2014 LIPA graduation ceremony

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I just love to come here and see this amount of talent, this amount of hopefulness, the spirit, about to be launched into the world. Just go out there, be wonderful and be yourself.

Paul McCartney, from the end of his speech at LIPA, from Liverpool Echo

From Liverpool Echo, July 31, 2014:

Sir Paul McCartney told students at the performing arts college he co-founded to “go out there and be wonderful” as he attended its annual graduation ceremony. […]

Around 280 students from 26 countries, including Israel, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland and the USA, graduated at the ceremony at the BT Convention Centre. Meanwhile nine leading figures from the entertainment industry – including legendary lyricist Don Black, Island Records President Darcus Beece, actor Sam West and Grammy Award-winning music producer Giles Martin – were made Companions of LIPA, an accolade given for outstanding achievement and practical contribution to students’ learning.

The other 2014 Companions were theatre director Adrian Jackson, Executive Director of the National Theatre Nick Starr, theatre designer Colin Richmond, lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe and professional dancer Briony Albert. Meanwhile radio presenter Janice Long and songwriter Suzahn Fiering were named Honoured Friends of LIPA.

Sir Paul – who gave a thumbs up as he made his entrance – said: “I just love to come here and see this amount of talent, this amount of hopefulness, the spirit, about to be launched into the world. Just go out there, be wonderful and be yourself.”

Last updated on January 25, 2022