Bob Dylan is set to shuffle around his band as both Bob Britt departs the touring group.
Britt confirmed he had quit the band in a post to his Facebook page that has since been shared by Dylan fans. The surprise departure comes amid speculation that Doug Lancio has also left the group, replaced by jazz guitarist Julian Lage. Britt, who has been a touring member of Dylan’s band since October 2019, confirmed he had quit the tour earlier today (June 28). He took to Facebook and wrote: “Sayonara Bobby.” When pressed for further detail, he confirmed: “I quit.” Lancio is also believed to have been removed from the tour, though whether he left of his own volition or was fired is yet to be confirmed. Fans have wished both guitarists well as their roles look set to be filled by jazz guitarist Lage.
One fan took to X and wrote: “After hearing the news of BOTH of Dylan’s guitarists quitting/being fired, my curiosity got the best of me! As a huge fan of the previous band, I’ve got to know what this new band sounds like. We’ll see what Tuesday brings!” Lage has been praised for his solo works and fans hope Dylan lets the guitarist’s work breathe on stage.
One person replied: “I just saw him for the 4th time in Palm Desert, first in 1995. Julian was fantastic and luckily unlike the shows in the 90s/2000s when Dylan would cut off his great soloists and vomit on his guitar, he lets Lage play and it’s beautiful. But Bob is old and it shows.”
Others have wished Britt and Lancio well in their post-Dylan tour activities. A fan last week took to the Bob Dylan subreddit and wrote: “Seeing that Lage has played with Bob for the past couple of dates, is it safe to assume the Lancio is out of the band? Would miss his presence for sure…”
Another replied: “I hope all is well with Doug. That being said, it’s a real treat to have Julian Lage filling in. I was thrilled when I saw he was playing with Bob and I can’t wait to hear the tapes. Truly one of the best players alive and selfishly I’m hoping he’s still on the tour for the shows I’m going to.”
Lage made his first appearance as part of Dylan’s show on June 17 and has since seemingly been taken on as a full-time performer despite his own solo tour date commitments. Dylan will play his first show after Britt’s confirmed departure tomorrow (June 29).
Others have since praised Britt for his dedicated performances with Dylan over the last seven years. One fan wrote: “Night off and then quit. The reality of working with Dylan long-term would, methinks, eventually lose its magic.” Another added: “He’s had a good run with Bob overall… Hope he’s happier taking the break, and I’m sure Bob will find a suitable replacement.”
Users of the Expecting Rain forum also shared their well-wishes for Britt. One gig-goer wrote: “Blessings to Mr. Britt. He and Doug worked very hard to build beautiful textures and structures to the last few tours since when they joined. It was very touching Mr Britt’s Harrison touches. Best wishes to your new time. Enjoy home.”
Another fan noted the mood of the show, saying it was a less-than-stellar experience. They wrote: “A poor show. Bob has seemingly given up on performing anything interesting. Bob Britt was totally checked out the whole time – he seemed pissed off about something (not sure I blame him to be honest, sidelined to acoustic background noise), and that notably angered Bob trying to get his attention.
“Julian Lage was great, although again it was just background noise. A few good concentrated jams but not enough to offset the overall poor set. It’s so plodding! So pedestrian! It’s boring! What’s going on?”
Some fans believe Lage is not a permanent addition to the group and is merely a transitional member of the band until Dylan finds a more suitable replacement. A fan speculated: “I don’t think we’ll see Julian Lage again on stage with Dylan. Going back and forth between two guitar players would make very little sense financially, logistically and would be difficult to accomodate musically as well, with the ever-changing arrangements?
“Colin Linden subbed for Charlie Sexton, because he, Sexton, was the long term replacement. We know Julian Lage is not the long term replacement, so it’ll be someone else, I’d imagine.”
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