“Trust your instincts, don’t take no for an answer, be open-minded, and go out and do great things,” Albourne told new Exeter graduates this week.
Blur and Gorillaz Earlier this week, lead singer Damon Albourne was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Exeter. According to the BBC, the university awarded Albourne “in recognition of his creativity, innovation and commitment to environmental issues.”
Albourne gave a short speech to Exeter graduates in an informal address on Wednesday.
“The last time I came to Exeter was to receive my theoretical driving certificates, which was fantastic,” joked Albourne at the university’s graduation ceremony. “My daughter graduated last week, and it was a great day to see your daughter walk up there and receive her certificate. Congratulations to all the students, I hope you have a great career.”
Alborn also offered brief advice to the graduating class, encouraging them to think for themselves in an age of distortions and misinformation.
“Don’t believe in anything until you know in your heart that it’s worth believing in,” Alborn said. “There are so many ways these days that a single truth can be distorted and disintegrated, it’s crazy. Trust your instincts, don’t accept rejection, be open-minded, and go out and do great things.”
It’s not yet clear what Alborn will release next. Blur briefly reunited last year with their first album in eight years, touring across Europe and South America. Alborn said at the end of 2023 that the band would go on hiatus again, though they will still play two shows at Coachella in April. Gorillaz, meanwhile, are set to release their final album in 2023 with their co-stars. Cracker Island Featuring Stevie Nicks, Bad Bunny, Beck, Thundercat, and more.
