March 2, 2007 18:50

Rockers to appear on soundtrack to new Dylan movie

They all cover songs by the legend

Photo Gallery: Bob Dylan

A host of US indie rockers will appear on the soundtrack to the new Todd Haynes movie based on the life of Bob Dylan.

As previously reported, Haynes, the man behind 1998 glam rock movie ‘Velvet Goldmine’, has enlisted the aid of actors such as Richard Gere, Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and bizarrely, Cate Blanchett to play Dylan in a different stage of his career for the forthcoming ‘I’m Not There’.

Aside from featuring actual music from the legend’s back catalogue, a host of current act will also be contributing covers to the film’s soundtrack.

Currently confirmed for this are former Pavement singer Stephen Malkmus taking on ‘Ballad Of A Thin Man’ and ‘Maggie’s Farm’, Brooklyn rockers The Hold Steady who will be tackling ‘Can You Please Crawl Out Of Your Window?’ and alt-country types Calexico, who will reinterpret ‘Senor (Tales Of Yankee Power)’ with the additional help of country troubadour Willie Nelson.

Other artists rumoured to be taking part in the project are PJ Harvey and REM’s Michael Stipe.

Meanwhile, the man himself is currently preparing for a European tour which arrives in the UK on the following dates.

Glasgow SE&CC (April 11)
Newcastle Metro Arena (12)
Sheffield Hallam Arena (14)
London Wembley Arena (15)
Birmingham NIA (17)

To check ticket availability and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now.

--By our New York staff.
[url="/history"]Find out more about NME.[/url]