Neil Young’s hearse was a great asset to him at the early stages of his music career, as it was very spacious and perfect for touring. Neil named the 1948 Buick Roadmaster Mortimer Hearseburg and wrote “Long May You Reign” after it broke down.
One time, Bob Dylan was visiting Neil’s ranch and decided to sleep in Mortimer’s back; however, he ended up scaring a stranger who took it for a drive. Bob reportedly looked like a mummy and sent the driver into a frenzy.
Neil Young loved his hearse a lot
Neil was vocal about his love for the vehicle, noting how up to six people could stay hidden in the front and back to get high, thanks to the curtains. It also came with a heather and tray that pops out on the sidewalk once you open the passenger doors.
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Per the terrifying encounter, the driver in question was fellow artist Sandy Mazzeo, who assumed Bob was a ghost, as narrated in Jimmy McDounough’s Shakey: Neil Young’s Biography. He only recollected himself after looking closely in the rearview mirror to discover it was just Bob.
Bob’s dressing made things worse
Bob’s turban was made even scarier, which was unwrapped when he got up from the back. Weirdly enough, Bob got out of the vehicle and preferred to hitchhike rather than let Sandy drive him back to the ranch.
Bob and Neil have had a long history of friendship, punctuated by rumors of a feud that ensued due to Bob’s opinion about Neil’s “Heart Of Gold.” Bob felt it was unoriginal and called it out for being too similar to his sound. Their rapport seems unaffected by Bob’s judgment, as they maintain mutual respect for each other’s craft.
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