Guitarist Bob Britt explains exit from Bob Dylan's band

For Bob Britt, the guitarist who recently left Bob Dylan's live backing band, the decision to step down wasn't taken lightly. Britt, who had been a regular fixture on Dylan's 'Rough And Rowdy Ways' tour since 2019, took to Facebook to clear up the speculation surrounding his departure. He revealed that he was not fired by Dylan, but rather chose to leave of his own accord for reasons he'd prefer to keep private.

Britt's departure from Dylan's band is the latest in a series of changes to the live group. In June, Doug Lancio, another guitarist who had been touring with Dylan since 2021, was replaced by Julian Lage. While Lange stepped back due to scheduling conflicts, it's unclear what led to Lancio's absence from the June 17 show in Santa Barbara, California. Dylan has since enlisted Joel Paterson as his sole guitarist, who played his first show with the legendary singer-songwriter in Austin, Texas, on June 29.

Britt's decision to leave Dylan's band may have been sudden, but it wasn't a spontaneous one. In his Facebook post, he hinted that he's looking forward to getting back to doing sessions and even mentioned a possible return to live performing in the future. This suggests that Britt's departure was a carefully considered decision, one that allowed him to focus on other musical pursuits. As a seasoned musician, Britt likely weighed his options carefully before making the decision to leave Dylan's band.

Dylan's live backing band has undergone significant changes in recent years. The addition of Lage and the eventual departure of Lancio and Britt have led to a new dynamic in the band's sound.As he recently said, one of the benefits of getting older is that "you outlive the clocks that have been chasing you." Perhaps this is Dylan's way of embracing change and exploring new musical horizons.

As Dylan's North American summer tour continues, fans can expect to see a new lineup take the stage. With Paterson as his sole guitarist, Dylan's sound may take on a more experimental tone. This could be a welcome change for fans who are eager to see the legendary singer-songwriter push the boundaries of his music. As for Britt, he may be taking a well-deserved break, but it's clear that he's not done with music. His parting words from Dylan's band may be a new beginning, one that will see him return to the stage in a different capacity.

As for Dylan's live backing band, the future is uncertain. Will Lage return to the lineup, or will Paterson become a permanent fixture?As he continues to tour and perform, fans can expect to see a new era of live shows, one that will be shaped by the changes in his band and the evolution of his music.

Britt's departure from Dylan's band may be a new chapter in his musical journey, one that will see him explore new sounds and styles. As for Dylan, it's clear that he's committed to pushing the boundaries of his music, even at 85 years young.