Patti Smith to perform at Lennon Tribute, receive 'John Lennon Real Love' award
By nicole bitette / september 19, 2017
Patti Smith is carrying on the light of New York in honor of John Lennon.
The music legend will be honored with the "John Lennon Real Love Award" on Dec. 1 at the 37th Annual John Lennon Tribute, where the 70-year-old will perform her favorite John Lennon and Beatles songs special to the event.
"Patti Smith is one of the truly great and important artists of her generation," said Lennon's widow Yoko Ono in a statement.
"Patti's music, writing and social activism have inspired millions to care about the world more deeply and love more fully. It's wonderful that Theatre Within is honoring her with this year's John Lennon Real Love Award and that the Annual John Lennon Tribute charity concert continues to flourish."
Musician Patti Smith will pay tribute to John Lennon this December. (VITTORIO ZUNINO CELOTTO/GETTY IMAGES FOR LANCIA)
Organizers also recently unearthed a video of Smith performing "Oh Yoko!" at the 30th Annual Tribute at the Beacon Theatre.
"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" will be played in its entirety by a multi-artist live band to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the album.
Other big performers will later be announced on Oct. 9, Lennon's birthday, but past guests have included Debbie Harry, Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Donovan and Judy Collins.
"Just like John Lennon, Patti Smith holds a special place in the heart of New York," co-creator and producer of the tribute, Joe Raiola, said.
"I can't think of an artist more deserving of being honored with an award in Lennon's name."
Lennon was killed on Dec. 8, 1980 in New York City.
The Lennon tribute supports Theatre Within's ongoing free workshops at Gilda's Club in order to help children who have lost a parent to cancer, adult cancer survivors and cancer patients undergoing the treatment.
Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. and are available LennonTribute.org or by phone at 212-864-5400.