Bob Dylan, at 65, still keeps world guessing

NEW YORK, May 24 (Reuters) Bob Dylan has announced no plans for his 65th birthday today, but around the world and in the hometown he couldn't wait to escape, the musician who has insistently resisted labels will be celebrated as the voice of a generation.

Dylan's spokesman, Elliott Mintz, responded to questions about Dylan's birthday and touring plans by saying only that he had passed along the inquiry.

But a new compilation book of Dylan interviews has been published for the occasion, radio stations from Norway to Australia will air salutes, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has mounted a special exhibit and in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota, residents are baking cakes in hopes he may return.

The singer-songwriter who is also an author, filmmaker, actor and, most recently, radio disc-jockey has changed his name, religion and musical styles along the way. He has sometimes shocked his fans but always kept them guessing, while writing culture-changing songs like ''Blowin' in the Wind'' and ''Like a Rolling Stone.'' ''May you stay forever young'' was his fond wish for his audience, and ''He not busy being born is busy dying'' his credo. At retirement age, with hundreds of songs and nearly 50 albums behind him, he is still constantly touring, with a European swing about to begin.

''I don't see why you can't last as long as you want to last,'' he is quoted as saying in ''Bob Dylan, The Essential Interviews,'' edited by Jonathan Cott.

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