Dave Rowntree
HND Computer Science, 1984 | HonLLD, 2017
DRUMMER, BLUR
“I helped set up Thames Poly’s music society. We’d all meet up at the beginning of the term and break off into different bands. At the end of term, we’d put on a concert in one of the bars.”
Dave is best known as the drummer in Blur. With six successive UK number one albums, four of which went Platinum, Blur were one of the defining sounds of the 1990s ‘Britpop’ scene, capped by their famous rivalry with Oasis. Their many accolades include five BRIT awards and nominations for the Mercury Prize (twice) and the Grammy awards.
But Dave is more than just a rock star. In recent years he has become a pilot, film-maker, lawyer, composer, international DJ and political activist.
He has also been at the frontline of information technology. Not least at the university’s predecessor, Thames Polytechnic, where he joined its pioneering computer course, one of the first of its kind.
Dave’s mind was ignited at Thames and he was inspired by lecturers who brought their subjects to life.
The experience gave Dave a deep love of learning. When Blur took a break in the late 90s, he grasped the opportunity to expand his horizons. Returning to IT, he directed the BAFTA-nominated animated show Empire Square. Later he trained to become a solicitor and now works in criminal law. One of his specialities is cybercrime.
He even found time to become a politician. A longstanding Labour Party activist, he was elected to Norfolk County Council in 2017, having previously stood for Parliament in London. Blur are still going strong too. Reuniting in 2009, they headlined Glastonbury and picked up another BRIT Award, for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’.
Dave Rowntree
HND Computer Science, 1984 | HonLLD, 2017
DRUMMER, BLUR
“I helped set up Thames Poly’s music society. We’d all meet up at the beginning of the term and break off into different bands. At the end of term, we’d put on a concert in one of the bars.”
Dave is best known as the drummer in Blur. With six successive UK number one albums, four of which went Platinum, Blur were one of the defining sounds of the 1990s ‘Britpop’ scene, capped by their famous rivalry with Oasis. Their many accolades include five BRIT awards and nominations for the Mercury Prize (twice) and the Grammy awards.
But Dave is more than just a rock star. In recent years he has become a pilot, film-maker, lawyer, composer, international DJ and political activist.
He has also been at the frontline of information technology. Not least at the university’s predecessor, Thames Polytechnic, where he joined its pioneering computer course, one of the first of its kind.
Dave’s mind was ignited at Thames and he was inspired by lecturers who brought their subjects to life.
The experience gave Dave a deep love of learning. When Blur took a break in the late 90s, he grasped the opportunity to expand his horizons. Returning to IT, he directed the BAFTA-nominated animated show Empire Square. Later he trained to become a solicitor and now works in criminal law. One of his specialities is cybercrime.
He even found time to become a politician. A longstanding Labour Party activist, he was elected to Norfolk County Council in 2017, having previously stood for Parliament in London. Blur are still going strong too. Reuniting in 2009, they headlined Glastonbury and picked up another BRIT Award, for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’.
