Before social media, before viral interviews, Bob Dylan gave a masterclass in toying with the press.
Watch the folk legend dodge, deflect, and downright dismantle a room full of reporters in 1965—without ever breaking a sweat.
I rank this at the top of my list of “Best Press Conferences” (includes Musicians, Politics, Business and Sports!)
Watch the Bob Dylan San Francisco Press Conference (1965)
You can watch it for free on YouTube by clicking the video embed above.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 91/100
- IMDB Rating: na
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: na
Release Date: December 3, 1965
My Review of the Bob Dylan San Francisco Press Conference
The Setup
Bob Dylan’s San Francisco press conference in 1965, recorded at KQED, captures him at a turning point—caught between folk purists and a new electric sound.
At just 24, Dylan is already a legend, yet he treats the event with humor and deflection.
He fields questions on everything from his music to atomic science, motorcycles, and whether he considers himself a poet.
You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up
- The Celebs in Attendance — Attendees included poets Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti, music promoter Bill Graham, Singer Mary Ann Pollar, Gary Goodrow, Larry Hankin (played “Kramer” in the Seinfeld “Making the Pilot” episodes), and Robbie Robertson and other members of The Band.
- Killer Comeback— When asked if he sees himself as a poet or singer, Dylan playfully replies “Oh, I think of myself more as a song and dance man, y’know.”
More Highlights from the Press Conference
My favorite Dylan quips:
Question: “Why is there no picture of you on ‘Another Side of Bob Dylan’?”
Answer: Dylan joked, “I didn’t have a camera.”
Question: “Do you think of yourself primarily as a singer or a poet?”
Answer: Dylan playfully said, “Oh, I think of myself more as a song and dance man, y’know.”
Question: “What do you think of people who analyze your songs?”
Answer: He humorously responded, “I welcome them with open arms and my bank account also welcomes them.”
Question: “How many protest singers are there?”
Answer: Dylan replied wittily, “About 136.”
Question: “Why do you perform?”
Answer: Dylan replied vaguely, “I’ve got nothing else to do.”
Question: “Do you think of yourself as a musician?”
Answer: Dylan responded evasively, “Sometimes, in the bathtub.”
…and here are some other highlights:
- Dylan acknowledges he doesn’t play his older songs much, saying there’s “not enough time.”
- He reveals he hears melodies on unexpected instruments like the harpsichord and autoharp, not guitar.
- Asked if he plans to move into painting or sculpture, he simply replies, “Oh yes, sure.”
- When questioned about why his lyrics seem critical of people, he denies malice, saying he isn’t trying to torment anyone.
- On the meaning of a cover photo: “I hadn’t really looked at it that much, but I’ve thought about it a great deal.”
- He dodges a question about future career changes by describing a “ruthless and intoxicated” feeling.
- When pressed about folk rock, he insists, “I don’t play folk rock. It’s vision music.”
Lesser-Known Details from the Conference
- He dismisses the idea of protest songs, labeling them a “constitutional replay of mass production.”
- When asked about Phil Ochs’ suggestion that Dylan should make films, he admits he has plans but not because anyone told him to.
- On being labeled a symbol of the protest movement, he evades the question with, “I’ll be busy tonight.”
- He envisions a protest featuring picket signs with playing cards and mules printed on them.
- Other attendees included Dylan Biographer Robert Shelton and reporter Jonathan Kott (he later interviewed Dylan for Rolling Stone)
Wrap Up
Dylan’s 1965 press conference is a performance in itself—equal parts comedy, mystery, and frustration.
He plays with the press, dodging labels and expectations.
Whether he’s answering seriously or just toying with his audience is up for debate, but one thing is clear: Dylan, even when backed into a corner, remains impossible to pin down.
This is Dylan at his most elusive—and most fascinating.
Thanks for reading!
Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc