CITY music legend and The Specials guitarist Lynval Golding became an honourary doctor of arts on Monday for his contribution to music and the fight against discrimination.
The 71-year-old was honoured by Coventry University at a graduation ceremony at the city’s cathedral.
A founder member of The Specials, Lynval helped to pioneer the 2-Tone movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like ‘A Message To You Rudy’ and ‘Ghost Town.’
He and the rest of the band also took a stand against racism and all forms of discrimination.
He said: “This means so much to me and I’m accepting this on behalf of the next generation and I want to pass it down to them.
“I have two grandsons and for me to inspire them means a lot.
“I’ve got to give so much to my father, he is looking down at me going ‘that’s my boy’.
“Thank you to everyone for the opportunity, the journey and the doors that were opened to me in Coventry.
“Bless everyone and as Terry Hall would say at the end of a concert: Love, love and love. Love to everyone in Coventry.”
This was the first time Lynval was back in the country since the funeral of his much-loved friend and Specials singer Terry Hall, who died in December.
The ceremony at Coventry Cathedral carried extra poignancy as it was the same location where Terry played his final gig in Coventry.
“Terry was such a humble guy- I won the biggest jackpot ever to work with him and the others over the years.
“The last gig Terry did I got up to sing with him. He was so funny and an amazing man – the best.”
Other honorary doctorates included the Dean of Coventry, The Very Rev John Witcombe.
