Doctor of Arts, by the University of Hertfordshire in recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of music. In 2009 he entered The Guardian'''s MediaGuardian 100, described as the "MediaGuardian's annual guide to the most powerful people in television, radio, newspapers, magazines, digital media, media business, advertising, marketing and PR", at number 56. In 2010 he appeared in Wired's The Wired 100, "Who are the people who shape the Wired world," at number 45. The same year he received a Doctor of Letters honoris causa from the University of Ulster in recognition of his services to music. Sharkey was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 Birthday Honours for services to music. Environmental campaigning Sharkey is a lifelong fly fisherman and has campaigned against the pollution of British rivers (particularly chalk streams), and the regulations of the water industry which impact British water resources. He gave the keynote address at The Rivers Trust Autumn Conference 2018. On 30 August 2020, Sharkey appeared in episode 3 of the second series of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing'' to discuss the environmental pressures faced by Britain's chalk rivers, during a conversation by the River Lea. He reappeared on episode 6 of the fifth series of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing on 14 October 2022 and discussed pollution in English rivers including the Thames and Wye. He is Chairman of the Amwell Magna Fishery. He has subsequently become a figurehead for the campaign to prevent water companies dumping untreated sewage into UK waterways and coasts, appearing on television news coverage and gathering a large following on twitter, as well as supporting The Times campaign to "clean it up". Discography Studio albums Singles Promotional singles "Cry Like a Rainy Day" (1991) References External links Ukmusic.org 1958 births British music industry executives Male singers from Northern Ireland Pop singers from Northern Ireland Rock singers from Northern Ireland Living people Musicians from Derry (city) New wave musicians from Northern Ireland Punk rock musicians from Northern Ireland The Undertones members The Assembly members Officers of the Order of the British Empire Zarjazz