Bob Dylan’s tour is in support of his ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ album released back in 2020. The worldwide tour emphasizes the singer’s newer music and began in late 2021 that included multiple different legs in North America, South America, Canada, Europe, Japan, and the UK. 

The 84 year old has made his way back to North America this year with upcoming shows this summer in Georgia, Virginia, New York, Maine, and New Jersey. Dylan will also be returning to Europe before his new UK dates performing in Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, and Copenhagen. 

.@bobdylan‘s new dates will all take place in November: https://t.co/BG7YZ6JVgJ

— UltimateClassicRock (@UltClassicRock) July 10, 2025

Similar to his other legs of this ongoing tour, Bob Dylan is prohibiting video recordings and phones as he wants his concert to enhance the live music experience for both himself and the audience. 

Bob Dylan’s ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ album in 2020 achieved significant success that topped the UK Album Charts with 34,000 units sold, and 29,000 of those being CDs. The album hit international success immediately in the top ten spot in 14 different countries, with a number one spot in the UK, Ireland, Norway, and Germany. The album marked his first collection of new songs in eight years. 

Bob Dylan released his self titled debut album back in 1962 and throughout his outstanding career has released 40 studio albums and became one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His albums appeal to different genres and periods throughout his career and life journey. 

The iconic musician also had a biopic about his early career and how he came to be, which was released last year, starring the well-known actor Timotheé Chalamet as Bob Dylan. The film achieved significant box office success globally, receiving major awards recognition, with eight Oscar nominations.   

Bob Dylan’s Europe, UK, and Ireland tour dates will be available to purchase next week on July 18. Get your tickets here.    

The surprising endorsement bridges generations and genres, pairing one of folk rock’s most iconic voices with a modern artist known for his genre-bending evolution from rap to pop-punk. While their artistic styles may seem worlds apart, Dylan’s involvement hints at a deeper creative connection – or at least mutual admiration – that’s been quietly developing behind the scenes. This unexpected crossover has already stirred conversations across the music world, raising anticipation for what ‘Lost Americana’ might reveal about MGK’s next artistic chapter.

In a teaser video uploaded to MGK’s social media, Dylan is heard calling the upcoming album “a personal excavation of the American dream.” “It’s a sonic map of forgotten places, a tribute to the spirit of reinvention and a quest to reclaim the essence of American freedom,” says Dylan over a video montage of MGK in the studio and looking out into the mountains. “From the glow of neon diners to the rumble of the motorcycles, this is music that celebrates the beauty found in the in-between spaces. Where the past is reimagined, and the future is forged on your own terms.”

MGK has yet to publicly confirm Dylan as the narrator for these clips, teasing his fans with social media captions ending in ‘narrated by…’. He has also shared a photo of Dylan to his Instagram without making any declarative statements.

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A post shared by mgk (@machinegunkelly)

This isn’t the first time the unlikely duo has captured headlines together. In February Dylan shared footage from 2016 of MGK performing an acoustic set at record shop Park Ave CDs store in Orlando, Florida. Last month, MGK claimed he met Dylan “all because of a video of me rapping in a music store 10 years ago”. Their paths crossed once more when MGK made an appearance onstage during the LA stop of Willie Nelson’s ‘Outlaw Music Festival Tour’ – which Dylan is currently headlining. It appears the two have been cultivating a relationship – or perhaps even a musical partnership – for some time now.

‘Lost Americana’ marks the 7^th studio album of the part-rapper part-rocker. ‘Lost Americana’ is the follow-up to MGK’s 2022 album ‘Mainstream Sellout‘ and is set to release on August 8^th. The record includes previously released single ‘cliché’. The single showcased the artist’s return to a more pop-punk style featuring a stripped-back guitar and raw vocals. As the title suggests, the track embraces clichés but with a sense of genuine self-awareness and emotional urgency. The single ‘cliché’ also contains allusions to rock legend Bob Dylan with lyrics “Baby, I’m a rolling stone”.

