Julian Lage Rejoins Bob Dylan’s Tour Amid Ongoing Guitarist Transitions

Guitarist Julian Lage made a surprise return to Bob Dylan’s summer tour on July 6 at the Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee, Minnesota, rejoining the lineup alongside new guitarist Joel Paterson. The appearance marked Lage’s comeback after missing the previous five shows, with fan-captured video footage of the performance of “I Shall Be Released” circulating online despite audience recording restrictions typically enforced at Dylan concerts.

Lage’s last performance with Dylan occurred on June 26 at the Sandia Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he shared guitar duties with Bob Britt. However, he left that show to attend an event in New York City that conflicted with Dylan’s subsequent concert in Austin, Texas. This left Britt as the sole guitarist until his unexpected departure from the band via a Facebook post titled “Sayonara Bobby.”

When Dylan performed at the Moody Amphitheater in Austin on June 29, the ensemble appeared reduced to bassist Tony Garnier and drummer Anton Fig. Chicago-based guitarist Joel Paterson stepped in for the historic first Dylan concert of his career, successfully managing the challenge of performing with limited support. For the following four shows, Paterson, Garnier, and Fig formed the core backing unit.

The July 6 Shakopee performance marked Paterson’s first occasion to share guitar responsibilities. Early audience feedback indicated a strong synergy between the two guitarists. A complete fan-recorded video of the concert was uploaded to YouTube shortly after the show concluded.

Despite frequent personnel changes, Dylan’s recent setlists have remained largely consistent. The iconic “All Along the Watchtower” was notably absent from recent performances, while “I Shall Be Released” frequently closed shows, occasionally replaced by “Every Grain of Sand.”

Dylan’s tour continues through August 1 in the U.S., but Lage has prior commitments in Rotterdam on July 11 and San Biagio, Italy on July 12, ensuring his absence from at least one upcoming Pittsburgh show and potentially several others. October’s European leg further complicates his availability, raising questions about whether Paterson will continue solo or if new or returning musicians will join. Dylan historically makes no advance personnel announcements, and band members maintain silence about their involvement. Observers will await further clarification regarding these transitions and Lage’s perspective on his tenure.

Source link