John Cooper Clarke awarded honorary degree by Salford University

Punk poet and spoken-word performer, John Cooper Clarke received a honorary doctorate of arts at the University of Salford yesterday.

The punk legend, who rose to fame while opening for the likes of Sex Pistols, The Clash and more, attended a graduation ceremony at The Lowry in his hometown, near Manchester.

“What a thrill – who’d have thought it? Now I’m a doctor, finally my dream of opening a cosmetic surgery business can become a reality!” he said of the occasion. “There’ve been lots of positive changes in the city since I worked at Salford Tech in the seventies, and I’m pleased to be known as Salford’s Bard and to have helped put it on the map.”

You can check out a photo of Clarke donning his cap and gown beneath:

[via NME]