Patti Smith Named 2017 John Lennon Real Love Award Nominee
By Jon Blistein / September 19, 2017
Patti Smith will receive the John Lennon Real Love Award at the 37th Annual John Lennon Tribute concert. Frank Hoensch/Redferns
Patti Smith will receive the John Lennon Real Love Award at the Theatre Within's 37th Annual John Lennon Tribute, taking place December 1st at Symphony Space in New York City.
During the show, Smith will perform a set comprising her favorite Lennon and Beatles tunes, while an array of artists will also team to cover Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in its entirety to celebrate the album's 50th anniversary. Additional performers will be announced on Lennon's birthday, October 9th.
Smith will be the fourth person to receive the John Lennon Real Love Award. Folk-rock legend Donovan earned the honor last year, while the other two recipients are playwright and The Vagina Monologues author Eve Ensler and famed rock photographer Bob Gruen.
"Patti Smith is one of the truly great and important artists of her generation," said Yoko Ono. "Patti's music, writing and social activism have inspired millions to care about the world more deeply and love more fully."
Smith previously performed at the Theatre Within's John Lennon Tribute in 2010. A previously unreleased video of her performing a rollicking cover of Lennon's "Oh Yoko!" is now available to watch.
Smith previously performed at the Theatre Within's John Lennon Tribute in 2010. A previously unreleased video of her performing a rollicking cover of Lennon's "Oh Yoko!" is now available to watch.