Bob Dylan loses another guitarist as Bob Britt quits after more than 5 years in his band

Special guest Bob Dylan performs in concert during Farm Aid at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center on September 23, 2023 in Noblesville, Indiana
(Image credit: Gary Miller/Getty Images)

Bob Dylan is potentially on the hunt for yet another new guitarist after Bob Britt abruptly quit his band over the weekend.

Britt, who joined Dylan’s band back in 2019, apparently announced his surprise departure from the group in a Facebook post (as per Rolling Stone), which included an image of a plane flight and the caption, ‘Sayanora Bobby.’ And, in response to a commenter on the post asking for context, Britt replied, “I quit.”

In a later statement, Britt shed a bit more light on his sudden exit, stressing he was not fired but had decided to leave of his own accord.

Latest Videos From

“Apparently there are quite a few threads out there with people speculating about my departure from the Bob tour. I’d like to clear it up,” he writes. “I was not fired but left of my own accord for reasons I would prefer to keep private. I will miss my band mates and crew.

“I am looking forward to getting back to doing sessions (give me a call) and also finishing up Etta’s gospel record. As far as any touring goes, we will see what the future holds. Meanwhile, I have some flower beds to weed.”

Posted by bob.britt.12 on 

Britt is the latest Bob Dylan guitarist to cut the band. His departure comes two weeks after the folk legend’s other longtime guitarist, Doug Lancio, was suddenly replaced by jazz virtuoso Julian Lage in one of the most unexpected and surprising lineup changes in quite some time.

Having already had the task of replacing Lancio, Dylan now seems to be in need of another new guitarist.

It remains to be seen what Dylan has planned going forward. It’s unclear just how permanent Lage’s appointment will be, given the solo commitments he has of his own.

Bob Dylan I CAN TELL - Live @ Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara CA, June 17, 2026 - YouTube Bob Dylan I CAN TELL - Live @ Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara CA, June 17, 2026 - YouTube
Watch On

According to Cult Following, session guitarist Joel Patterson was drafted for Dylan's show last night (June 29) to fill in for Britt, but, like the situation with Lage, it remains to be seen whether his appointment will be permanent.

Julian Lage declined to comment to Guitar World on his position in the band.

Matt Owen
News Editor, GuitarWorld.com

Matt is the GuitarWorld.com News Editor, and has been writing and editing for the site for five years. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 19 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. During his GW career, he’s interviewed Peter Frampton, Zakk Wylde, Tosin Abasi, Matteo Mancuso and more, and has profiled the CEOs of Guitar Center and Fender.

When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt performs with indie rock duo Esme Emerson, and has previously opened for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Keane, Japanese House and Good Neighbours.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.