Nick Mason, who has been drummer for the legendary rockers since 1965, was given the honour of Doctor of Arts (Hon DArts) at the University of Greater Manchester, formerly Bolton.
This was in recognition of his outstanding contribution to entertainment and local sport.
Nick is also part of Football Ventures (Whites) Limited, the consortium that saved Bolton Wanderers from potential liquidation in August 2019.
Members of the audience in the Albert Hall in Bolton Town Hall gasped when his name was announced during the ceremony on the second day of the graduation ceremonies.
This saw students from the nursing and midwifery programmes receiving their degrees.
After leaving school, Nick spent five years training to become an architect.
