This past week, Bob Dylan and publishing company Simon & Schuester came under fire after it was discovered that several copies of Bob Dylan’s book Modern Song Philosophy We used a machine that created replicas of his signature to autograph them.
The book contains Dylan’s commentary on 66 different songs by artists like Nina Simone, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams and more. Copies with Dylan’s supposed signature were going for as much as $599.
Dylan took to Facebook today (November 26) to address the controversy.
To all my followers and fans
I’ve been made aware that there’s some controversy about signatures on some of my recent artwork prints and on a limited-edition of Philosophy Of Modern Song. I’ve hand-signed each and every art print over the years, and there’s never been a problem.
I suffered from vertigo in 2019, which continued throughout the pandemic years. To enable these signing sessions, it takes five people working together. We couldn’t find a safe and practical way to finish what I needed while the virus was raging. So, during the pandemic, it was impossible to sign anything and the vertigo didn’t help. With contractual deadlines looming, the idea of using an auto-pen was suggested to me, along with the assurance that this kind of thing is done ‘all the time’ in the art and literary worlds.
It was a mistake in judgement to use a machine and I want it rectified immediately. I’m working with Simon & Schuster and my gallery partners to do just that.
Sincere regrets.
Bob Dylan
Simon & Schuester also addressed the controversy earlier this week, saying, “To those who purchased the Modern Song Philosophy We regret that this limited edition was not available. As it turns out, the limited edition books do contain Bob’s original signature, but in a penned replica form. We are addressing this information by providing each purchaser with an immediate refund.”