The left-field collaboration sits somewhere between strange and genius promising that the release of ‘Lost Americana’ won’t go unnoticed. You can now pre-save ‘Lost Americana’ on all streaming sites, the link can be accessed here.

First premiering at The Old Vic in 2017, the musical has since toured internationally with performances across the UK, US, and Australia. Its return to the stage where it first captivated audiences promises a poignant homecoming for a show hailed as one of the most affecting musical dramas of the decade.

Set in Lake Superior in Dylan’s hometown of Duluth, Minnesota during the winter of 1934, the story unfolds in a rundown guesthouse during the height of the great depression. Through McPherson’s subtle script and aided by Dylan’s discography, the musical explores a lost and lonely community struggling to survive amidst the harsh economic environment of the Great Depression.

At the heart of the narrative is the Laine family, struggling under the weight of personal and financial adversity. Father Nick Laine faces imminent foreclosure on the family home, while his wife Elizabeth grapples with a degenerative illness and their children wrestle with futures they cannot control. The guesthouse serves as a crossroads for a cast of weary souls- Mrs. Neilson, a widow with dreams of inheritance; the Burke family, burdened by secrets and sorrow; and enigmatic strangers Joe Scott, a washed-up boxer, and Reverend Marlowe, a shady bible salesman. Their stories intertwine with the Laines’, creating a tapestry of human hardship and resilience.

The musical boldly reimagines the iconic music of Bob Dylan, playing 20 of his venerated songs throughout the show including record-breaking hits ‘Like a Rolling Stone’, ‘Ballad of a Thin Man’ and ‘Lay, Lady, Lay’. The songs function as emotional undercurrents to the plot, with the show breathing new life into these familiar classics. Performed live using instruments authentic to the 1930’s era, the music carries a raw and intimate texture. ‘Girl From the North Country’ is a subtle yet powerful reinterpretation that appeals to both Dylan fans and newcomers alike.

Upon its debut, ‘Girl From the North Country’ was met with glowing reviews. The Evening Standard deemed the original performance “beguiling and soulful and quietly, exquisitely heart-breaking”, calling it “a very special piece of theatre”.  The musical has since earned multiple Tony and Olivier Awards, cementing its reputation. This is a chance to experience the music of Bob Dylan in a way never heard before: stripped back, recontextualised and deeply human.

Tickets to see ‘Girl From the North Country’ in The Old Vic can be accessed here.

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A post shared by Fk Yeah, Courtney Love. (@fkyeahcourtneylove)

Courtney Love is an American singer, songwriter, and actress best known as the frontwoman of the rock band Hole, which gained fame in the 1990s with albums like ‘Live Through This‘ (1994) and ‘Celebrity Skin‘ (1998). She was also famously married to Kurt Cobain, the late frontman of Nirvana. Love has been a controversial yet influential figure in rock music, known for her raw lyrics, distinctive voice, and outspoken personality. The singer has spent considerable time in the UK over the years and previously spoken about her affinity for British music, literature, and history.

A highlight of the evening was Love’s impromptu performance of Dylan’s classic ‘Like A Rolling Stone‘, accompanied by an acoustic guitarist. This performance occurred nearly six decades after Dylan’s own iconic rendition at the nearby Royal Albert Hall, adding a layer of historical resonance to the night.During the event, Love also addressed circulating rumors about a potential reunion of Hole. She firmly dismissed these speculations, stating that there are no plans for the band to reunite at this time. This clarification comes after previous hints in early 2024 about a possible reunion. However, the singer confirmed she’s been working on a new album since 2009 and will tour solo when it’s finished.

The London event underscored the timeless influence of Bob Dylan’s artistry and highlighted the unique perspectives of Love and Almond. Their reflections offered attendees a nuanced understanding of how Dylan’s work continues to resonate across different artistic mediums and generations. As Love prepares to finalise her British citizenship, fans can look forward to seeing how this new chapter unfolds for the legendary musician.

Announcing an evening with two very special guests! Todd Almond, author of SLOW TRAIN COMING, and Courtney Love will be joining forces to discuss all things Bob Dylan with @howtoacademy. Tickets now live!

