Bob Dylan Once Terrified Someone While Napping in Neil Young’s Hearse

Neil Young’s hearse was a notable asset in the early days of his music career due to its spaciousness and suitability for touring. He nicknamed the 1948 Buick Roadmaster “Mortimer Hearseburg” and even wrote the song “Long May You Reign” when it broke down.

In an interesting turn of events, Bob Dylan once stayed at Neil’s ranch and decided to sleep in the back of Mortimer. The next morning, a stranger who drove the hearse accidentally had a fright when he mistook Bob, who looked like a mummy, for a ghost, sending him into a panic.

Neil was very fond of his hearse, often talking about how up to six people could comfortably hide in it to get high, thanks to its curtains. The vehicle also featured a heater and a tray that could pop out onto the sidewalk when the passenger doors were opened.

The frightened driver, identified as fellow artist Sandy Mazzeo, recounted the story in Jimmy McDonough’s biography “Shakey: Neil Young’s Biography.” Sandy only realized it was Bob Dylan, not a ghost, after looking closely in the rearview mirror.

Bob’s attire made the situation worse. His turban had unraveled when he got up from the back, making him look even more ghostly. Surprisingly, rather than allow Sandy to take him back to the ranch, Bob chose to hitchhike.

Bob Dylan and Neil Young’s friendship has been lengthy and sometimes colored by rumors of a feud. These rumors largely stemmed from Bob’s critique of Neil’s song “Heart Of Gold,” which Bob believed was too similar to his own style. Despite this, the two have maintained mutual respect for each other’s artistry.