Bob Dylan Covers The Pogues

On

May 13, 2025, Bob Dylan, now 83 years old, took the stage at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, Arizona, marking the start of Willie Nelson's 10th Anniversary Outlaw Music Festival. The festival's kickoff was not just a regular tour opening but a night filled with surprises and a nostalgic return to songs that had not been on Dylan's set list in years. The festival featured an eclectic lineup of artists, including Billy Strings and festival founder Willie Nelson. Dylan, who has long been a staple of musical innovation and surprise, brought out some unexpected tunes that took the audience by storm. Among the songs, Dylan performed classics like “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” and “It Ain’t Me, Babe,” before diving into rarer gems and covers, including a compelling rendition of “Forgetful Heart,” a track he hadn't touched since 2015.

One of the notable highlights of the evening was when Dylan covered “A Rainy Night in Soho” by The Pogues. This performance was particularly poignant, as it was the first time Dylan had covered a Pogues' song. Fans were mesmerized as Dylan paid tribute to Shane MacGowan’s legacy with this soulful rendition, marking a significant moment in the concert. Reactions from the fans were overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their admiration for Dylan's ability to breathe new life into old songs. Another notable moment was when Dylan played “Mr. Tambourine Man” for the first time in 15 years, bringing back memories for many long-time fans. The song’s stripped-down version emphasized the haunting lyrics, offering a spellbinding experience that captivated the audience.

Dylan’s set was filled with surprises beyond the Pogues cover. He introduced several other musical treats, including a show debut of “Axe and the Wind” by George “Wild Child” Butler, showcasing his deep love for obscure blues tracks. “To Ramona,” another beloved classic, made a welcome return to the setlist after having been absent since 2017. Dylan also offered a fresh take on the R&B standard “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66,” a nod to the iconic highway's close proximity to Phoenix. The inclusion of Charlie Rich’s “I’ll Make It All Up To You” and a riveting version of “All Along the Watchtower” further exemplified Dylan's knack for reshaping his musical narrative, much to the delight and surprise of his fans.

The mood at the Phoenix concert was both nostalgic and exciting, epitomizing the essence of the Outlaw Music Festival—a celebration of artistry, friendship, and musical exploration. Dylan was accompanied by his seasoned band, which included esteemed musicians such as Tony Garnier on bass and Anton Fig on drums. The visual setting, with glowing stage lights and gentle breeze, added to the enchanting atmosphere, providing a perfect backdrop for Dylan's performance. Audience members, enthralled by the set, were treated to a blend of Dylan's original music and his reinterpretations of others' songs, showcasing the range and depth of his musical prowess.

Bob Dylan, 5/13/25, Phoenix, Arizona, Set List:
1. “I'll Be Your Baby Tonight”
2. “It Ain't Me, Babe” (Bob on guitar)
3. “Forgetful Heart” (first time since 2015)
4. “Axe and the Wind” (George “Wild Child” Butler cover) (Live debut)
5. “To Ramona” (first time since 2017)
6. “Route 66” (Bobby Troup cover) (first time since 1986)
7. “All Along the Watchtower”
8. “I'll Make It All Up To You” (Charlie Rich cover) (Live debut)
9. “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry”
10. “Mr. Tambourine Man” (first time since 2010)
11. “Under the Red Sky”
12. “Scarlet Town”
13. “A Rainy Night in Soho” (The Pogues cover) (Live debut)