Bob Dylan’s Dreamlike Performance at the Santa Barbara Bowl
Bob Dylan performed an 80-minute set at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Wednesday, featuring a mix of covers and tracks from his album “Rough and Rowdy Ways.” The 85-year-old singer is currently playing a series of Southern California dates, including a scheduled show at Palm Desert’s Acrisure Arena this Saturday.
What happened at the Santa Barbara Bowl performance?
Dylan appeared onstage wearing a dark jacket with the hood pulled over his head, a wardrobe choice that has gained attention on social media. He performed from behind an electric piano, accompanied by a four-piece band dressed in dark colors.
The setlist included four songs from “Rough and Rowdy Ways,” along with “All Along the Watchtower” and “To Be Alone With You.” Dylan also performed covers, specifically Bo Diddley’s “I Can Tell” and Eddie Cochran’s “Nervous Breakdown.”
According to reports from the event, “False Prophet” was performed as a raunchy blues, while “When I Paint My Masterpiece” used a rumba groove. The songs “Crossing the Rubicon” and “I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You” featured arrangements that differed from the album versions. The show concluded with “I Shall Be Released.”
Why was the band lineup changed?
Guitarist Julian Lage replaced Doug Lancio for the Santa Barbara show. Lage is a jazz musician known for his collaborations with John Zorn and Gary Burton.
Dylan did not address the personnel change from the stage. A spokesman for the singer stated there was no word on whether Lage is a permanent addition to the band.
How is Bob Dylan adapting to digital platforms?
Dylan launched a Patreon account in March. He uses the platform to post short stories and an audio series titled “Lectures From the Grave,” which appears to use AI assistance.
He also contributed to a New York Times op-ed regarding aging, timed to President Trump’s 80th birthday. In that piece, Dylan wrote, “You’re an old king from some vanished country.”
What happens next for the tour?
Dylan is scheduled to perform on Saturday night at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert. This is part of a handful of shows he is playing across Southern California this week.
Because Dylan forbade photographers from shooting the Wednesday show, fans may continue to rely on social media for visual documentation of the “Long Hot Summer tour.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new guitarist in Bob Dylan’s band?
Julian Lage, a jazz star known for his work with John Zorn and Gary Burton, replaced Doug Lancio for the Santa Barbara performance.
What is the name of Dylan’s current tour?
According to T-shirts being sold this month, the current run of dates is called the “Long Hot Summer tour.”
What content is Dylan sharing on Patreon?
Dylan is posting short stories and installments of an audio series called “Lectures From the Grave.”
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