Bob Dylan is potentially on the hunt for yet another new guitarist after Bob Britt abruptly quit his band over the weekend.
Britt, who joined Dylan’s band back in 2019, apparently announced his surprise departure from the group in a Facebook post (as per Rolling Stone), which included an image of a plane flight and the caption, ‘Sayanora Bobby.’ And, in response to a commenter on the post asking for context, Britt replied, “I quit.”
In a later statement, Britt shed a bit more light on his sudden exit, stressing he was not fired but had decided to leave of his own accord.
“Apparently there are quite a few threads out there with people speculating about my departure from the Bob tour. I’d like to clear it up,” he writes. “I was not fired but left of my own accord for reasons I would prefer to keep private. I will miss my band mates and crew.
“I am looking forward to getting back to doing sessions (give me a call) and also finishing up Etta’s gospel record. As far as any touring goes, we will see what the future holds. Meanwhile, I have some flower beds to weed.”
Britt is the latest Bob Dylan guitarist to cut the band. His departure comes two weeks after the folk legend’s other longtime guitarist, Doug Lancio, was suddenly replaced by jazz virtuoso Julian Lage in one of the most unexpected and surprising lineup changes in quite some time.
Having already had the task of replacing Lancio, Dylan now seems to be in need of another new guitarist.
It remains to be seen what Dylan has planned going forward. It’s unclear just how permanent Lage’s appointment will be, given the solo commitments he has of his own.
According to Cult Following, session guitarist Joel Patterson was drafted for Dylan's show last night (June 29) to fill in for Britt, but, like the situation with Lage, it remains to be seen whether his appointment will be permanent.
Julian Lage declined to comment to Guitar World on his position in the band.
