Bob Dylan has apologized for using a so-called autopen to autograph his art and copies of his book The Philosophy of Modern Song.
"I have been informed that there has been a fuss about signatures on some of my recent artwork and in a special edition of the book The Philosophy Of Modern Song," the singer-songwriter and artist wrote on his Facebook page.
"I have always signed every art print by hand, but since 2019 I have suffered from severe dizziness. In addition, the corona pandemic prevented me from doing my work. Therefore, my team and I sought a safe and workable way to help sign my work."
Dylan says contractual deadlines led him to use an autopen, an autograph-writing machine. "I have been assured that it is more commonly used in the art and literary world," he writes. The artist now calls the use of the machine "an error of judgment."
"I am working with my publisher Simon & Schuster and my gallery partners to correct that mistake. My sincere apologies."
American publisher Simon & Schuster admitted more than a week ago that supposedly hand-signed copies of Dylan's book The Philosophy of Modern Song contained replicas of his signature. The replicas had been made with an autopen. Buyers paid $599 (574 euros) for the autographed book.
The publisher announced that buyers of the books would be refunded their money and allowed to keep their copies.