It was an incredible year for following Bob Dylan as his Rough and Rowdy Ways World Tour 2021-2024 wound down and the Outlaw Tour provided a momentary respite.
In honor of the year’s end, here are five highlights from my year chasing the poet laureate of rock-n-roll, the voice of the promise of the sixties counterculture, the guy who forced folk into bed with rock. Columbia Recording Artist Bob Dylan.
Dallas, April 4: “Every Grain of Sand”
This moment may be the single most magical moment of the year. With a subtle backing by his band, Dylan delivered the perfect closing to his Dallas concert. It’s a beautiful, poignant song delivered in a way worthy of the composition and a powerful reminder of Dylan’s prowess as a performer.
Fort Lauderdale, March 1: “Play something we know”
Who goes to a Dylan concert to heckle? Don’t answer that on second thought. Someone shouted, “Play something we know.” How did Dylan respond? By playing a song from his greatest hits in an arrangement that sounds nothing like the original version.
It was “Puttin’ on the Ritz” — some say “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” — meets “When I Paint My Masterpiece” if such a merger exists. It was an epic moment — and perfectly Dylan. No word on whether the heckler knew the song.
So is the new Masterpiece arrangement Puttin’ on the Ritz or Istanbul (Not Constantinople)? They sound similar right? https://t.co/xH6fdoyoEu
— Definitely Dylan (@DefDylan) March 4, 2024
Athens, March 15: “Big River” returns
Until 2024, Dylan had only covered Johnny Cash’s “Big River” three times, though he had recorded it several times, including during the legendary Basement Tapes. I was disappointed when I saw that he played it during his March 6 show in Clearwater, Florida. Given its rare status, I figured I would never see it live.
Dylan delighted with a sizzling version during his second night in Athens, marking the first time he’s performed the song live more than once in a year.
Cuyahoga Falls, September 12: “All Along the Watchtower” opens after Mellencamp cover
It’s hard to explain the euphoria that came over the crowd once everyone realized what song was opening the evening’s set.
John Mellencamp opened with his usual two songs: “John Cockers” from Life, Death, Love and Freedom and “Paper In Fire” from The Lonesome Jubilee. Instead of moving into “Ghost Towns Along the Highway” from Freedom’s Road, Mellencamp opted to cover Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.”
Dylan shocked the audience by opening with his own searing version of “All Along the Watchtower.”
Alpharetta June 21: The Outlaw Tour Starts
I think it’s fair to say this is one of the wildest shows ever. Dylan kicked off the Outlaw Tour in metro Atlanta with an unexpected setlist that relied heavily on songs from Tempest and unexpected covers, including Hank Williams’ “Cold, Cold Heart.”
Sadly, it marked the end of an era. Longtime instrumentalist Donnie Herron, who has played with Dylan since about 2008, was no longer part of the band.
Be the first to comment