4 March, 7:30pm
London
https://t.co/fTAlY245ck pic.twitter.com/yiR8JJKOVR

— Methuen Drama (@MethuenDrama) December 21, 2024

A major highlight is the release of the biographical film A Complete Unknown. The film stars Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and focuses on his early career, particularly his arrival in New York in 1961, his rise in the folk music scene, and his controversial shift to rock music in 1965.

In addition to the film, Bob Dylan announced a UK tour as part of his ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ worldwide tour. The tour included ten dates across the UK in November 2024, featuring three nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall, a venue with historical significance in Dylan’s career, where the tour also concluded. There are currently no upcoming Bob Dylan shows.

Beyond these events, 2024 has seen a renewed interest in Dylan’s extensive body of work, with various retrospectives, articles, and discussions exploring his contributions to music, literature, and social commentary. His influence continues to inspire new generations of artists and audiences worldwide.

Courtney Love is an iconic alternative rock and grunge figure. The singer is not only known for her music and acting but also for her outspoken and often provocative views on various cultural and societal issues. Over the years, she has made numerous comments that have sparked discussions and controversy. She often shares her thoughts on the evolving nature of fame, often contrasting the grunge era’s authenticity with the curated personas of modern celebrities, on social media.

The singer is also known for her marriage to Kurt Cobain, the frontman of Nirvana, and her grunge band Hole. The song ‘Violet’ is often regarded as one of the band’s most powerful and emotionally charged tracks, exemplifying the raw intensity and vulnerability that defines their critically acclaimed 1994 album ‘Live Through This‘.

Todd Almond is an innovative and prolific playwright and performer. His innovative approach to theatre and music has made him a distinctive voice in modern performing arts. His work not only entertains but also challenges audiences to think about the boundaries of storytelling and the power of collective creativity. He’d previously collaborated with Courtney Love on ‘Kansas City Choir Boy’ (2015). Courtney Love’s performance added a layer of intrigue, drawing audiences from both theatre and rock music fans.

“Bob Dylan’s songbook shaped Courtney as a musician and formed the basis of both Girl from the North Country and Todd’s new book Slow Train Coming, which documents the extraordinary journey of the show from pandemic-stricken underdog to future American classic.” The event organisers said.

To purchase tickets for the live event, you can check the How To Academy website.

Power Trip is an upcoming heavy metal music festival set to take place on 6th-8th October. Although this is the first instance of the event, it is being described as a sequel to 2016’s Desert Trip, a 6 day festival that also took place in Indio, California. Headliners of Desert Trip included Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.

The rockstar was set to perform at Power Trip this October alongside headliners Metallica, AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses. However, in a statement released in July, Osbourne revealed that “Unfortunately, my body is telling me that I’m just not ready yet and I am much too proud to have the first show that I do in nearly five years be half-assed”.

As painful as this is, I’ve had to make the decision to bow out of performing on Power Trip in October.

My original plan was to return to the stage in the summer of 2024, & when the offer to do this show came in, I optimistically moved forward.

Unfortunately, my body is… pic.twitter.com/gHWEE8VuI6

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) July 10, 2023

It has since been revealed that Judas Priest will serve as Ozzy’s replacement at the upcoming event.

The 74-year-old acquired a neck injury after a fall in 2019 that required 2 metal plates to be inserted into his spine. The result of this caused the singer more pain, and meant he required more surgery last year, from which he is still recovering. The heavy metal legend has also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, all of which contributed to his decision to retire from touring. Osbourne made the announcement of his retirement on February 1st.

This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to share with my loyal fans… pic.twitter.com/aXGw3fjImo

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) February 1, 2023

Although the English rocker was optimistic about being able to return to the stage, his wife Sharon Osbourne stated in an interview with Rolling Stone that “He’s doing a lot better, but he still has a long way to go before he can perform a full concert.”

