AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson, was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Music by Northumbria University yesterday (Wednesday, July 9th). The honorary degree recognises the significant contribution he has made to the music industry as lead singer of one of the world’s most successful rock bands for the past three decades.

(Photo - John Burrows)

The singer with one of the rock world’s most instantly recognisable voices was born along the river from the University at Dunston and performed with a series of bands before finding Top 20 success with Geordie during the Glam Rock era of the 1970s.

Brian joined AC/DC in 1980 as lead vocalist and his first album with the group, Back in Black, is one of the most successful albums of all time, selling over 22 million copies in the US alone. AC/DC have sold an estimated 200 million albums worldwide and their most recent tour, Black Ice, is claimed to be the fourth highest grossing concert tour of all time.

AC/DC’s enduring excellence was recognised last year by The Recording Academy, when they inducted the group’s 1980’s hit Back In Black into the Grammy Hall of Fame, taking its place alongside recordings that have inspired and influenced fans and music makers for generations.

One of Brian’s heroes is WO Bentley, founder of the eponymous motor company whose vision was “To build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class”. As a self-styled “incurable, certifiable petrolhead” Brian shares the same appreciation of and passion for excellent design and engineering, and so he received his degree alongside students from Northumbria’s Engineering and Environment programmes.

Professor Andrew Wathey, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria 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.

“Northumbria University has a strong tradition of partnership working in the region’s cultural and creative sectors, and our Students’ Union has long been a focus for key bands who have gone on to achieve worldwide success.

“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.”

The recipients of honorary degrees are nominated by the University’s staff for their achievements, their links to the University – and for their sheer inspirational qualities. Vera Baird QC and Baroness Howells of St Davids, OBE are also receiving honorary degrees from Northumbria University this month.

An interview with Brian, and footage of his speech can be seen below:

Speaking with TeamRock.com, AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson has revealed that the band has completed work on their 15th studio album, and follow-up to 2008's Black Ice. Johnson was in Newcastle to pick up his Doctorate in Music from the city’s Northumbria University.

Commenting on the band's recording sessions in Vancouver, Brian States: “It was brilliant over there. We’re done. I’m very excited and we’ve got some great songs.”

He adds: “We miss Malcolm (Young) obviously. He’s a fighter. He’s in hospital but he’s a fighter. We’ve got our fingers crossed that he’ll get strong again. Stevie, Malcolm’s nephew, was magnificent, but when you’re recording with this thing hanging over you and your work mate isn’t well, it’s difficult. But I’m sure he was rooting for us. He’s such a strong man. He’s a small guy but he’s very strong. He’s proud and he’s very private so we can’t say too much. But fingers crossed he’ll be back.”

In regards to a title for the new material, Johnson revealed: “I wanted to call the album Man Down. But it’s a bit negative and it was probably just straight from the heart. I like that.”

AC/DC's last album, 2008's Black Ice, topped sales charts in 29 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, Canada, France, Argentina, Japan, Australia, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and more. The band are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year! The new album is expected in late 2014/early 2015. Stay tuned for updates.