At 83, Bob Dylan Finally Reveals the Seven Artists Who Betrayed Him

New York City, 1986. The Bitter End nightclub in Greenwich Village was thick with cigarette smoke and the ghosts of musical legends. On that fateful night, Bob Dylan—already a living icon—was scheduled for a surprise acoustic set. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, the walls echoing decades of history.

But just before Dylan took the stage, a mysterious note changed everything. Three words. A name. Dylan read it, frowned, and without a word, turned on his heel and vanished into the cold Manhattan night. For years, no one knew why. But now, at 83, Dylan is finally ready to break his silence.

The Night That Changed Everything

For decades, Dylan’s life has been shrouded in myth and secrecy. He’s dodged interviews, skirted controversy, and let his music speak for itself. But behind the scenes, there were stories—stories of betrayal, heartbreak, and grudges that would shape the course of music history.

The night at The Bitter End was a turning point. According to those close to him, the name on that slip of paper was not a rival, but a collaborator. Someone who had once been a friend.

Opening the Vault

Now, in the twilight of his career, Dylan has decided to open up—not for revenge or applause, but for the sake of truth. In a rare and candid interview, he revealed a list that has long been the subject of speculation: the seven artists he hated the most.

But this isn’t a list of enemies. These are people who worked alongside him, shared stages and studios, and, in some cases, helped shape the sound of a generation.

1. The Guitarist Who Betrayed His Trust

First on Dylan’s list is a guitarist whose flattery quickly turned to sabotage. “He played sweet,” Dylan recalled, “but his words cut deeper than any chord.”

The two collaborated on several tracks in the late ’70s, but behind the scenes, the guitarist was undermining Dylan’s reputation, leaking session details to the press and sowing discord among the band. “You never forget that kind of thing,” Dylan said. “It sticks with you.”

2. The Songwriter Who Stole His Sound

Next is a songwriter who, according to Dylan, “borrowed a little too much.” Their partnership began with mutual admiration, but soon Dylan noticed his own lyrics and melodies cropping up in the other’s work. “Imitation is flattery,” Dylan mused, “but theft is something else.” The fallout was swift and permanent.

3. The Producer Who Put Fame Before Friendship

Dylan’s third grudge is reserved for a producer who prioritized commercial success over artistic integrity. “He wanted hits, not honesty,” Dylan said. Their collaboration produced one of Dylan’s most successful albums, but the experience left a bitter taste. “We made money, but we lost something more important—trust.”

4. The Drummer Who Walked Out

Fourth on the list is a drummer who abandoned Dylan mid-tour, leaving the band scrambling. “He said he had a family emergency,” Dylan recalled, “but I found out later he’d signed on with another act.” The betrayal stung, not just professionally, but personally.

5. The Singer Who Spread Lies

A fellow folk singer takes the fifth spot—a friend-turned-foe who spread damaging rumors about Dylan during the height of his fame. “He wanted my spotlight,” Dylan said. “He tried to take it by tearing me down.” The two never spoke again.

6. The Bassist Who Sold Out

Number six is a bassist who sold unreleased demos to the highest bidder. “He needed the cash,” Dylan admitted, “but he could have just asked.” The incident led Dylan to tighten his inner circle, trusting fewer people as the years went by.

7. The Icon Who Broke His Heart

The final name on Dylan’s list is perhaps the most surprising—a fellow icon whose falling out with Dylan was both public and painful. “We were brothers,” Dylan reflected. “But fame changes people. It changed us.” The rift never healed.

Lessons in Loyalty

Dylan’s revelations are not just about airing old grievances. They’re a meditation on loyalty, trust, and the high price of fame. “Music is a lonely road,” he concluded. “You meet a lot of people, but not all of them are walking with you.”

The Legacy of a Legend

At 83, Bob Dylan remains one of music’s most enigmatic figures. His willingness to finally confront his past is a testament to his enduring relevance and humanity. As fans and critics alike pore over his confessions, one thing is clear: the truth, like Dylan’s music, endures.