Bob Dylan Apologizes for Machine-Printed Signature in Book ‘Modern Song Philosophy’
Bob Dylan has shared a public apology following Simon & Schuster, the publishing company that delivered The Philosophy of Modern Song, confirmation that the musician’s signature, advertised as hand-written, was admittedly a machine-produced penned replica.
Over the weekend, Dylan responded to claims via social media: “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.”
He continued, “However, in 2019 I had a bad case of vertigo and it continued into the pandemic years. To facilitate these signing sessions it takes a team of five to work in close quarters. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a safe or practical way to accomplish what I needed while the virus was rampant. 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.”
The legendary musician concluded his statement, “Using a machine was an error in judgment and I want to rectify it immediately. I’m working with Simon & Schuster and my gallery partners to do just that.”
On Nov. 20, Simon & Schuster addressed the controversy on Twitter, “To those who purchased Modern Song Philosophy Limited edition. We want to apologize. As it turns out, the limited edition books do not contain Bob’s original signature but in a penned replica form. We are addressing this immediately by providing each purchaser with an immediate refund.”
The initial sale of Dylan’s hand-signed copies of Modern Song Philosophy It was sold at $600 Refunds were granted to purchasers who bought the signed editions of 2022 book.
View Dylan’s official statement below, and scroll down to see the publisher’s response.
— Simon & Schuster (@simonschuster) November 20, 2022