Jarvis Cocker Given Honorary Degree

Former Pulp singer picks up degree

Former Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker has picked up an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University.

Jarvis Cocker has always been a cut above most pop stars. Currently part of an ongoing exhibition on Shoreditch, the singer has been performing to yoga classes as an example of living art.

The singer’s interest in the arts goes back more than two decades. Jarvis Cocker studied at Sheffield’s Hallam University in the late 80s, and returned to the centre of learning to be honoured with a doctorate.

The former Pulp singer picked up the degree during a ceremony in City Hall on Friday (November 13th), reports BBC News.

“I’m called a doctor now,” he said. “Don’t worry, I won’t open a surgery. But I guess if you are a songwriter maybe I could have some kind of musical surgery. If you had a song with a swollen chorus, or a varicose verse, or if you need a little bit of help I could try and heal your song for you.”

“Sometimes people call it the university of life,” the singer continued. “The only trouble with the university of life is the graduation when you’ve checked out, so it’s nice to actually have a graduation whilst I’m still here to enjoy it. It’s a great honour to be given this, especially in my home town.”

Of course, this caps a memorable year for the singer. Jarvis Cocker released his new album ‘Further Complications’ earlier in 2009, showcasing a new and very direct rock sound.

Touring the country, the new degree follows on from his bizarre appearance at The Village Underground in London are part of an art exhibition.

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