Well, it’s finally happened. Roy will tomorrow be presented with one of the highest accolades possible when he receives an honorary degree and will be made Doctor of Music by the University of Derby. It is a fine award and has been earned by Roy’s hard work and his contribution to music over 40 – odd years. What more can we say but ‘Congratulations’to a man and musician who deserves it more than anyone in the world.
Let’s send him love and best wishes for the ceremony, which will be held at the University of Derby tomorrow afternoon.

BBC Radio Derby
You can hear Roy talking about his award on BBC Radio Derby
http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/local_radio/
Go to 'Listen Again' & choose The Ross Fletcher Show, Thursday (4pm -
6pm) Roy features in a phone interview at approximately 5.20 pm.


University Of Derby Press Release

The man behind one of the most memorable festive hits of all time –‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’, has an early Christmas present himself –news he is to receive an honorary degree from the University of Derby in the new year!

Roy Wood, of the band Wizzard, is known to millions around the globe for his musical talent and the 1973 Christmas classic, which reached number 4 in the charts.

He will become an Honorary Doctor of Music of the University of Derby recognising his work as an international performing musician and creative figure in British music and as a founder member of The Move, the Electric Light Orchestra, and Wizzard.

Roy is widely recognised as one of the most significant British musicians of post rock and roll popular music history, contributing to Glam Rock, Rock, Progressive Rock, and Psychedelia.

Roy is one of eight honorary award winners announced today by the University of Derby. Each will receive accolades at our Derby Awards Ceremonies in January for their outstanding work. These honorary awards are conferred in recognition of achievement by individuals of significant distinction.


Press Reports…



Birmingham Post & Mail

Roy's degree honour

Jan 17 2008

By Gary Marks


BIRMINGHAM music legend Roy Wood is set to be awarded an honorary degree tomorrow .

The Move, Electric Light Orchestra and Wizzard star will be made Doctor of Music by the University of Derby.

The honour recognises the 60-year-old's work as an international performing musician and creative figure in British music.

Kitts Green-born Roy, who now lives in Derby, has written more than 30 hit records and is one of a select number of musicians to top the charts with three different bands.

In 2001 he received the Ivor Novello Award for 'Most Outstanding Song Collection' and his talent as a composer was rewarded with an invitation to join the Society of Distinguished Songwriters alongside Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice.He is also a member of the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.

He recently performed a Christmas show at Birmingham Town Hall with his new Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band.



Derby Evening Telegraph

University Of Derby New Honours 18th Jan 2008

Eight honorary awards will be presented to high-achievers and well-known personalities, including glam-rock legend Roy Wood, of the band Wizzard, who now lives near Ashbourne.

Mr Wood, who is known to millions of people across the globe for his musical talent and the 1973 Christmas classic I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day, becomes an honorary doctor of music.

He is widely recognised as being of the most significant musicians in the history of British popular music, contributing to glam rock, rock, progressive rock and psychedelia

The ceremonies tomorrow and on Saturday will be beamed live on to the Big Screen in the Market Place in Derby. The digital screen was set up in July and is partially-funded by the university, the city council and the BBC.