Macalester College turns to a punk rock legend for its commencement address

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As a fan, I’ve been wondering: what links Steve Carell, Alan Dershowitz, Derek Jeter, Debbie Stabenow, and Kermit the Frog? Here’s a hint: they’re all set to grace stages across the USA this Spring as commencement speakers at various colleges! If you figured out that they will be delivering graduation speeches, then you deserve a well-deserved self-celebration!

Now, Bob Mould, renowned as a punk rock figurehead, can be added to the list. Known for founding Husker Du while studying at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Mould will revisit his alma mater on May 17th to deliver this year’s commencement speech.

Mold (often associated with media titans or sports celebrities) will be addressing Emory University’s graduation this time, representing the music industry. Occasionally, educational institutions venture away from the customary choices.

Bob Mould does something unexpected

Over the past few gaming years, I’ve noticed Macalester inviting influential figures such as Faith Abiodun and Elona Street-Stewart to speak at our graduation ceremonies. Last time around, it was CNN anchor and lawyer Laura Coates who took the stage.

Although Mould might appear unexpected considering his recent successes, he is widely regarded as an inspired pick. In simpler terms, Macalester College has long been recognized for its progressive leanings. Mould, being vocal about his political beliefs, shares similar liberal viewpoints.

It’s intriguing to speculate about the speech he could have delivered if given this task in 2020, especially considering his upcoming album, “Blue Hearts,” was set to release then. Tracks such as “American Crisis,” “Fireball,” and “Racing to the End” from “Blue Hearts” expressed deep concern about a nation on the brink.

It’s possible that he was speaking at a graduation ceremony while playing the second song from the album titled “Next Generation.

They destroyed our historical records while providing us with knowledge that can be traced – They flood us with falsehoods at an alarming rate – Some aspects of life seem to remain unchanged throughout history – Be cautious, lest they cause irreversible damage to the world – Divide and conquer remains a tried-and-true strategy.

Mould’s recent album, titled “Here We Go Crazy“, came out about a month back. Unlike many artists who opt for late-night talk shows or Saturday Night Live performances to publicize their latest work, this punk legend took an unconventional route instead.

He’s carried out some conventional actions recently, such as participating in interviews with magazines like Rolling Stone and Louder over the past few months. In his interview with Louder, he expressed a more optimistic tone than one might anticipate given the current historical context. He informed Louder that despite the songs delving into somber territories, by the end they offer hope – something we could all use right now.

Musically speaking, Bob Mould admits that his current work is largely an extension of the successful formulas he developed with Husker Du in the ’80s and Sugar in the ’90s. However, it’s worth noting that there’s always an element of surprise when it comes to Bob Mould’s music. Undeniably, Here We Go Crazy is brimming with top-notch rock and roll tunes.

The closing song on his latest album, titled “You Need to Shine,” suggests a potential theme for his upcoming speech at Macalester College in May.

I’m concerned about what lies ahead – I’m anxious about the suffering – I fret constantly over the damage and stress – I’m reaching out to you – Keeping my fingers crossed for better times – The transience of beginnings and endings, the yearning never seems to fade.

I’m unsure, so I guess it’s time to draw the curtains and shut the blinds. In this dark situation, there’s only one thing that stands out – my wish for your happiness above all else. It’s always at the forefront of my thoughts. Every day, wonderful things are unfolding – you just need to let your light shine.

Despite some doubts about the impact without a guitar, it’s still compelling to listen. The University of Maryland is seeking help from Kermit the Frog to boost the morale of their graduates. In my opinion, Bob Mould could do an even more captivating job.

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2025-04-10 13:00