Sharon was joined by daughter Kelly Osbourne, who, when asked about her father’s decision not to perform at Power Trip, claimed that “We can’t talk about it in the house because it is just so heartbreaking to see that all he wants is just one more show”. 

“He said that if he can’t give his fans what they paid to see, he won’t do it”.

Although this decision was clearly very tough to make, Ozzy Osbourne assured fans in his announcement, “I love you all and I will see you soon.” 

Bob Dylan’s U.S. tour dates have been announced.

The first dates go on sale starting Friday, April 22.

See the https://t.co/2JlPRaopp9 On Tour page at https://t.co/IlnO4bIndr for dates and ticket information! pic.twitter.com/7dFw1rk3ez

— Bob Dylan (@bobdylan) April 18, 2022

The first plans for the tour emerged back in September of last year when the 4-year tour was announced to be starting in North America last November. Interestingly, the tour started slightly less than 2 years after Dylan’s ironically named “Never Ending Tour”. Naming conventions aside, with the promise of a tour set to last from 2021-2024 it was always assumed that Dylan would land in the UK on his “World Wide Tour” eventually. Especially since a few European dates have also been scheduled. It was just a matter of time.

Dylan, clearly taking a page from the Jack White school of concert organising, has billed the UK shows as “non-phone events”. This means that anyone hoping to attend the shows will have to hand in their phone and have it locked in a Yondr Bag, where it will be kept for the performance. Don’t worry though, if you urgently need your phone for a moment, you will be permitted to open it by a member of staff. But the areas that you’re allowed to do this in will more than likely be well away from the stage, with no chance of hearing or seeing much.

Dylan has also made headlines recently, after a rare recording of his seminal classic “Blowin’ In The Wind” was sold at auction for an (honestly ridiculous) price of $1.8Million. Back in 1962, T Bone Burnett – the single’s producer – decided to record a take on an acetate record, which apparently produced a superior sound quality to the usual vinyl records.

T Bone recently told Variety “I think it is important to know for people who are concerned about the exclusivity of what we are doing. An Ionic Original is not a ‘copy.’ It is an original recording. We are not contriving scarcity. This is actually scarce. It is a unique, handmade, original recording. We have all been conditioned to accept the terms of and react to things from the frame of mass production. This is not that.”

See below the full UK dates for the “Rough and Rowdy Ways World Wide Tour”:

19/10/22 – London – The London Palladium
20/10 – London – The London Palladium
23/10 – London – The London Palladium
24/10 – London – The London Palladium
26/10 – Cardiff – Motorpoint Arena
27/10 – Hull – Bonus Arena
28/10 – Nottingham – Motorpoint Arena
30/10 – Glasgow – SEC Armadillo
31/10 – Glasgow – SEC Armadillo

The 2021 recording of the 1962 classic was produced by T Bone Burnett in Los Angeles and recorded directly onto an acetate record, called an Ionic Recording, which is considered to produce the most superior sound money can buy on a typical record player.

T Bone Burnett has stressed the exclusivity of the pressing and insisted it’s purpose as a rejection of mass consumerism, recently telling Variety “I think it is important to know for people who are concerned about the exclusivity of what we are doing. An Ionic Original is not a ‘copy.’ It is an original recording. We are not contriving scarcity. This is actually scarce. It is a unique, handmade, original recording. We have all been conditioned to accept the terms of and react to things from the frame of mass production. This is not that.”

Burnett has also commented on how highly he prides this particular recording, going as far as to describe it as the “the best record I’ve ever made in my life“, a pretty wild statement considering the renowned producers previous feats. He has won multiple Grammy’s and accolades in his illustrious career so far, writing and producing scores for films like “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, “Cold Mountain”, “Walk the Line”, and “Crazy Heart”, as well as contributing to the work of artists such as Robert Plant, Counting Crows, Sam Phillips, and Roy Orbison. So to put this to the top of his list of achievements is quite something and a mark of how passionately he stands by the project and it’s extraordinary price tag.

