What Were Bob Dylan and John Lennon Really Saying in the Back of That Limo?
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- On May 26, 1966, the Beatles began recording their album "Revolver" at EMI Studios, while Bob Dylan performed at the Royal Albert Hall, facing harsh audience reactions due to his new electric style.
- Dylan, exhausted from a difficult world tour marked by boos and threats, was staying at the May Fair Hotel with his band and a documentary crew.
- John Lennon visited Dylan's suite after recording, where the Beatles had been spending time listening to new music and smoking pot with Dylan, despite avoiding the film crew.
- Dylan invited Lennon to appear in a documentary film, and despite initial reluctance, Lennon agreed to co-star in a scene filmed in the early morning as they traveled in a limousine.
- The encounter captured by filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker showed Lennon appearing stiff and Dylan jittery, marking a significant moment of collaboration between the two iconic musicians.
