Dave Stewart Announces Bob Dylan Tribute Album for Wide Release

Dave Stewart, known globally for his work as co-founder of Eurythmics and as a prolific songwriter and producer, has announced a new album titled Dave Does Dylan. The 14-song collection was originally released last Record Store Day, through Surfdog Records, but will be widely available on Aug. 14th.

The album features Stewart performing solo renditions of songs written by Bob Dylan. Each track was recorded live in a single take, with no overdubs or edits. Stewart provides both vocals and guitar, presenting the material in a direct and unembellished way. According to the announcement, this approach reflects Stewart’s early experiences performing Dylan’s songs as a teenager in English folk clubs.

Stewart first encountered Dylan’s work in the 1960s, when he began playing folk music in his hometown of Sunderland. Too young to be admitted into clubs, Stewart eventually found an opportunity to perform at The George and Dragon pub, which had become a local hub for folk music. He regularly played Dylan songs that he had discovered through his older brother’s record collection, often to audiences more accustomed to traditional songs about coal mining and shipyard life.

His connection to Dylan deepened over the years, both musically and personally. In 1985, while Stewart was working in a Los Angeles recording studio, Dylan called him unexpectedly. That meeting led to several collaborations, including music videos and live performances in cities such as London, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Stewart eventually directed Dylan’s “Blood in My Eyes” video, using two handheld 8mm cameras to shoot in Camden Town.

The tracklist includes well-known Dylan titles such as “Simple Twist of Fate,” “Forever Young,” “Make You Feel My Love,” and “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.” Stewart said that the songs have accompanied him throughout much of his life and that recording them in this way was a long-considered project.

The release continues Stewart’s pattern of reflecting on formative musical influences. His 2022 album Ebony McQueen explored similar themes of artistic roots and personal history. In addition to his extensive musical output, Stewart has worked in television, film, photography, and publishing, and remains active across various creative platforms.