“Trust your instincts, don't take no for an answer, keep an open mind and go out there and do great things,” Albarn told Exeter's new graduates this week.
Blur and Gorillaz Frontman Damon Albarn was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Exeter earlier this week. According to the BBC, the university awarded Albarn “in recognition of his creativity, innovation and commitment to environmental causes”.
Albarn briefly addressed the Exeter graduates in an occasional address given on Wednesday.
“The last time I came to Exeter was to get my driving theory certificates, that's a bit high,” Albarn joked at the university's launch. “My daughter graduated last week and it's an amazing day to see your child walk up there and get their diploma. Congratulations to all students, have great careers.”
Albarn also offered a brief piece of advice to the graduating class, encouraging them to think for themselves in an age of distortion and misinformation.
“Believe in nothing until you truly know in your heart that it is worthy of your faith,” said Albarn. “These days there are so many ways to make a single event so fragmented and distorted, it's crazy. Trust your gut, don't take no for an answer, keep an open mind and get out there and do great things.”
It is unclear what Albarn's next project will be. Blur briefly reunited last year with their first album in eight years, touring across Europe and South America. Albarn said at the end of 2023 that the band was on hiatus again, although they would play two shows at Coachella in April. Gorillaz, meanwhile, last released an album in 2023 with their stars Cracker Island, featuring Stevie Nicks, Bad Bunny, Beck and Thundercat among others.
from our partners at https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/gorillaz-damon-albarn-awarded-degree-from-university-of-exeter-1235063225/
