The evolving landscape of the social media platform X, which was previously known as Twitter, has experienced significant turbulence throughout the past year. This turbulence is underscored by a substantial exodus of users, particularly over the last month, driven by widespread discontent regarding the owner Elon Musk’s controversial handling of misinformation during a politically charged election season filled with conflicts and disputes over fundamental truths. Simply put, the essence of Twitter has shifted dramatically, leaving many to ponder its future.

In a curious twist of fate, this chaotic period coincided with the legendary Bob Dylan’s unexpected decision to engage authentically on social media. Known for his elusive nature, Dylan’s tweets appeared genuine and personal, seemingly crafted by him rather than an assistant or social media manager. As we reach mid-December 2024, Dylan has made an astonishing total of 11 tweets, an impressive feat for an artist renowned for his reluctance to participate in interviews or share thoughts beyond the lyrics of his songs during performances.

Dylan’s foray into tweeting has sparked immense joy among his devoted fanbase and the broader musical community. There is a certain comfort in realizing that even someone as iconic as Dylan experiences the same mundanity as the rest of us—finding moments of boredom on his phone. While we cannot definitively confirm that he personally authored these tweets or the veracity of their content, our primary focus remains on the joy and intrigue they bring to fans everywhere.

Each of Dylan’s tweets carries its own unique charm and significance, prompting us to take it upon ourselves to rank them based on their sheer intrigue and impact. Below, we present our carefully curated list of his tweets, showcasing the moments that have resonated most with fans and followers alike.

11. Celebrating Paul Butterfield’s Legacy

Just moments after completing this article, Dylan surprised us all with his 11th tweet of 2024, a heartfelt birthday tribute to his late friend Paul Butterfield, who sadly passed away in 1987 at just 44 years old. This poignant shoutout reflects Dylan’s enduring friendships and memories, reminding us that even legends celebrate the lives of those they’ve lost. Perhaps this article will catch Dylan’s eye, inspiring another tweet from him!

10. Remembering Bob Newhart

The entertainment world mourned the loss of actor Bob Newhart, who passed away on July 18 of this year. Over two months later, Dylan expressed his condolences online, sharing his grief with the world. It was indeed a striking moment to see Dylan’s words, “Rest in peace Bob,” as it resonates deeply with fans and serves as a reminder of our shared humanity amidst fame.

9. An Enigmatic Birthday Wish

In a bewildering first tweet, Dylan extended birthday wishes to someone named Mary Jo, a message that left many scratching their heads in confusion. To this day, the identity of Mary Jo remains a mystery, and the peculiar mention of Frankfort—spelled like the capital of Kentucky despite Dylan’s scheduled performance in Frankfurt, Germany—only adds to the intrigue and curiosity surrounding this enigmatic tweet.

8. Movie Recommendations from Dylan

Dylan’s cinematic knowledge shines through in a tweet where he acknowledged a request for movie recommendations from Nick Newman, the managing editor of The Film Stage. In a delightful surprise, Dylan suggested the 1927 film The Unknown, featuring Lon Chaney. This unexpected engagement with fans showcases Dylan’s willingness to interact and connect over shared interests, sparking further dialogue about the film world.

7. Culinary Delights in New Orleans

When it comes to food, Dylan took us on a virtual tour of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans, known for its mouthwatering dishes like shrimp creole and peach cobbler. He even provided the exact intersection where this beloved eatery resides, inviting fans to experience the essence of Southern comfort cuisine through his eyes. Dylan’s passion for food and culture resonates deeply with fans, showcasing his appreciation for the finer things in life.

6. A Humorous Publishing Adventure in Frankfurt

Dylan’s tweet about attending a book publishing convention in Germany paints an amusing image of him wandering incognito in a baggy hoodie, blending into the crowd. His mention of a book published in 1894 adds an amusing twist, highlighting the generational gap between him and the modern publishing industry. The excitement expressed by Crystal Lake Publishing in response to Dylan’s shoutout reflects the joy that can arise from unexpected moments of recognition.

5. Celebrating Joy at a Concert

This tweet captures a heartfelt moment where Dylan shares his experience attending a concert by Nick Cave in Paris, emphasizing the importance of joy and connection in music. His message, “Now ain’t the time for your tears, now it the time for joy,” resonates with fans, reminding us all of the uplifting power of live performances. Even the great Bob Dylan is not immune to typos, adding a touch of authenticity to his social media presence. Nick Cave’s response to Dylan’s tweet underscores the camaraderie and shared experiences that unite artists.

4. A Unique Apology

Dylan’s tweet addressing a user named Vlad marked a significant moment in his social media journey, as he publicly apologized for missing a restaurant recommendation in Prague. This rare interaction highlights Dylan’s willingness to engage with fans on a personal level, showcasing his humility and genuine nature. Vlad now holds the distinction of being the only individual to receive a public apology from Bob Dylan on social media, a moment that fans will likely cherish forever.

3. Encounter with a Buffalo Sabre

This tweet holds special significance for this writer, a Buffalo native and avid Sabres supporter. Dylan shared a delightful encounter with a member of the Buffalo Sabres in a hotel elevator while in Europe, who invited him to attend a game. Although scheduling conflicts prevented Dylan from attending, the sheer joy of this unexpected connection resonates deeply with fans, showcasing the intersection of music and sports in a relatable way. Further investigation suggests that the player in question may have been center and alternate captain Tage Thompson, known for his guitar skills.

2. Acknowledging His Own Biopic

In a rare moment of self-reflection, Dylan acknowledged the 2024 biopic A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet, in a tweet that discusses the film’s origins and his admiration for Chalamet’s portrayal. This tweet encapsulates the blend of nostalgia and excitement surrounding the film, resonating with fans who have long followed Dylan’s remarkable journey. Chalamet’s heartfelt response to Dylan’s tweet reflects the profound impact that Dylan’s artistry continues to have on the next generation.

1. Setting the Record Straight About Eye Contact

Bob Dylan’s candid tweet about the common misconception surrounding his demeanor towards fans is a testament to the power of social media to clarify misunderstandings. He firmly stated that the notion of avoiding eye contact with fans is “just ridiculous,” effectively dispelling myths that have surrounded him for decades. This moment highlights the potential of social media to foster genuine connections between artists and their audiences, allowing for a more accurate understanding of public figures.