Billy Toured With Dylan
 

For 11 shows over three weeks in February 2003, Billy played guitar with Bob Dylan during Dylan's tour of Australia/New Zealand:

1. see Feb. 2003: http://www.trevormidgley.com/GiggingBands.html
2. see first 11 tour dates: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_...003#Tour_dates

Dylan tends to keep musicians long-term. Tour to tour, there's not much turnover in his band. It would appear, therefore, that Billy was an emergency fill-in (perhaps Charlie Sexton pulled out last minute and Dylan had to scramble), or that something did not work out.

I saw Dylan later in 2003 and the guitarist who replaced Billy (Freddie Koella) was absolutely incredible.

He does keep them. My friend Donnie has been with him for probably 15 years or longer.

Billy wrote about his experiences with Bob Dylan in his autobiography. It’s a great read and well worth seeking out.

Regarding why he left the tour- “One day walking along together, Bob asked ‘how do you like it out here? Do you write much on the road?” I told him that I don’t write when I’m on the road. Later on I figured out that my publisher, Barbara Orbison, did not like me to be on the road because I didn’t write when I was on the road. She later told me she pulled me out of the Bob Dylan band. I only did the Australian and New Zealand tour with Dylan. I really love the band, and we all remain friends. I have even had a couple of calls from time to time to see if I had any interest in playing again.”

Imagine being asked if you wanted to play with Dylan and the answer was no.

Thanks.

Perhaps this explains why Roy Orbison recorded his song "(All I Can Do Is) Dream You" for the album Mystery Girl: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystery_Girl

That was really one of the final nails in the coffin for BR5-49. Bob wanted Donnie Herron(Heron?) in his band. And of course Donnie chose the greater gig.

Annoyingly, in hindsight, I didn't go to see Dylan when he toured in 2003.