Bob Dylan Breaks His Silence On Robbie Robertson's Death

Bob Dylan has spoken out about the passing of his friend and frequent collaborator Robbie Robertson. The Band guitarist died earlier this week at 80.

Robertson's passing was announced via a statement on August 9th. The musician's manager revealed Robertson's passing was due to a "long illness," and he had been surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. According to the statement, Robertson was still working on creative projects at the time of his death. He and Martin Scorsese had reportedly begun work on Robertson's fourteenth film-related musical project. (via Variety, per The Blast)

Many musicians of Robertson's era paid their respects on social media earlier this week. Dylan, 82, followed on Friday night with a few words for his former creative partner.

Dylan's statement was revealed on Friday night.

Of Robertson, with whom he had a decades-long partnership, Dylan wrote, "This is shocking news. Robbie was a lifelong friend. His passing leaves a vacancy in this world," he concluded. (per Pitchfork)

The former guitarist of The Band was reportedly busy three years ago when his pal was in the process of recording 2020's "Rough and Rowdy Ways," the outlet revealed. Robertson had been busy with a collaboration with Scorsese. The duo were working on the music for Netflix's "The Irishman."

"I said, 'Right now, I'm in the middle of this stuff,' Robertson recalled. "and I think he just felt like it was cooked and he needed to bring it out of the oven." One of the tracks Dylan had 'cooked' was a nearly 17-minute song about President John F. Kennedy!

Scorsese, 80, also paid tribute to his frequent professional partner.

His tribute was released via statement.

"Robbie Robertson was one of my closest friends, a constant in my life and work. I could always go to him as a confidant. A collaborator. An advisor. I tried to be the same for him," The "Goodfellas" director began.

"Long before we ever met, his music played a central role in my life—me and millions and millions of other people all over this world. The Band’s music, and Robbie’s own later solo music, seemed to come from the deepest place at the heart of this continent, its traditions and tragedies and joys. It goes without saying that he was a giant, and that his effect on the art form was profound and lasting. There’s never enough time with anyone you love. And I loved Robbie," Scorsese concluded. (via Pitchfork)

Scorsese directed The Band's seminal documentary, "The Last Waltz," which was filmed on Thanksgiving Day of 1976, and released two years later. The Band's last round was accompanied by the likes of Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, the latter of which also paid tribute to Robertson.