Sir Paul Bestows Honor On Bangles

The members of '80s girl group The Bangles were awarded honorary "rock'n'roll diplomas" Friday by Sir Paul McCartney at his Liverpool arts school.

McCartney made the band honorary companions of the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts during a ceremony attended by Bangles Michael Steele and Vicki Peterson.

In a statement, the band members said they were "honored and grateful to accept companionship from this historic institution, and as long time Beatles fans, are absolutely delighted at the involvement of Sir Paul, and to receive our rock and roll `diplomas' from the great man himself."

Formed in Los Angeles by Steele, Susanna Hoffs and sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson, The Bangles had a string of hits in the 1980s, including "Manic Monday," "Walk Like an Egyptian" and "Going Down to Liverpool."

They split in 1989 but reformed in 2000. Their most recent album, "Doll Revolution," was released last year.

McCartney opened the institute, inspired by New York's School of Performing Arts, in 1996 in the grounds of his old school.

Past companionships — the equivalent of an honorary degree — have gone to singer Joan Armatrading and former Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren.