On Thursday, June 4th, Bob Dylan graced the stage at McMenamin’s Edgefield Amphitheater in Troutdale, Oregon, located just outside Portland. Celebrating his 85th birthday, the legendary musician launched 'The Long Hot Summer' tour, which includes 35 performances in cities such as Berkeley, CA; Boston, MA; Philadelphia; New York; Atlanta; and Nashville throughout the busy summer months. The opening acts featured compelling performances from the John Doe Folk Trio and Lucinda Williams.

Dylan, dressed in a stylish windbreaker, remained at his piano for the entirety of the concert. He began the show with a notably sharp rendition of “To Be Alone With You” from his iconic country album, Nashville Skyline. Alongside his band, he delivered a dynamic setlist that mixed recent songs with beloved classics and covers, including songs like Bo Diddley’s “I Can Tell,” Jerry Lee Lewis’ “I’ll Make It All Up to You,” and Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Share Your Love With Me.” While some elements mirrored previous tours, the overall mix provided a fresh and spontaneous vibe.

Fans who anticipated a greatest hits lineup might have felt disappointed, but such expectations are rarely met with Dylan, who reinvented tracks like “When I Paint My Masterpiece,” “All Along the Watchtower,” and “Rainy Day Women #12 and 35” to the point of being nearly unrecognizable, yet captivatingly performed. The performance also showcased rarities that caught the crowd's attention, including “Under the Red Sky,” which featured his only harmonica segment of the night, and the debut live rendition of “Baby, Won’t You Be My Baby,” originally recorded with The Band in Woodstock in 1967, later included in The Basement Tapes.

As the tour progresses, it’s uncertain whether Dylan and his band will unveil more rare songs or shuffle their setlist further. However, his voice appeared strong, making him a must-see act this summer.

Setlist:

‍To Be Alone With You

I Can Tell (Bo Diddley cover)

Forgetful Heart

Axe and the Wind (George “Wild Child” Butler cover)

When I Paint My MasterpieceEarly Roman Kings

Under the Red Sky

I’ll Make It All Up to You (Jerry Lee Lewis cover)

All Along the Watchtower

I Contain Multitudes

Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

Share Your Love With Me (Bobby “Blue” Bland cover)

Baby, Won’t You Be My Baby (Live debut)

Soon After Midnight

Man in the Long Black Coat

Crossing the Rubicon