Led Zeppelin icon to be made LIPA companion by Sir Paul McCartney

Legendary rock singer and former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant is to be made a Companion of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) by Sir Paul McCartney on Friday, 28 July.

The award-winning vocalist and lyricist will be one of nine luminaries of the arts and entertainment world to receive the accolade from Sir Paul McCartney, co-founder of LIPA, at the Institute’s annual graduation ceremony.

LIPA awards Companionships for two reasons: outstanding achievement and practical contribution to students’ learning.

As a member of Led Zeppelin Robert was one of the most successful and influential musicians of the 1970s. A successful solo career followed, which included six GRAMMY awards for his collaboration with Alison Krauss. Robert, who visited LIPA in November for a Q&A session with students, will accept the Companionship via video.

Along with Robert Plant, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage – who collaborated with students on a brand-new work in 2022 – will also be made a Companion.

They’ll be joined by Oscar winning costume designer Jenny Beavan, West End performer Anna-Jane Casey, singer and former UK Eurovision representative Sonia, playwright and director John Godber, Broadway and West End theatre producer Ashley Herman, multi award-winning lighting designer Tim Routledge and social justice and anti-racism champion Jacqueline Stewart, who’s from campaigning women’s theatre company Clean Break.

Sean McNamara, LIPA’s Principal and CEO says: “In the realm of the performing arts, creativity knows no bounds. Whether it be through music, dance, theatre, or any other form of expression, the performing arts provide us with a unique platform to communicate, and to serve as a mirror to society, reflecting our collective joys, sorrows, hopes, and struggles.

“As artists, creatives, change makers and cultural entrepreneurs, the graduating class of 2023 possess all of these qualities. The world of 2020, when many of our graduating students entered LIPA, was profoundly different to the one of today. The resilience and determination our students have displayed is an inspiration. We are immensely proud of them andtoday we celebrate their achievements and the transformative power that resides within them.”

Around 330 students from 30 different countries, including India, Mexico and Taiwan will be attending the ceremony at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall having completed either degree, masters or foundation certificate programmes.

LIPA is located in Sir Paul McCartney’s old school, the Liverpool Institute for Boys, which underwent a multi-million-pound renovation to turn it into a state-of-the-art performing arts higher education institution. It was founded by Sir Paul and Mark Featherstone-Witty. It opened in 1995 with the aim of providing the best teaching and learning for people who want to pursue a lasting career in the creative industries and performing arts.