Bob Dylan kicked off the ‘Outlaw Music Festival Tour’ this weekend with a typically unpredictable setlist of ‘50s blues and country covers and deep cuts – watch footage below.The music icon has garnered a reputation for idiosyncratic setlist choices – fans in Atlanta and Charlotte were once again caught off guard by his decision to indulge in choice cuts from years gone by over fan favourites.The opening night included versions of Willie Dixon’s ‘My Babe’, Chuck Berry’s ‘Little Queenie’ and Hank Williams’ ‘Cold, Cold Heart’, as well as four separate songs from his own 2012 album ‘Tempest’, including ‘Long And Wasted Years’ and ‘Scarlet Town’.Now he’s ripping up Little Queenie.
What is happening?? pic.twitter.com/nUrvb6LCBY— Ray Padgett (@rayfp) June 22, 2024Best song yet pic.twitter.com/pszagrg4si— Ray Padgett (@rayfp) June 22, 2024That set also included more classic Dylan cuts such as ‘Simple Twist Of Fate’ and ‘Things Have Changed’, while the second night in Charlotte also included ‘Ballad Of A Thin Man’, ‘I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight’ and ‘Highway 61 Revisited’.The curious inclusion of songs from the ‘Tempest’ album was further highlighted after fans spotted T-shirts promoting the album’s 2012 tour on sale at the festival’s merch booth.The Bob Dylan shirt onsale last night was for “Tempest Tour 2012.” They’re new; it says “c2024” on the back.
All three songs on the shirt were played at the wonderfully strange opener. At least one tour date on the back (Rosemont) didn’t happen.
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