Bob Dylan continues his Rough and Rowdy Ways World Wide Tour, recently bringing his unique performance style to North Carolina. For fans tracking Bob Dylan Recent activity, his stops in Charlotte and Fayetteville offered fresh insights into the legendary artist’s current form. Providing an eyewitness account was musician Jon Wurster (The Mountain Goats, Bob Mould), who attended both shows and shared his detailed observations. His report highlights not only Dylan’s enduring stage presence but also the intricate dynamics of his highly focused band.
Close Encounter in Charlotte: A Front-Row Perspective
Attending the Charlotte show on Sunday, March 17th, Wurster secured a front-row seat, offering an unparalleled view of the performance. He described it as a “master class on remaining firmly in the moment while playing (and listening to) music.” A key observation was the introduction of new drummer Jerry Pentecost. Wurster noted Pentecost’s style as “the most stripped-down and economical of Dylan’s recent drummers,” comparing his approach favorably to Nashville session great Kenny Buttrey and Stax legend Al Jackson Jr., adding great taste and delicacy to the arrangements.
Wurster, himself a seasoned musician, found his attention drawn to the intense focus of the supporting players. He emphasized the band’s unwavering concentration on Dylan, particularly his hands on the piano.
Directing the Moment: Dylan Onstage
The stage setup facilitates constant visual connection, crucial for navigating potential shifts in key, rhythm, or arrangement initiated by Dylan. Wurster remarked, “I’ve never seen band members so focused on the task at hand, as well as their leader’s actual hands.” This intense focus from Pentecost, bassist Tony Garnier, guitarists Bob Britt and Doug Lancio, and multi-instrumentalist Donnie Herron created what Wurster felt was a “closed set” atmosphere, akin to watching a band rehearsal.
Despite being 82, Dylan’s performance defied typical expectations. Wurster observed that Dylan “actually seems younger” than three decades ago, attributing it to his “intense commitment to performance.” He also noted that Dylan’s singing voice possesses a clarity and emotiveness potentially greater than in previous decades. Dylan’s direction of the band involved subtle head nods for solos and occasional forceful finger points to manage intensity, maintaining control while allowing for spontaneous moments.
St. Patrick’s Day Surprise and Band Adaptability
The Charlotte show, falling on St. Patrick’s Day, featured a significant surprise: the first performance of the Irish folk song “The Roving Blade” since 2000. Wurster recounted a moment during the song’s intro where guitarist Bob Britt appeared momentarily unsure but quickly adapted, showcasing the band’s ability to navigate unexpected turns. Dylan himself acknowledged the band’s prowess, often introducing them by noting the difficulty of the songs and praising their execution. Dylan also nodded to the holiday by wearing a green shirt, ensuring no one would pinch him.
Bob Dylan performing on stage wearing a green shirt for St Patrick’s Day during a recent concert
The Contrarian Spirit: Setlists and Legacy
Wurster highlighted Dylan’s approach to his legacy, contrasting it sharply with typical “victory lap” tours by other veteran artists. The current concerts heavily feature material from his most recent album, Rough and Rowdy Ways, alongside deeper album cuts and covers, largely eschewing his most famous hits. “He knows exactly what people want, and it appears to mean absolutely nothing to him,” Wurster commented. He views this blend of “free spirit survivor and flagrant contrarian” as inspiring, calling Dylan’s current performances “some of the best, weirdest performances of his career” and “kind of the most punk thing anyone has ever done.”
Fayetteville Reflections and Standout Moments
The following night in Fayetteville offered a slightly different experience due to seating further back, providing a broader view of the stark stage production, complete with visible road cases against a cement back wall. Wurster noted the low-tech signage outside the venue.
Low-tech handwritten sign for Bob Dylan concert in Fayetteville displayed outdoors
Despite the change in perspective, Dylan and the band remained in fine form. Wurster praised the “laid back ‘Gotta Serve Somebody’,” the moving “Key West,” and the “majestic” set closer “Every Grain of Sand,” humorously dubbing it his “new favorite jangle rock anthem.”
Lingering Impression: A Glimpse of the Past
The most resonant moment for Wurster occurred at the end of the Charlotte show. Catching Dylan’s silhouette in a sliver of light as he exited the stage, Wurster was struck by the resemblance to photos of a young Dylan from 1962 taken by Joe Alper. “Same profile, same hair, same body language, same everything,” he reflected, finding the moment profoundly impactful and questioning if it was “the greatest thing I’ve ever seen?”
Conclusion
Jon Wurster’s detailed account of Bob Dylan’s recent North Carolina concerts paints a picture of an artist still operating at a high level, defying age and expectation. The performances showcased tight band interplay, Dylan’s commanding yet nuanced stage presence, and a commitment to his current artistic vision over predictable nostalgia. These recent shows underscore Dylan’s unique position in music history – continually evolving and delivering compelling, sometimes challenging, performances deep into his career, making any Bob Dylan Recent appearance a noteworthy event.
