In a rare public statement, Bob Dylan acknowledged using autopen technology for signatures on artwork and books sold between 2019 and 2022, some of which commanded prices exceeding $17,000.

Photo Credit: Jean-Luc / CC by 2.0

Dylan explained that vertigo in 2019, followed by pandemic restrictions, prevented his usual hand-signing process, which required five crew members working in close proximity. After receiving assurance that autopen use was common practice in artistic and literary circles, he agreed to use the technology to meet contractual deadlines.

"Using a machine was an error in judgment, and I want to rectify it immediately," Dylan stated on Facebook, promising to work with Simon & Schuster and gallery partners to address the situation.

Simon & Schuster has already offered refunds for the $600 limited edition of "Philosophy of Modern Song" affected by the automated signatures. Castle Galleries, a major retailer of Dylan's art prints, is contacting collectors who purchased from relevant editions to "offer a solution to fully rectify the matter." Other galleries are expected to follow suit, particularly given the high value of affected artworks.

Throughout his career, Dylan had consistently hand-signed his work until this incident, maintaining a policy of personal authentication for his artistic pieces and publications.

Related Articles

Previous Articles