Peter Hook was presented an honorary degree during the graduation ceremony at the University of Salford today. The legendary bassist was recognized for his contribution to rock music, the history of rock music, and his connection with the city of Salford.
Prior to presenting Hooky with the honorary Doctor of Arts degree, the University gave a history of Hooky's extraordinary career and delivered glowing praise for Joy Division and the band's impact on the world. Moments later, Hooky took the podium to address the class of 2018. He told the story of how seeing the Sex Pistols inspired him to become a musician and delivered words of wisdom and inspiration to aspiring musicians: don't give up.
"Learning is the easy bit and getting out into the wide world and have everybody try and stop you doing what you're trying to do is the difficult bit. And you have to learn and you have to keep trying and people are always asking me, many many times I'm asked, "What's the advice you give to people who want to be a musician?" And there really is only one piece of advice that you can give - and that's to keep going.
And the thing is that as soon as you stop you sink, you're done. So you have to keep going. Now the thing is, in life, pretty self-explanatory, that's what you have to do anyway, you have to keep going. And sometimes it's difficult. And sometimes it's wonderful. And sometimes you make a mess of it for yourself, and sometimes other people do. But you learn from every occasion, and then you never know, you might end up like me...with three gigs this weekend. Who would have thought that that night at the Sex Pistols concert that I'd still be doing it and enjoying it."
Watch Peter Hook's graduation speech (first video) below. Aziz Ibrahim of The Stone Roses was also awarded an honorary degree - his speech is also available to view (second video) below:
💬 "I was less nervous than this when I headlined Glastonbury"— University of Salford (@SalfordUni) July 19, 2018
You're not going to want to miss honorary graduate @peterhook's speech at our @UoS_ArtsMedia #SalfordGrad18 ceremony today.https://t.co/HyS7vEMBru pic.twitter.com/5DLkarhowF
Thanks to everybody and all the best of luck for the future. @peterhook @SalfordUniNews pic.twitter.com/a78E6IQj6S— Peter Hook (@peterhook) July 19, 2018
Salford Uni presenting Doctorates for Salford’s Peter Hook (New Order) & Manchester’s Aziz Ibrahim (Simply Red) at the Lowry. pic.twitter.com/lfsXmiAiv5— Councillor Stephen Coen (@StephenCoen) July 19, 2018
Published July 19th, 2018
