

Of course. one of the great tropes of graduations is that "you're special!"

I'm glad to hear that the Streetlife reference made in into the ceremonies. BF's observational wit back in the 70s was quite remarkable, and he nicely roasted the pretense that surrounds "Harvard and Yale." No sale indeed.

For professional reasons I have to attend far more graduations than I would like, and I generally find them to be a big snooze. But I would have enjoyed seeing BF get his degree.

Of course, honorary degrees for alums are usually done in hopes of securing a nice bequest to bolster the endowment. Perhaps BF agreed to perform at a private party and then generously donated his fee to the university. I know, I know, I'm an awful cynic. But I know something about the dirty little business of university "development" and this would hardly be unusual...

Cher DJC,
Windswept thinks you are far too hard on yourself!
No doubt Newcastle university are awash with alumni that have made similar contributions to the arts.
Whilst they search for them, us fans will continue to celebrate Geordie's favourite son's achievements and his richly deserved recognition.
That said, Windswept trusts that our hero doesn't adopt this cap and gown as a stage look. The gaucho era was already one mis step too many!
a bien tôt,
Windswept

And let us all also congratulate Andy MacKay who received a similar honor from Reading University...!!

The full text of the Citation awarded to Bryan Ferry can be seen here:-

http://www.ncl.ac.uk/congregations/asse ... yFINAL.pdf

Also, the full text of Andy Mackay's Citation can be seen here:-

http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/pres ... July14.pdf