Music
05 Dec 16

Nobel Prize winner Bob Dylan sends speech to be read at banquet

Bob Dylan has sent in his Nobel Prize speech to be read by someone else, in lieu of his own bodily presence at the upcoming Nobel Prize banquet.

A tweet went out earlier this morning by the organisation that hands out the prestigious awards. The Swedish Academy tweeted that the folk-singer, "has provided a speech which will be read at the Nobel banquet in Stockholm December 10." No information was disclosed regarding who would be reading Dylan's words on the night of the event.

Bob Dylan (#NobelPrize in Literature 2016) has provided a speech which will be read at the Nobel banquet in Stockholm December 10.

— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) December 5, 2016

In October of this year, Bob Dylan was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in literature. But many may remember his strange behaviour in dismissing the Swedish Academy's requests for him to comment on the award. After eventually responding to the Academy, Dylan noted he would plan to attend the banquet this December.

However, just last month, Dylan sent a letter bearing the news, "that due to pre-existing commitments, he is unable to travel to Stockholm in December and therefore will not attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony." Nonetheless, he has humbly expressed his gratitude in receiving the recognition.

Although Dylan won't be at the December 10 banquet, Patti Smith will honour him by performing his original 1962 protest song 'A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall.'

Patti Smith will perform Bob Dylan’s A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall at the #NobelPrize Award Ceremony 10 December. pic.twitter.com/xoshAq74HX

— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) December 5, 2016