Carl Barat is set to receive an honorary doctorate.
The Libertines man will receive his degree from the University Of Winchester next month. It promises to be a family affair: his mother works at the institution and his sister, Alice, will graduate at the same time in a BA in Drama.
“Carl Barat is one of the most innovative and interesting figures in contemporary British music,” Professor Elizabeth Stuart, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor said in a statement. “The University is delighted to honour such a creative and reflective performer.”
Earlier this month, The Libertines’ debut album ‘Up The Bracket’ celebrated its 10th anniversary. Speaking to NME about the record in a special anniversary issue, which featured a covers CD of the LP performed by a host of bands including Peace, Spector and Stealing Sheep, Barat said: “It’s like a time capsule, bristling. I feel beatific joy twinned with deep sorrow, which was what wrote the songs back then.”
The singer and guitarist had not been aware of the 10-year anniversary of The Libertines debut album and got “a bit of a shock” when he was informed, as he had thought it was “five at a push”.
“There’s definitely some pride there,” he said. “Really, the first time I’d listened to it in about 10 years was when I heard the covermount CD you lot made. And I couldn’t even list the original tracklisting. I’ve got a lot of memories of it though.”