Bob Dylan Will Not Be Attending Nobel Prize Ceremony After Win

Singer/songwriter Bob Dylan has announced that he will not be present at the Nobel Prize ceremony to collect his Nobel Prize in Literature.

BOB DYLAN NOT ATTENDING NOBEL PRIZE CEREMONY

The folk rocker is the first songwriter to win the literature prize, and was praised by the panel for “having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” The Nobel committee had trouble getting in touch with Dylan after his win was announced, and he finally opened up about the achievement weeks ago. “Isn’t that something? It’s hard to believe,” he told the Telegraph.

At first, when asked if he could attend the Dec. 10 ceremony, Dylan responded, “Absolutely, if it’s at all possible.” Now, however, he has reached out to say he will not be able to make it. The Swedish Academy received a personal letter from the 75-year-old, in which he explains he cannot attend “due to pre-existing commitments.” He will still give a Nobel lecture, which every prize-winner is required to give within six months of receiving his or her award.

Dylan joins a short list of Nobel recipients who did not attend their ceremonies, which include Harold Pinter and Doris Lessing in 2005 and 2007, respectively.

“The prize still belongs to them, just as it belongs to Bob Dylan,” said a statement from the Swedish Academy. “We look forward to Bob Dylan’s Nobel lecture, which he must give – it is the only requirement – within six months counting from December 10, 2016.”

The photographer Daniel Kramer said Bob Dylan suggested the photo arrangement: “He suggested I photograph him on the swing. His mood changed when he stood up and he pumped the swing higher and higher.” The photo is taken on the porch of Albert Grossman’s home. Albert Grossman was Bob Dylan’s manager, as well as manager for Janis Joplin and the Hawks just to name a few. Bob Dylan was awarded the #NobelPrize in Literature “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. #Nobel #BobDylan #Photo Copyright © Daniel Kramer/courtesy of TASCHEN from photo book “Daniel Kramer – Bob Dylan: A Year and a Day”.

A photo posted by Nobel Prize (@nobelprize_org) on Nov 9, 2016 at 1:43am PST