Fresh from curating Meltdown, Patti Smith has been awarded one of France's top cultural honours in recognition of her contributions to rock music. Described as "one of the most influential artists in women's rock 'n' roll" by the French ministry of culture, Smith was presented with the Commander of the Order of the Arts and Letters at an Aids benefit concert in Paris at the weekend, and said "I have vowed to live up to this honour in my work and my conduct. I can't explain what I feel like. It has uplifted me, and I will work very hard to earn it."
Smith also says she is planning to record a new album of covers featuring songs by Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead and Edith Piaf.