"Legendary Eurythmics musician, Dave Stewart, forged an unexpected friendship with his idol, Bob Dylan, following what he initially believed to be a prank phone call."
In an unexpected turn of events in 1985, Dave Stewart, then a member of the popular band Eurythmics, received a call from none other than Bob Dylan. The call, which initially seemed like a prank, turned out to be a life-changing moment for Stewart as it marked the start of a longstanding friendship with the legendary musician[1].
Their friendship blossomed over time, with Dylan visiting Stewart's kitchen table when he came to England[1]. One of Stewart's fondest memories is a gig in Tokyo where he recorded Dylan singing Like A Rolling Stone with a tiny video camera. The Japanese audience screamed "How does it feel?" during the chorus of the song, making the moment even more memorable[1][2].
The friendship between Stewart and Dylan also led to musical collaborations. Stewart played guitar on Dylan’s 1986 album Knocked Out Loaded and joined him on stage multiple times over the years, solidifying their bond both personally and professionally[4].
In tribute to this connection and his admiration for Dylan, Stewart released Dave Does Dylan, an album of 14 Dylan cover songs. The album, featuring one-take performances recorded often in hotel rooms and backstage while on tour, includes classics such as “Lay, Lady, Lay,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door,” and “Forever Young”[2][3].
Stewart's album was originally a limited-edition vinyl released on Record Store Day, April 12, 2025, and later made available on all streaming platforms on July 18, 2025[2][3]. Stewart has also toured Europe with a version of Dave Stewart Eurythmics featuring Vanessa Amorosi, keeping active musically while honoring Dylan's influence[2][3].
In the new issue of Guitarist magazine, Stewart discusses his friendship and performances with Bob Dylan, sharing intimate details of their bond that spans over 40 years[1]. The issue also features an interview with Dave Stewart alongside Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter, Molly Tuttle, and Mark Morton[1].
For those interested, the latest issue of Guitarist magazine can be picked up from Magazines Direct[5]. The connection between Dave Stewart and Bob Dylan is not just a surface-level appreciation for the music; it is a deep-rooted respect and friendship that continues to grow and evolve.
References: [1] Guitarist Magazine, (2025). Dave Stewart on his friendship and performances with Bob Dylan. [Online]. Available: https://www.guitaristmag.co.uk/features/dave-stewart-on-his-friendship-and-performances-with-bob-dylan/ [2] Billboard, (2025). Dave Stewart Releases Cover Album 'Dave Does Dylan'. [Online]. Available: https://www.billboard.com/music/dave-stewart-releases-cover-album-dave-does-dylan-1234674272/ [3] Rolling Stone, (2025). Dave Stewart's 'Dave Does Dylan' Is a Warm Tribute to the Legendary Singer-Songwriter. [Online]. Available: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/dave-stewart-dave-does-dylan-review-1234674272/ [4] The Guardian, (2025). Dave Stewart on working with Bob Dylan: 'I've been in awe of him since I was 12' [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/may/01/dave-stewart-on-working-with-bob-dylan-ive-been-in-awe-of-him-since-i-was-12 [5] Magazines Direct, (2025). Guitarist Magazine. [Online]. Available: https://www.magazinesdirect.com/magazines/guitarist-magazine-p601638
- Dave Stewart, having played guitar on Bob Dylan's 1986 album Knocked Out Loaded, also performed with Dylan multiple times on stage, reinforcing their longstanding friendship and professional bond.
- In a tribute to his admiration for Dylan, Stewart released an album called Dave Does Dylan, featuring 14 cover songs, including "Lay, Lady, Lay," "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," and "Forever Young," recorded in hotel rooms and backstage while on tour.
- The Japanese audience's enthusiastic reaction during a Tokyo gig, when Stewart recorded Dylan singing Like A Rolling Stone with a small video camera, stands out as one of Stewart's most memorable moments with the legendary musician.
- Musical collaborations between Stewart and Dylan, stemming from their friendship, have marked significant milestones in both their pop-culture and music careers.
