Bob Dylan has spoken out about the death of his longtime friend and collaborator, Robbie Robertson.

In a brief statement, Dylan said that Robertson’s passing “leaves a vacancy in the world.” The two musicians had a long and storied history, dating back to the mid-1960s when Robertson joined Dylan’s backing band, The Hawks.

Robertson played guitar on some of Dylan’s most iconic albums, including Blonde on Blonde and Highway 61 Revisited. He also co-wrote many of Dylan’s songs, including “The Weight” and “Tangled Up in Blue.”

In the 1970s, Robertson went on to form his own band, The Band. The group released a string of successful albums, including Music from Big Pink and The Last Waltz.

Dylan and Robertson remained friends and collaborators throughout their careers. In 2014, they reunited to record The Bootleg Series Vol. 11: The Basement Tapes Complete.

Robertson’s death is a major loss for the music world. He was a gifted musician and songwriter, and his work with Dylan helped to shape the sound of popular music for decades to come.

Dylan’s statement is a fitting tribute to Robertson. He says that Robertson was a “lifelong friend” and that his passing “leaves a vacancy in the world.” Robertson’s death is a reminder of the importance of friendship and collaboration in the creative process. He will be missed by his friends, family, and fans around the world.