Justin Vernon's voice echoed through the Eaux Claires Festival like a thunderclap on a summer stormy night, as he took centre stage to pay homage to the one and only Bob Dylan. The 'Bon Dylan' set, announced in advance but still full of surprises, was an electrifying tribute that had fans on their feet from start to finish. The mastermind behind Bon Iver delved into 15 tracks from across Dylan's sprawling discography, weaving a sonic tapestry that was at once deeply respectful and thrillingly innovative.
The setlist was a masterclass in curating the perfect balance of iconic standards and lesser-known gems. Vernon led his ensemble through timeless classics like 'Not Dark Yet', 'Don't Think Twice, It's All Right', 'Tangled Up In Blue', 'Lay Lady Lay', and 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door'. But it was the inclusion of hidden treasures like 'Shooting Star' from 1981's 'Shot Of Love' and 'When He Returns', the grand finale from 1979's 'Slow Train Coming', that truly underscored Vernon's genius as an interpreter.
As always, Vernon surrounded himself with a veritable dream team of collaborators, including JT Bates, Sean Carey, Phil Cook, Ben Lester, and Michael Lewis. The setlist featured some standout vocal cameos – particularly Carey's soulful turns on 'Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You' and 'Lay Lady Lay', as well as Cook's understated contribution to 'Tangled Up In Blue' and 'Meet Me In The Morning'. Monica Martin joined forces with Vernon for the poignant 'Boots Of Spanish Leather', while JP Brooks added a welcome burst of energy during 'When He Returns'.
Earlier in the day, Vernon dropped a bombshell by delivering an impromptu solo Bon Iver set. Replacing Kevin Morby's cancelled appearance, this surprise performance was a thrilling treat for fans – and a testament to Vernon's boundless creativity. The unannounced 'Bon' set kicked off with a mesmerising cover of Morby's 'Die Young', before hurtling through a selection of Bon Iver classics like 'Beach Baby', 'Flume', 'Speyside', and 'Re: Stacks'. The seven-song set was rounded out by the early rarity 'Hayward, WI' and 'Room To Spare', an unreleased tribute to John Prine that added poignancy to the proceedings.
Eaux Claires Festival, the brainchild of Vernon and Aaron Dessner, has become a mecca for adventurous music fans. Over the years, it's hosted its fair share of magic moments – from Bon Iver's triumphant '22, A Million' premiere in 2016 to countless one-off collaborations that have left fans gagging for more.
While live footage is starting to circulate online, those seeking high-quality streams will be out of luck – at least for now. For UK audiences, the only option is to keep an eye on social media and music news outlets for highlights from these unforgettable performances. And speaking of unforgettable performances, Bon Iver's 'SABLE, fABLE' album, released in April 2025, was met with widespread critical acclaim.