A determined Bucks rock star has been awarded an Honorary PhD in Music in Oxford.

Aylesbury born and bred John Otway, known for his relentless performing at thousands of gigs, received the recognition from Oxford Brookes University – despite once being branded as ‘Rocks greatest failure’.

During his career spanning five decades, the singer – known by many for his first hit Cor Baby That’s Really Free – has more hit singles than Led Zeppelin and 15 album releases, a sold-out concert at The Royal Albert Hall, and a headline gig at the London Palladium under his belt.

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Mr Otway said: “I’m really thrilled to be awarded this totally unexpected honour, especially as I failed all my A-levels as I decided to concentrate on preparing for my burgeoning career as a rock star.

“To get this from Oxford Brookes 50 years later shows I did the right thing. And I did have some further education in Oxford in the 1970s - my learning was at a pub in St Clements, The Oranges and Lemons performing my embryonic act there over 50 times in 12 months.

“In that short time, I went from playing to 20 people in the pub to having a hit record. I haven’t done a sensible days work since!”

In April, he celebrated playing his 5,000th gig to a full audience at Shepherd's Bush Empire. To date, he has played 5,041 gigs, with many more booked. 

The Aylesbury music figure played his first ever concert to home crowds in 1972, and has since built a following by loyal fans, who love his ceaseless touring and self-deprecating sense of humour.

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He said: “Now this doctorate puts me on the same level as other celebrity Doctors such as Brian Cox, Angela Merkel, Brian May, Kermit the Frog and Geri Halliwell.”

His self-made documentary Otway the Movie: The Story of Rock n Roll’s Greatest Failure premiered in London’s Leicester Square, was shown at Cannes, voted the second best film in 2013 by Guardian readers and is still available on Netflix. Two volumes of his biography have been published. 

Gavin Barber, deputy director of Academic and Student Administration at Oxford Brookes University, said: “Oxford Brookes is proud to be awarding an Honorary Degree to John in recognition of his international musical and cultural contribution over five decades.

“As a champion of live music and an active supporter of grass-roots venues, and of course a legendary performer, John's commitment, generosity, talent, and dedication embody the values and attributes that we seek to encourage and develop in all of our students".