‘Nice kind man’ Bob Dylan finally receives his Nobel Prize medal

Bob Dylan finally has his hands on his Nobel Literature diploma and medal.

Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan has finally received his Nobel Prize medal. Picture: AFP

Bob Dylan finally has his hands on his Nobel Literature diploma and medal.

Klas Ostergren, a member of the Swedish Academy, said the American singer-songwriter received his award at a small gathering late on Saturday at a hotel next to the conference centre where Dylan, 75, was performing a concert.

Mr Ostergren said the ceremony was a small event attended by academy members. “It went very well,” he said, describing Dylan as “a nice, kind man”.

Other members of the academy said Dylan seemed pleased.

During his show later, Dylan made no reference to the Nobel award, performing a set blending classics with more recent tunes. He had declined the invitation to attend the Nobel Prize banquet and ceremony on December 10.

To receive the award worth 8 million kronor ($1.17m), Dylan must give a lecture within six months of December 10. He has said he would send a recorded lecture.

“Dylan didn’t apply for the Nobel prize. It wasn’t a competition, he didn’t ask for it, he was bestowed it. It’s not for the giver of a gift to expect something in return,” said physician Shmuel Burger, 61, who travelled from Israel for the concert.

AP