Bob Dylan champions MGK, forming an unexpected friendship

Bob Dylan and Machine Gun Kelly, or mgk, may seem like an unlikely pairing in the music world, but their artistic collaboration and friendship have left fans intrigued. Despite mgk’s departure from rap to explore pop-punk and rock sounds, he has garnered a following in the guitar community, with artists like Polyphia’s Tim Henson praising him for making “guitar cool again.”

Dylan, known for his legendary status in the music industry, took notice of mgk and even featured on the teaser for his album Lost Americana. This unexpected connection between the two musicians led to a unique friendship. After Dylan shared a video of mgk on social media, the pair began corresponding, with mgk making a bold move by reaching out to Dylan directly. Dylan’s manager confirmed that the iconic artist was a fan of mgk, leading to their collaboration on the Lost Americana album.

In an interview with The Times, mgk described the process of contacting Dylan and the eventual inclusion of Dylan’s voice note on the album teaser. Despite the unexpected nature of their relationship, Dylan’s words in the voice note emphasized the admiration he had for mgk’s music and its ability to capture the essence of “in-between spaces.” This praise from a music legend like Dylan added a significant layer of depth to mgk’s album release.

The meeting between mgk and Dylan further solidified their bond, with Dylan’s enigmatic and charismatic presence leaving a lasting impact on mgk. Reflecting on their interactions, mgk acknowledged the mutual intrigue they held for each other, with both artists unable to fully comprehend the other’s artistic persona. Their relationship transcended mere collaboration, delving into a realm of mutual admiration and curiosity.

In a separate interview with Guitar World, another collaborator of mgk’s, Sophie Lloyd, shared her experience transitioning from a YouTube guitar sensation to performing live with mgk in stadiums. The evolution of mgk’s music career and his ability to attract and work with talented musicians like Lloyd and Dylan underscore his growing influence in the music industry.

Despite the initial surprise of Dylan’s interest in mgk’s music, their friendship and artistic collaboration have proven to be a testament to the power of music to bring together artists from different genres and backgrounds. The unexpected bond forged between these two musicians serves as a reminder of the transformative and uniting nature of music, highlighting the endless possibilities that can arise when artists from diverse worlds come together.