Bob Dylan Pays Tribute to Gart Hudson: “He Was the True Force Behind the Band”

Bob Dylan’s Tribute to Gart Hudson

Bob Dylan paid tribute to the deceased Gart Hudson – see what he said below.

Remembering Gart Hudson

Hudson, who was the co-founder of the group and the last remaining member, died last week (January 21) at the age of 87. According to reports, Hudson “peacefully died” in his sleep at the nursing home where he lived. No cause of death has been reported.

Dylan took to social media to honor his former bandmate. Hudson and the group were known as Dylan’s first supporters when he became electric, and they were then referred to as the Hawks. Despite their split shortly after, they maintained a close relationship, with Dylan joining them for their farewell concert, which later became the iconic concert film The Last Waltz, directed by Martin Scorsese.

Bob Dylan wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday evening (January 27): “Sorry to hear the news about Gart Hudson. He was a beautiful guy and a real driving force of the group. Just listen to the original ‘Weight’ record, and you will see.”

I am sorry to hear the news about Gart Hudson. He was a beautiful guy and a real driving force of the group. Just listen to the original Weight recording and you will see.

– Bob Dylan (@bobdylan) January 27, 2025

Hudson and the group continued to record seven albums from 1968 to 1977, with their 1969 LP and the landings of the 1970s reaching the TOP-10 in the United States. They reunited with Hudson in 1983 after their split in the late 70s to release three more albums.

As for Dylan, he was the subject of a famous biographical film directed by Todd Haynes, I’m Not There, which received several nominations at the Oscars, including Best Picture.

NME launched a special printed magazine dedicated to the film and Dylan’s legacy. This 26-page one-shot is now available; learn where to get it here.

NME awarded I’m Not There four stars, writing: “The most important (and often the most difficult) task of any music film is to effectively portray the music. And it nails it. If you are new to Bob, you’ll leave the theater ready to dive into his extensive catalog. If you’re already a fan, the next few weeks will be spent creating playlists of lesser-known B-sides or delving into scenes with which you were not familiar. And that’s why making this film was both a crazy idea and a brilliant one.”