Bob Dylan has issued a public apology for using autopen technology to sign artworks and books that were sold as hand-signed items since 2019, with some pieces fetching over $17,000.

Photo Credit: Jean-Luc / CC by 2.0

Dylan explained that vertigo in 2019 and subsequent pandemic restrictions made traditional signing sessions impossible, as they typically required five crew members working in close proximity. He was advised that using an autopen was a common practice in art and literary circles, though he now acknowledges this as an "error in judgment."

Simon & Schuster has already offered refunds to customers who purchased the $600 limited edition of "Philosophy of Modern Song" with machine signatures. Castle Galleries, a major distributor of Dylan's art prints, is contacting affected collectors to "offer a solution to fully rectify the matter."

The artist is now working with Simon & Schuster and gallery partners to address the situation. His full statement emphasized his history of hand-signing all artwork prints previously and his commitment to resolving the current controversy.

This incident affects numerous collectors, particularly those who purchased Dylan's artwork at premium prices exceeding $17,000. Other galleries are expected to announce their remediation plans for affected customers in the coming days.

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