It has been confirmed that Simon Neil will receive an honorary degree from Glasgow Caledonian University, the Biffy Clyro frontman will be given his degree during the ceremony held on the morning of 7th July 2022. The Scottish rocker is set to be bestowed a Doctor of Letter (DLitt) from the prestigious educational institution, the degree is to be awarded to the singer for “his continued inspiration to all creatives the world over”.
Neil has released a statement concerning the news, “To receive this doctorate is an honour I could never have expected. To receive it in Glasgow, a city that has featured so long and so supportively in the band’s story, is the stuff of dreams. I am also proud to be connected to such a forward-thinking institution as Caledonian University, and accept this honour gratefully.”
Also set to receive an honorary degree from Glasgow Caledonian University are eight more noted figures. Joining Neil at the ceremony next week is Julia Gillard, the former Prime Minister of Australia will be awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of her work in gender equality. Similar to Neil’s degree, Ricky Ross will also be given a Doctor of Letters for his contribution to Scottish music and culture. The third Doctor of Letters degree is to be given to Johnny Benjamin MBE for his commitment to suicide prevention. The fourth and final Doctor of Letters degree will be bestowed to Bernadine Evaristo OBE for her work within literature and human rights.
Also receiving honorary degrees are Vicky Wright MBE, Ian Urquhart CBE, Daniel Schwartz and Major Patrick Burgess MBE. During the upcoming ceremony, those in attendance will be treated to inspirational and moving speeches from each honouree, the ceremony will also include a selection of messages from the University’s leadership team. The schedule will include speeches from Vice Chancellor and Principal Professor Pamela Gillies CBE and Chancellor Dr Annie Lennox CBE.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Glasgow Caledonian University (@glasgow_caledonian_university)
Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor has also commented on the upcoming ceremony, “Graduations also afford us the opportunity to welcome distinguished individuals into our GCU family as honorary graduates. This year we are privileged indeed to honour many worthy recipients. They all share a deeply held core set of values that align with our own. They authentically live these values and are an inspiration to us all.”
Earlier this month, Biffy Clyro announced the details for their upcoming UK and Ireland tour, the arena tour will commence this year with a set in Leeds on 5th November 2022. The group will be joined by Brighton rockers Architects, the metalcore band formed by twins Ben and James Johnston will support Biffy Clyro throughout the tour. The “Mountains” hitmaker’s tour is scheduled to include a hometown show, the band will perform at Glasgow’s Ovo Hydro on 6th November 2022. After five more sets, Biffy Clyro and Architects will conclude the tour with a set at Bournemouth’s BIC on 15th November 2022.
Biffy Clyro UK/Ireland tour dates
05/11/2022 – First Direct Arena – Leeds
06/11 – Ovo Hydro – Glasgow
08/11 – 3Arena – Dublin
09/11 – SSE Arena – Belfast
11/11 – Resorts World Arena – Birmingham
12/11 – The O2 – London
14/11 – Motorpoint Arena – Cardiff
15/11 – BIC – Bournemouth
Click here to purchase tickets.
