Bob Dylan issued a statement to apologize for his “error in judgment” wherein he used a machine to autograph copies of his book that had been advertised as “hand-signed”. Dylan said that while he had signed “each and every art print over the years”, he used an autopen after a “bad case of vertigo in 2019” extended into pandemic years.
Simon & Schuster, a prominent international publisher, has issued an apology to the buyers of its $600 limited-edition signed copies of Bob Dylan’s most recent book, The Philosophy of Modern Song. Simon & Schuster said in a statement posted to Instagram that the replicas had Dylan’s actual signature “but in scribbled replica form.” The publishing business promised to “immediately repay” every customer.
Dylan published his first book, The Philosophy of Modern Song, after winning the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature
Outrage over the authenticity of Dylan’s autograph on the limited edition copies prompted the apologies. Fans drew attention to the fact that the copies contained a counterfeit of Dylan’s signature rather than his actual signature.
Dylan published his first book, The Philosophy of Modern Song, after winning the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature. This book, which was released on November 1, 2022, features Dylan’s analysis of 66 songs by a variety of musicians, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Hank Williams, Cher, and Santana.
A limited edition, hand-signed edition of the book would be published by Simon and Schuster in 900 copies. Devoted Bard supporters eagerly signed up for the opportunity to obtain a book that Dylan himself had touched, only to be let down.
The autograph was most likely made with an autopen
The autograph was most likely made with an autopen, according to Justin Steffman, a professional authenticator who manages a Facebook community for collectors, told The New York Times. Modern autopens have a signature that is programmed into them, and a motorized mechanical arm holding a pen recreates it precisely.
Steffman described the action of the pen as “a pen machine, it goes from point to point,” beginning and ending each stroke by exerting more pressure on the paper. As a result, autopen signatures lack the natural flow of handwriting.
Bob Dylan, 81, was most likely not directly involved in this whole mess. He has a long history of treating supporters with respect, keeping ticket pricing fair, and engaging them politely when given the chance. He has just sold his entire music collection to Sony Music for $200 million, and the sale of his songwriting rights in 2020 brought in over $300 million for him. Most people believe that trying to trick fans would be out of character for him and unneeded at this point in his life. Media reports stated that his spokesperson had declined to comment.