Kasabian frontman receives honorary degree

Kasabian frontman Sergio Pizzorno has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Leicester.

The 44-year-old co-founder of the Leicester indie band accepted his honorary doctorate of music at a graduation ceremony held at the city's De Montfort Hall.

Pizzorno told the audience at the graduation ceremony receiving the degree in the city he grew up in was "surreal" and an "incredible honour".

Kerry Law, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Leicester said Pizzorno's story was "woven into the fabric of the city" and he was in the mould of "many of the university's great innovators".

Pizzorno has been with Kasabian since 1997 with highlights including a 2014 Glastonbury headline spot, alongside seven UK number one albums.

Upon receiving his award, Pizzorno said: "I'd like to give a huge thank you to the university for this incredible honour, and all of you graduating today, nice one, let's have a round of applause for you all."

Pizzorno told the BBC the city meant "everything" to him and all the "major things" that happened in his life - from meeting his wife to being in a band - took place in Leicester.

"The city is in the blood, so it was the most beautiful thing to be honoured in your hometown at such a prestigious university," he said.

Kerry Law told the audience at De Montfort Hall that like many graduates in attendance Pizzorno had "overcome barriers".

She said: "At school he felt at odds with a formal approach to music education, and when he told his careers advisor he wanted to be a footballer, he was urged to be more realistic.

"'Fine', he said, 'I'll be a rock star'. A joke perhaps, but also a promise."

The singer told the BBC it was "mad" that after nearly 20 years they were still able to go out and perform in front of thousands of people all over the world.

"Usually you're on your way out 20 years in, everyone's kind of going 'oh thanks, move along', but it's kind of getting bigger and better than ever," he said.

Asked if he had any advice for those graduating today, he said: "Just try and enjoy life because it goes like that.

"So don't sweat the big stuff, the small stuff - just enjoy it."

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