Bob Dylan Kicks Off Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour in Tulsa

Bob Dylan made a triumphant return to the stage, commencing his 2025 ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways' tour in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This marked the beginning of over 50 scheduled dates across the United States. The tour showcases Dylan's distinctive style through a well-curated setlist. Fans eagerly anticipated seeing him play, and his performance did not disappoint, remaining consistent with the nostalgia and vigor expected of a Dylan concert. The setlist prominently featured his 2020 album Rough and Rowdy Ways, in addition to some of his most iconic hits.

Significant to this tour is the introduction of a new drummer, Anton Fig, replacing Jim Keltner, who had drummed for Dylan since the Outlaw Festival tour in 2024. Fig is no stranger to Dylan, having previously collaborated on tracks such as “Clean Cut Kid,” from the 1985 album Empire Burlesque, and “Drifting Too Far from Home” from 1986's Knocked Out Loaded. His contribution brings a fresh yet familiar rhythm to Dylan's music. Fig's impressive resume includes working with Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, and serving as a key member of the house band on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Accompanying Dylan's return to the stage, the setlist for the tour was a topic of great anticipation among fans and critics alike. The performance opened with “All Along the Watchtower,” a song he resurrected after a six-year hiatus in 2024. The setlist proceeded through many fan favorites, including “I Contain Multitudes,” “False Prophet,” and “Black Rider.” This carefully selected list continues to pay homage to Dylan's storied career while integrating material from his recent works. Despite minimal changes from previous tours, the consistency of the setlist has been met with enthusiasm from attendees, demonstrating Dylan's ability to captivate with well-loved classics and newer compositions.

The concert provided an intimate yet intense ambiance, with Dylan performing in a venue rich with history and atmosphere. Fans packed the Tulsa Theater, a century-old architectural marvel, providing an unparalleled setting that complemented Dylan's enigmatic stage presence. The lighting and setup cast Dylan into mysterious and artistic shadows, adding to the mystique. This environment seemed to invigorate Dylan, inspiring an impassioned performance that defied his 83 years, with fans praising his masterful handling of harmonica and piano.

Fans on social media platforms expressed their approval of the evening's offerings despite the absence of an encore. Enthusiasm for the tour extended beyond the concert venue, with social media users sharing their praise and anticipation for future performances. Many concert-goers left with high spirits, thrilled by the experience of seeing Dylan in action once again.

As Dylan continues his tour, he remains a beacon of musical excellence, showcasing the depth of his talent and the timelessness of his art. His ability to blend past and present through a dynamic setlist resonates deeply with audiences, maintaining his status as a cultural icon.

Check Out Bob Dylan at the Tulsa Theater, 3/25/25 Set List Here: 

1. “All Along the Watchtower”
2. “It Ain't Me, Babe”
3. “I Contain Multitudes”
4. “False Prophet”
5. “When I Paint My Masterpiece”
6. “Black Rider”
7. “My Own Version of You”
8. “To Be Alone With You”
9. “Crossing the Rubicon”
10. “Desolation Row”
11. “Key West (Philosopher Pirate)”
12. “Watching the River Flow”
13. “It's All Over Now, Baby Blue”
14. “I've Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You”
15. “Mother of Muses”
16. “Goodbye Jimmy Reed”
17. “Every Grain of Sand”