Bob Dylan fans are wondering what to expect from his Rough and Rowdy Ways show this year.
Taking to the r/BobDylan subreddit and asking those who had attended dates for the previous tours what to expect, users shared their memories of what has been dubbed a “low key” but staggering tour from the legendary songwriter. Dylan confirmed tour dates between April and September this year across the United States in support of his 2020 release, Rough and Rowdy Ways. One fan who would be heading to their first Dylan show in fifteen years asked: “Last saw Dylan in 2006. What can I expect from the Rough and Rowdy Ways tour show?
“So excited to see my favourite artist of all time again. I saw him 19 years ago and am curious as to what your experiences have been of the current ongoing (2021-2025) Rough and Rowdy Ways tour. He had seemed to be in either a good or bad mood depending on the day. And so your experience would be largely due to his mood or mindset that particular evening.
“At least this was the case back twenty years ago. Perhaps the times have changed since then. I’ll be fourth row, centre, VIP. Cannot wait. Please let me know your experience of the tour. Highlights, surprises, etc. Cheers!”
One fan suggested there was some brilliant moments on the show for fans of Rough and Rowdy Ways. They wrote: “The current shows are lowkey overall. There are small handful of uptempo ‘louder’ songs (shows from the end of his recent tour began with All Along The Watchtower), but they never get THAT loud and most of the music puts a strong emphasis on what he’s singing, because so many of his newer songs are especially strong lyrically.
“I highly recommend you get the latest album, which is superb. Just brace yourself for completely new and fantastic arrangements for most of the newer songs. Bob never stops moving, and he’s sure to bring something new to the upcoming stretch of shows. Go without expectations and you won’t be disappointed.”
Last saw Dylan in 2006. What can expect from the Rough and Rowdy Ways tour show?
byu/Illustrious_Pace9811 inbobdylan
Another fan added: “I saw Bob in late 2010 and on the RARW tour. The latter was infinitely better. His voice sounded better (playing more recent songs that are better suited to his current vocal range and personality probably helped). He also just seemed much happier to be there.”
A separate thread discussing what Dylan would play on the tour saw fans asking what to expect from the show setlists. They wrote: “I will be attending the Rough and Rowdy Ways tour later this year, I was wondering if Bob Dylan plays any of his hits or if it is just the newer stuff he has released?”
A fan suggested listening to Shadow Kingdom for an idea of whether they would enjoy the Rough and Rowdy Ways show. They wrote: “Yes, give Shadow Kingdom a listen to get an idea on how he interprets his old songs now.”
