Rough and Rowdy Ways tour

I have been to a bunch of Dylan concerts. When, recently, the opportunity arose for another check-in on his journey, it was the consideration that this could well be the last time I can attend his performance that persuaded me to attend.

Bob Dylan’s 2026 performances, part of his ongoing Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour, have received mixed reviews, with critics and fans noting his tendency to sidestep expectations by radically rearranging classic hits and focusing on newer material.

Dylan consistently reshapes older songs to the point of being unrecognizable, such as a slower, bluesy All Along the Watchtower, a stripped-down Man in the Long Black Coat, or a slew of changed verses for To Be Alone with You, a habit that oscillate between being frustrating and appreciation for the artistic integrity.

Mostly he changes the arrangement, but he also on occasion, deviates from the original lyrics, a feat that is much easier to accept and appreciate than making the melody unrecognizable.

Recent set lists heavily feature tracks from his 2020 album Rough and Rowdy Ways, which could thus be regarded as center of gravity for the shows. In my case, the set list featured no fewer than 4 cover songs. This compared to 10 or so years ago when there were usually zero covers.

Hypnotic and real

At age 84, Dylan’s voice shows definite signs of strain, often resorting to a whispery delivery or being difficult to understand, which is distracting.

As is now common, he performs seated, sometimes standing, at a keyboard, wearing a hooded rain jacket, maintaining a mysterious, low-energy presence that contrasts with the high-energy expectations of some fans.

Dylan in recent years often closes with “Every Grain of Sand,” , as he did this time, in a modified arrangement. It’s likely his current favorite hymn. I compare it to something like Chimes of Freedom

The previous night had a very similar set list but closed with I shall be released.

Zappa once observed: ‘Rock journalism is people who can’t write, interviewing people who can’t talk, creating articles for people who can’t read’.

Reviews from venues like the Mayo Civic Center Arena (March 2026) praised the hypnotic and real nature of the show, while others at Chateau Ste. Michelle (June 2026) cited poor visibility and lack of engagement as significant drawbacks.

Longtime fans often embrace the substantial lyrics changes and new song arrangements as a masterclass in artistic evolution, while others feel the show lack the nostalgic singalong atmosphere they desire.

The vibe of this concert was a little like watching a late-night jam session at some remote outpost where civilization stands on its last legs. Dylan’s ghostly presence combined with so many songs dealing with decline, loss, and resignation could not be balanced by the few flashes of cosmic insight or deep thought.

Remain part of the social order

Bob Dylan justifies continuing performing at age 84 primarily to maintain anonymity while remaining part of the social order, a strategy he described as a way to stay hidden in plain sight. He views touring as a means to stay active and connected without the constraints of traditional celebrity culture, noting that he is the master of his fate despite the difficulties of the path.

Additionally, Dylan finds a unique freedom in aging, stating that reaching his 80s allows him to outlive the clocks that previously chased him, freeing him from the illusion of control. This perspective transforms him into an old king from some vanished country who is harder to program, allowing him to perform on his own terms and continue adding chapters to his career without the pressure of commercial expectations.

Better than expected

All in all, for me, the concert was better than I expected. I like his writings and it turned out later the only lyrics I didn’t recognize were of the 4 cover songs and the changed verses.

Perhaps my expectation were too low, but for once that worked out well.

Regardless, it’s unlikely this kind of performance attracts any new fans. The apparent age of the audience holds the answer, and Dylan seems okay with that.

Lucinda Williams

Of note at this concert was the supporting act with Lucinda Williams. Recovered from her recent stroke, her voice is back, but her left arm and legs are struggling. She delivered a rousing set, starting with the Gravel Road, included her recent World’s Gone Wrong and ended with Neil Young’s Rocking in the free world but not after delivering a feisty warning of the US heading in the wrong direction.

Dylan set list, June 14, 2026

1. To be alone with you, Nashville Skyline
2. Man in the Long Black Coat,Oh Mercy
3. All Along the Watchtower, John Wesley Harding
4. Tryin’ to Get to Heaven, Time out of Mind
5. False Prophet, Rough and Rowdy Ways
6. I Can Tell, cover from Samuel Smith
7. Black Rider, Rough and Rowdy Ways
8. Share Your Love With Me, cover from Alfred Braggs and Deadric Malone
9. When I Paint My Masterpiece, Cahoots (The Band)
10. I’ll Make It All Up To You, cover from Charlie Rich
11. Crossing the Rubicon, Rough and Rowdy Ways
12. Soon After Midnight, Tempest
13. Under the Red Sky, Under the Red Sky
14. I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You, Rough and Rowdy Ways
15. Nervous Breakdown, cover from Eddie Cochran
16. Every Grain of Sand, Shot of Love