At 85 years old, Bob Dylan remains remarkably active on the live circuit, and he continues to record new material. His albums are still highly regarded, and as a lyricist he has lost none of his wit or his keen, truthful observations of life. In fact, there is still no one who can express those truths quite as effectively as Dylan. That helps explain why large crowds continue to turn out whenever he performs.
When Dylan took the stage at Huntington Bank Pavilion, one thing became obvious almost immediately. Bob Dylan doesn't care about presentation, image, or the audience's perception of him. He simply wants the music to speak for itself. And that's exactly what the audience received. No greatest-hits parade, no flashy stage antics—just the music and Bob Dylan's uncompromising artistic vision.
Dylan performed the entire show seated behind an organ, wearing a hoodie pulled over his head. He appeared completely comfortable in that attire and never removed it throughout the evening. Considering how lyrically demanding his songs are, one might expect a teleprompter. Instead, Dylan occasionally turned pages in a notebook before each song began. He clearly had some assistance, but he never appeared dependent on it.
The songs themselves, many of them rearranged, often took on entirely different forms. Dylan has never been interested in faithfully recreating his recorded material, and it's fascinating to hear how these songs continue to evolve over the years. His voice is no longer what it once was, but he has learned to use what remains in a commanding and expressive way. In many respects, those lyrics gain new meaning when delivered through a voice that is deeper, rougher, and seasoned by experience.
The stage setup was refreshingly simple. A handful of lights surrounded the band, giving the performance the feeling of a gathering in someone's basement rather than a large outdoor venue. There was an undeniable charm to its understated presentation, creating an atmosphere that felt surprisingly intimate. Once again, the music remained the focal point. Dylan's band was outstanding—tight, expressive, and always willing to stretch out with tasteful solos that wove memorable melodies around Dylan's words. The venue also enforced a strict ban on photography and recording, allowing everyone to experience the performance without distractions.
The setlist is always an enigma when it comes to Bob Dylan. He has consistently proven to be both unpredictable and completely unconcerned with audience expectations. Once you accept that simple truth, every Dylan concert becomes an adventure. If you're fortunate, he just might perform your favorite song.
That was certainly the case here, as this writer's longtime favorite, "Man in the Long Black Coat," made an appearance. Presented in a way that barely resembled the original recording, the song nevertheless retained all of its haunting beauty while creating an even deeper emotional impact. "Black Rider" was another unexpected highlight. Although one of Dylan's newer compositions, it already carries the weight of an instant classic. "Crossing the Rubicon" was equally impressive, further demonstrating the enduring strength of Rough and Rowdy Ways. "When I Paint My Masterpiece" and "It Ain't Me, Babe" provided welcome reminders of Dylan's classic catalog, but the evening largely focused on his more recent work. While some in the audience undoubtedly hoped for familiar favorites, Dylan remained steadfastly committed to his own artistic path.
Even at 85 years old, Bob Dylan remains a force to be reckoned with. He is an artist of unwavering integrity who has never compromised his vision, and this performance reinforced that fact once again. There is nothing artificial about Bob Dylan. In some ways, it almost felt as though he wasn't physically present, yet his presence was felt in every song. Perhaps that's exactly the way he wanted it.
Mark Kadzielawa
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