Bob Dylan addresses rumors that he is banning people from watching him

The rumor had been circulating for years and had never been commented on by the musician — until now, when a post on X/Twitter caught his attention

Paul McCartney he died and was replaced by a lookalike. Gene Simmons he underwent surgery to implant a cow’s tongue. Marilyn Manson he removed his ribs to practice self-fellatio. Countless musicians have made a pact with the devil. Urban legends have become quite common in rock history and, in many cases, have even helped build an iconic image around artists. Bob Dylan He was also the target of stories like this.

Perhaps the most famous concerns an alleged request made by the folk rock icon. For years it was said that Dylan asked people backstage at his shows, particularly employees involved with the show, not to look at him directly.

We will never know where this story comes from, but after much speculation, he himself has decided to speak out. And in an unusual way, through X/Twitter (via Igor Miranda’s website).

It all started when Bob posted a compliment to the band Nick Cave and the Bad Seedswho performed at the Accor Arena in Paris, France on November 17. He stated:

“I saw Nick Grotta in Paris recently at the Accor Arena and I was really impressed by that song ‘Joy’where he sings: “we’ve all had a lot of sadness, now it’s time for joy”. I was thinking to myself, yes, that’s true.”

An Internet user called Cheryl Henry I took advantage of the “joy” theme to share something that certainly took away the feeling in question. Identified as a former dancer, she said she auditioned to join the musician’s ballet in the 1990s – and said she was, during that time, instructed not to look directly at the star.

“My joy went away after I rehearsed as one of the backup dancers for your Grammy performance in New York, 1991. We all had to file single file through the backstage area, past the dressing rooms, where you were you, wearing a black boxer-style hooded robe. And as you walked by you said to me, “Don’t go and cut that long red hair until tomorrow night.” Nadine (who was responsible) had warned us beforehand not to make eye contact! I think I glimpsed something when I passed you! I also had with me a letter from an old friend of yours, Catherine Perrywho knew you when you lived in the West Village.”

Bob Dylan’s response

Surprisingly, Bob Dylan saw the message and responded. The musician denied making these types of requests and called the case “simply ridiculous.”

“I saw your response. I just want you to know that I have never told anyone not to look me in the eyes. It’s just ridiculous. And the next time you see me, please look me straight in the eyes.”

Allowing or prohibiting eye contact, Dylan remains on the road even at 83. The artist concluded the tour that promoted the album Rough and Rowdy Ways, released in 2020. The tour included more than 200 shows spread between November 14, 2021.

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Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.