Dave Stewart Revisits Bob Dylan's Legacy with 'Dave Does Dylan' for Record Store Day

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Recording 'Dave Does Dylan'
4. The Artistic Journey
5. Collaborative History with Bob Dylan
6. The Album Aesthetic
7. Bob Dylan's Response
8. Reflecting on 'A Complete Unknown'
9. Future Ventures
10. Conclusion
11. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Dave Stewart's New Album: "Dave Does Dylan" features 14 solo acoustic covers of Bob Dylan songs, recorded on an iPhone during various casual moments.
• Deep Connection: Stewart shares his personal connection to Dylan's music, dating back to his youth, which infuses authenticity into his covers.
• Dylan's Endorsement: Bob Dylan supports the project, praising Stewart as a visionary artist and acknowledging their collaborative history.

Introduction

What happens when one of rock music's most innovative figures pays tribute to a songwriting legend? Dave Stewart, known for his role in the Eurythmics, is about to unveil "Dave Does Dylan," an album showcasing his take on Bob Dylan’s timeless songs. Scheduled for release on April 12, 2025, in celebration of Record Store Day, this project is more than just a covers album; it is a deeply personal journey that reflects Stewart’s lifelong admiration for Dylan's artistry. With a casual yet profound approach, Stewart's latest endeavor illuminates his relationship with Dylan's music, a bond forged in personal trials and musical exploration.

Recording 'Dave Does Dylan'

The genesis of "Dave Does Dylan" can be traced back to Stewart’s spontaneous performances shared via social media. Stewart explains, “Whenever I was waiting in-between something, I just started to put an iPhone on a little stick and sing a Bob Dylan song.” These informal recordings, made while touring or hanging out backstage, resonate with authenticity and accessibility, highlighting the spirit of a musician who has always embraced creativity in its many forms.

Notable Tracks:

• “Simple Twist of Fate”
• “Forever Young”
• “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”
• “Visions of Johanna”

Stewart compiled 14 of these performances for the album after encouraging feedback from fans who enjoyed the snippets he shared online. He initially recorded approximately 24 songs but trimmed it down to fit the album format. He remarks, “I think you can hear that I have a deep connection to the songs and you can hear every word.”

The Artistic Journey

Stewart describes his relationship with Dylan's music as foundational. Growing up in Sunderland, England, his early exposure to music came after a leg injury sidelined him from soccer—his initial passion. He recalls a transformative moment when a cousin sent him a package containing landmark blues albums and Bob Dylan’s "Another Side of Bob Dylan." "It blew my mind," celebrated the artist, who subsequently found solace and inspiration in Dylan’s poignant lyrics.

Throughout his career, Stewart honed his skills through various musician influences, with Dylan being a profound presence in his songwriting journey. “There are certain moments in time when you know something happened to you… and that was one of them,” he observed. Drawing on this memory, Stewart's covers bring an intimate and nostalgic essence to the album, akin to a live performance in a small folk club.

Collaborative History with Bob Dylan

Stewart’s connection with Dylan extends beyond fandom; it includes collaborations dating back to the 1980s. Their artistic relationship began when Stewart was producing an album for Feargal Sharkey, and he received a surprise phone call from Dylan. “I thought it was just a joke,” he recounts, “but then [Dylan] started talking, and nobody could imitate that voice.”

Their bond has been punctuated by creativity and spontaneity. Stewart's memories of late-night jam sessions with Dylan remain vivid. “We sat around the kitchen table, making up words on the spot and playing acoustic guitar,” he reminisces. “Those experiences I’ll never forget.”

The Album Aesthetic

Stewart's album is not simply a collection of recordings; it also pays homage to Dylan's legacy visually. The cover art of "Dave Does Dylan" echoes the style of Dylan’s 1969 release, "Nashville Skyline," with Stewart donning a hat and clutching an acoustic guitar while striking a pose similar to Dylan's.

Additionally, the packaging includes evocative photographs, such as one of Stewart and Dylan taken during the filming of the "Blood In My Eyes" video in 1993. Stewart states, “I think you can sense how deeply connected I am to these songs just through the visuals.”

Bob Dylan's Response

Dylan has publicly endorsed Stewart’s project, stating, “Captain Dave is a dreamer and a fearless innovator...an explosive musician...can command the ship and steer the course.” This endorsement echoes the mutual respect between the two artists and emphasizes the collaborative spirit that has characterized their relationship over the decades.

Reflecting on 'A Complete Unknown'

In addition to discussing his album, Stewart offered thoughts on the recently released film "A Complete Unknown," which chronicles Dylan's life. He felt that while the film showcases a strong performance from Timothée Chalamet, it only scratches the surface of Dylan’s complex songwriting prowess. “For me, I felt that it only scratches the surface of Dylan as a songwriter—the spark that set the world on fire and has not been equaled,” he remarked.

Future Ventures

Stewart hinted at the possibility of additional projects that may feature the remaining Dylan songs he has recorded, suggesting that "Dave Sings Dylan" might extend into a second volume. His enthusiasm for continuing to reinterpret Dylan’s work signifies not only his artistic vision but also the lasting influence Dylan has had on multiple generations of musicians.

Conclusion

With "Dave Does Dylan," Dave Stewart does not merely pay tribute to an icon of music history; he revisits his own artistic roots, propelled by a sincere emotional connection to Dylan's work. This album is a window into the enduring power of music to heal and inspire, celebrating a legacy that continues to resonate with artists and fans alike. The release on Record Store Day offers a unique opportunity for audiences to enjoy Stewart’s reflection on Dylan’s enduring legacy while experiencing the personal stories that breathe new life into each song.

FAQ

What is the release date for "Dave Does Dylan"?

The album is set for release on April 12, 2025, coinciding with Record Store Day.

How many songs are on "Dave Does Dylan"?

The album features 14 solo acoustic recordings of Bob Dylan's songs.

How did Dave Stewart record these songs?

Stewart recorded these tracks using an iPhone during downtime in studios, hotel rooms, or backstage.

What is Bob Dylan’s opinion about the album?

Bob Dylan has endorsed Stewart's project, calling him a “dreamer and a fearless innovator.”

Are there plans for additional music from Stewart related to Dylan?

Yes, Stewart has expressed interest in possibly releasing a second volume of Dylan covers, depending on the response to this album.

How has Stewart described his personal history with Dylan's music?

Stewart has shared that Dylan's music played a crucial role in his healing and artistic growth during his youth and has remained deeply influential throughout his career.