AC/DC's BRIAN JOHNSON To Receive Honorary Doctorate From U.K.'s Northumbria University

AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson will be recognized at Northumbria University in Newcastle, England next week. He will receive an honorary doctorate on Wednesday (July 9) during Northumbria's July graduation ceremonies alongside students graduating from Engineering and Environment degree program.

The recipients of honorary degrees are nominated by the University's staff for their achievements, their links to the University, and their inspirational qualities.

Northumbria University is the 10th largest higher education provider in the United Kingdom. It is sponsored by 550 employers and 49 professional bodies accredit Northumbria University courses.

In his 2011 memoir, "Rockers And Rollers: A Full-Throttle Memoir", Johnson chronicled his childhood upbringing in government housing near Newcastle, a poor area in the northeast of England, to his early years as a rocker with GEORDIE, to fronting of one of the most successful rock 'n' roll bands on the planet at the age of 32.

Brian has maintained his thick Geordie accent despite splitting his time between Florida, where he has had a home for the last 35 years, and London. He was born in the Gateshead village of Dunston in the fall of 1947, where life was "coal mine, steel works, ship-build and Newcastle United on a Saturday," he said.

AC/DC confirmed widespread reports in April that the band's guitarist, Malcolm Young was stepping down due to an undisclosed illness, with some outlets reporting that he suffered a stroke.

The legendary Australian act stated that it will "continue to make music," and began recording sessions with producer Brendan O'Brien in May. In addition, the band was previously expected to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year by playing 40 shows in selected cities around the world, which have not yet been announced.