As Bob Dylan's iconic voice echoes through the US tour venues, the man behind the melodies has seen some seismic shifts in his live band. Two guitarists have jumped ship – acoustic ace Bob Britt and electric maestro Doug Lancio – leaving fans wondering what this means for the music of their hero. The news comes hot on the heels of a change at the electric guitar position, with acclaimed jazz guitarist Julian Lage taking centre stage.
The departures are shrouded in mystery, but it's clear that Dylan's camp is keeping its cards close to its chest. Bob Britt's exit was hinted at by his own cryptic social media post, where he shared a picture of a flight route with the ominous caption "Sayonara Bobby." When quizzed about his status, Dylan's reps remained tight-lipped.
This upheaval is unfolding as Dylan continues to wow crowds on his 'Rough And Rowdy Ways' tour. His setlists have been sprinkled with surprises – he dusted off 'I Shall Be Released' for the first time in 18 years and brought back 'You Ain't Goin' Nowhere' after an eight-year hiatus, sending fans into raptures.
The renewed interest in Dylan's live performances coincides perfectly with the recent biopic 'A Complete Unknown', which has Timothée Chalamet capturing the essence of the legendary singer-songwriter. The film has garnered widespread acclaim for its portrayal of Dylan's formative years, and it's easy to see why – Chalamet's performance is nothing short of mesmerising.
UK fans itching to catch a glimpse of Dylan's live show can keep an ear out for future tour dates. While live streams are currently off the table, you can catch up on his concerts through documentaries and concert footage on platforms like Sky Arts and various streaming services. In the meantime, get ready for 'A Complete Unknown' to hit UK cinemas – it promises to be a wild ride.
Dylan's own take on ageing is nothing short of profound – "outliving the clocks that have been chasing you" he recently mused. It's clear his career has no signs of slowing down, even as the years tick by. The question now is: what's next for this musical giant?