This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-28225024
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| AC/DC singer Brian Johnson receives honorary degree | AC/DC singer Brian Johnson receives honorary degree |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| AC/DC singer Brian Johnson has received an honorary degree from Northumbria University. | AC/DC singer Brian Johnson has received an honorary degree from Northumbria University. |
| The 67-year-old, who was born in Dunston, Gateshead, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music for his "inspirational" achievements. | The 67-year-old, who was born in Dunston, Gateshead, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music for his "inspirational" achievements. |
| He began singing in a church choir in Gateshead, before making his name with Tyneside band Geordie in the 1970s. | He began singing in a church choir in Gateshead, before making his name with Tyneside band Geordie in the 1970s. |
| He joined Australian-based rockers AC/DC in 1980 after the death of the band's original singer Bon Scott. | He joined Australian-based rockers AC/DC in 1980 after the death of the band's original singer Bon Scott. |
| Mr Johnson said: "When you move away from here and you come back, you suddenly realise what you had... it's wonderful to be back. | |
| "I hate to use the word humbling but it really does slap you down a couple of notches." | |
| Distinctive voice | Distinctive voice |
| AC/DC remains one of the world's most successful rock bands, having sold an estimated 150 million albums. | |
| The group's recent Black Ice tour was the fourth biggest-grossing of all-time, making about £258m ($440m). | The group's recent Black Ice tour was the fourth biggest-grossing of all-time, making about £258m ($440m). |
| AC/DC formed in Australia in 1973 and their biggest-selling record was 1980's Back In Black - the first to feature Mr Johnson. | AC/DC formed in Australia in 1973 and their biggest-selling record was 1980's Back In Black - the first to feature Mr Johnson. |
| Prof Andrew Wathey, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the university, said: "It is fitting that we honour one of the most distinctive voices in rock music, who is also a native of the North East. | Prof Andrew Wathey, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the university, said: "It is fitting that we honour one of the most distinctive voices in rock music, who is also a native of the North East. |
| "It is interesting to reflect on the importance of culture to collective life of the North East and of the cultural industries as a major UK export. | "It is interesting to reflect on the importance of culture to collective life of the North East and of the cultural industries as a major UK export. |
| "Brian Johnson symbolises both of these things and, moreover, has been an inspiration to generations of young musicians over several decades." | "Brian Johnson symbolises both of these things and, moreover, has been an inspiration to generations of young musicians over several decades." |