Congratulations to our old friend JAZ COLEMAN on receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire.
Honouring Coleman, Stephen Marston, Vice-Chancellor of University of Gloucestershire, said, "As a university, we were proud to honour Jaz’s achievements by awarding him an Honorary Doctorate of Music at our recent Graduation Ceremonies in recognition of his significant contribution to the arts and, in particular, his contributions to both contemporary and classical music. His career and achievements resonate with many of our students, particularly those aiming for careers in music, creative arts, and performance.”
To mark the occasion, local artist, Andy Dice Davies was commissioned to paint Jaz’s portrait on an existing site in Cheltenham. The 20-foot-high portrait can be viewed at the High Street Car park, Swindon Road entrance.
“It’s been such an honour to have painted Jaz," says Davies. "Seeing Killing Joke on the Tube in 1985 changed my musical taste and I’ve been a fan ever since. I first saw them later that year at The Elephant Fayre in Cornwall and his performance blew me away!”
Returning to the town of his birth, fresh from recording new Killing Joke material in Prague, Dr Coleman said, “Cheltenham gave me everything. I learned all my music at St Mary’s Church, Charlton Kings, The North Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra and Cheltenham Young People's Orchestra. It has been a long journey, and I am deeply touched by the recognition by my home town. And as for the mural, I’m blown away. I’m absolutely blown the fuck away.”
As previously announced, Killing Joke head out on the Honour The Fire UK tour this Spring. They're joined at all shows by The Imbeciles, with Brix Smith as special guest in London. Full dates are...
March 2022
28th Mon Cardiff Tramshed
29th Tue Nottingham Rock City
31st Thu Bristol O2 Academy
April 2022
1st Fri Liverpool O2 Academy
2nd Sat Birmingham O2 Institute
4th Mon Manchester Albert Hall
5th Tue Newcastle Boiler Shop
6th Wed Glasgow Barrowland
8th Fri Leeds O2 Academy
9th Sat London Eventim Apollo Hammersmith
Tickets are on sale now here.