Bob Dylan has left fans in awe with his first performance of one of his most iconic songs in six years.
The 83-year-old is renowned for altering the style, pace and arrangement of his best works during live performances, and his Outlaw Tour show was no exception.
Footage shared by audience members showed Dylan’s recent rendition of Desolation Row, the final track from his 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited.
The song is regarded as one of Dylan’s finest compositions, and while fans at the concert were treated to its first performance since 2018, they were taken aback by how different it sounded.
Dylan, who performed the song on a piano and tapped the microphone with a small wrench, left those who missed the show wishing they had been there.
Some found amusement in Dylan “f**king with people” during the performance, referring to the drastic transformation of the song’s original sound and the small tool hitting the microphone.
One fan commented: “Bob heard I bailed on Buffalo so he pulled out my favourite song. Same way he covered Leonard Cohen after I bailed on Montreal. He likes to twist the knife. No big deal. He’s a rascal, and I respect it. I’m dead inside anyway.”
Another exclaimed: “I’m gonna f**king cry this is amazing. Bob Dylan is such a great American.” Another fan was awestruck at the sheer size of Dylan’s discography, commenting: “Imagine having so many good songs that you wrote Desolation Row and don’t play it for 6 years.”
Someone else also remarked on the revamped style of the performance, saying: “A giddyup-trot arrangement of Desolation Row tonight in ole Buffalo. I was expecting Trail of the Buffalo just for grins, but nope. Bob Dylan, having fun on the Outlaw road for one last night.”
Devotees at the concert were overjoyed to hear a much-loved tune, with one spectator sharing: “It was incredible,”, recalling with amazement, “Dad and I literally did double takes.” Another added: “Wish I enjoyed anything as much as Bob Dylan enjoys f**king with people.”
The legendary folk icon is scheduled for a show in Gilford, New Hampshire come September 20, followed by a brief hiatus before he reaches UK shores for a tour this November.
