Patti Smith will perform at the Nobel Prize banquet, representing Bob Dylan in his absence. The rock icon was named the winner of this year’s Nobel in literature but, after a prolonged silence, he declined to attend the upcoming official ceremony. In his stead, Smith will perform one of Dylan’s most iconic songs, “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall,” in a special arrangement from Hans Ek for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally, as required for Nobel winners, Dylan prepared a speech for his prize, but since he will not be present to read it, Swedish Academy member Horace Engdahl will read it on his behalf.