“This is a full rebellion against mass consumerism,” Burnett concluded with Variety. “It’s not that I don’t want people to hear it. I think this is the best record I’ve ever made in my life, so I want everybody to hear it. For my ego and my sense of ‘I would like everybody to like me,’ this is a sacrifice. I mean, you heard it. Bob sounds good. The band sounds good. The song’s great. And I have to say, I think it’s the best thing that I’ve ever been involved in. It’s the best singer, the best song, great musicians, the sound is killer. I’ll say this: I’ve never done anything better, to be sure.”

One lucky, and apparently very wealthy, listener has walked away with the pressing, being the only person bar a few members of the press granted access to listen to it, it is now down to he or she, their identity being undisclosed, whether they will ever let anyone else tune in. Being a big Dylan fan myself, I hope for a leak one day, it feels inevitable in this day and age, but the purist in me also hopes that it will forever hang on the mystery buyers wall, a temptation to whomever gazes upon it.

Flash forward nearly 60 years and you’ll find the legendary producer and songwriter T Bone Burnett, who used to play guitar in Dylan’s band, teaming up with his old friend to record a brand new version of “Blowin’ In The Wind” to launch a new physical music format he dubs the “Ionic Original”. The new technology looks to be a hybrid of CDs and Vinyl and has been described as “The pinnacle of sound” by it’s creator Burnett. Going on to describe how the new medium would work in a recent press release noted by Pitchfork, he said that “It is lacquer painted onto an aluminium disc, with a spiral etched into it by music. This painting, however, has the additional quality of containing that music, which can be heard by putting a stylus into the spiral and spinning it”. 

The new version of the song will be released as a one-of-a-kind disc at a Christie’s auction on July 7th 2022 in London, and is currently estimated to go for a bidding price of £600,000 – 1000,000. If someone said you can’t put a price on great music then tell that to the person looking to claim ownership of this unique piece of musical memorabilia later in the summer. The whoppingly lucrative auction is set to be an “Ionic Original” debut and the first time Dylan has tracked the song in 60 years. Fitting in nicely, if ten years short, with the Queens Platinum Jubilee, it is a cause for celebration that Bob Dylan and his mercurial talent should be back in the studio recording this most cherished material once again. I for one am looking forward to hearing how his vocal sounds years on, having walked down so many roads, and how well he teams up with Burnett, who despite a long history of musical collaboration, has never actually produced for the artist before. I doubt there should be much call for concern though, having written and produced the Grammy Award winning soundtracks to O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Cold Mountain, Walk The Line, and Crazy Heart I expect the results will be magical.

The acquisition now covers all 26 of Bowie’s studio albums, including the posthumous album Toy (released only a few months ago), 2 Tin Machine albums, and whatever portion of royalties was agreed to go to Bowie on any collaborations; such as his 1981 outing with Queen; “Under Pressure”. Back in September, it was revealed that WMC had filed a deal to acquire the rights for all his music from 2000-2016. But now the deal has progressed to include everything from 1968-2000 as well. All in all, the deal covers hundreds of songs both labelled as David Bowie songs or any side projects he undertook from 1968 up to his death in 2016. This leaves a small cache of recordings that WMC don’t actually own the rights to, Bowie’s self-titled debut for example.

Chief executive of WMC, Guy Moot, had this to say about the deal, “These are not only extraordinary songs but milestones that have changed the course of modern music forever” adding, “We are looking forward to tending his unparalleled body of songs with passion and care as we strive to build on the legacy of this most extraordinary human being.”

While Bowie is the most recent to have his publishing rights handed away, it may not all be as bad as it immediately seems for the older artists that seem to have hopped on the idea. Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and various members of Fleetwood Mac have all handed over their rights for lump sums in the hundreds of millions. This may be down to the dwindling ability to tour, they’re hardly making the millions they did back in the day through streaming, so $300 Million to an 80-year-old Bob Dylan… I understand the appeal.

Maybe the acquisition of these timeless classics to cash-grabbing billion-dollar corporations might end up with your favourite old classic being used in ways that may not necessarily agree with an artist you love. But the good news is, your favourite artist clearly doesn’t care.