In an unexpected exchange on social networks, Bob Dylan put an end to a long-standing rumor.
In the strange world of rock & roll, some legends refuse to die: that of the group who only wanted M&Ms of a certain color or specific teas in their dressing room. Or the one from the group who wants their eight packs of “ sugar-free chewing gum » (yes, we're thinking of you, The Killers). Sadly, one of these myths may have just been dispelled by none other than Bob Dylan: that of the artist who demands that no one look directly at him or her backstage.
This myth was widely associated with Prince, and his former associates generally confirm it (one member of his team was even reportedly fired for daring to try). But this legend has also been associated for decades with Bob Dylan. Now, it turns out that this may not be entirely true, at least according to the Bard himself.
On Wednesday, Dylan posted a message at a Nick Cave show in Paris. Cheryl Henry, an astrologer who has also been an actress, comedian and model, responded to his post by saying she had been ” deprived of (his) joy » when she was hired as a dancer for the interpretation of “ Lovesick ” by Dylan at the 1998 Grammy Awards (famous for being interrupted by a man with “ Soy Bomb » on the torso). Cheryl Henry wrote that she ran into Dylan backstage and he said to her: “ Don't cut your long red hair until tomorrow evening “. But, according to her, her boss “ Told us all NOT to look you in the eye! “.
Under normal circumstances, even in this increasingly less normal world, Dylan wouldn't have taken the time to respond. But in a message authenticated by WECB, Bob Dylan decided to give his version of the facts: “ I saw your response. I just want you to know that I have never told anyone not to look me in the eye. This is simply ridiculous. The next time you see me, look me straight in the eyes. »
It should be noted that this myth has already been dispelled at least once. In 2014, Jeff Tweedy told Esquire that he had heard the same story and found himself backstage as the legend when Wilco opened a concert for Dylan. Tweedy thought he was ” supposed to look away but instead he heard Dylan say, “ Hey, Jeff, how are you? “.
Moral of the story: the next time you see Dylan in the street or elsewhere, don't hesitate to approach him and chat with him. He would be delighted.
Well, maybe…
