Stockholm — "Whoever it is that listens to my songs owes me nothing," Bob Dylan said in a 1966 interview, half a century before winning the Nobel Literature Prize last year. These words come as an ironic reminder for the Swedish Academy, which awards the prestigious prize. The rock enigma snubbed the Nobel ceremony in December because of "pre-existing commitments", and has given no indication of whether he plans to deliver a traditional Nobel lecture by the June 10 deadline. The lecture is the only requirement to receive the 8-million krona (€839,000, $870,000) that comes with the prize. It can take nearly any form, including a short speech, a performance, a video broadcast or even a song, but must be held within six months of December 10, the date of the Nobel prize ceremony and the anniversary of the death of the prize’s founder, Alfred Nobel. Dylan is set to perform in Stockholm on April 1-2 and in the southern city of Lund on April 9. Speculation has mounted that he may hold his...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.