"I've Got Nothing But Affection For Those Who Sailed With Me" - My 50th Bob Dylan Concert
Alpine Valley Music Theater - East Troy, WI - 2025-09-19 - The Last Outlaw
According to bobserve.com, “I first saw Bob Dylan on November 05, 2002 in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Murat Egyptian Room, which was 22 years , 10 months, 16 days ago.” I never dreamed I would see him 49 more times over the next 22 years. Had I known it was a thing to see him multiple times on a tour, my number could’ve been closer to 100, but c'est la vie.
When I was approaching fifty I realized setting myself up for the last Outlaw Festival as #50 was going to take some clever maneuvering. I added Jones Beach to make that happen and I hadn’t taken into account Dublin as a possibility yet, but that will be #51 or my march towards 60!
I titled this review with my favorite line from “Mississippi” because I was struck with gratitude for the friends I’ve made in the Bob Dylan world over the last 5 years. Before 2021, going to Bob Dylan shows was mostly a solo adventure but now I’ve got a crew. This particular show had 4 different guests of “Songs of Experience” in attendance!
Ok, let’s get into the show:
The Venue:
Unlike most of the tour, with the exception of The Gorge and maaayyyybe Pine Knob, these soulless, cavernous amphitheaters are the worst. Not the case in East Troy, WI. It is definitely a pain in the ass to get to, and a little scary when you get off 94 and onto country roads but the venue itself is pretty cool. The lawn is on a slope so every seat up there is pretty good. The Pavillion is sort of close-knit and self contained, so again, you’re getting pretty good seats everywhere. I enjoyed Sheryl Crow from the front of the lawn, which was not crowded at all and then went down to Section 103, Row F for Bob.
The Set:
The static, standard setlist continued for the final Outlaw show, and I had no complaints. As I said about the Noblesville show, the hiding seems to be working for him because this was the best I’ve EVER heard him. He is locked in.
1.Masters Of War
This was incredible. I feel so grateful hear this timeless song written at such a pivotal time in history. It’s amazing how songs like these remain as relevant as ever.
2.I Can Tell
Hot take, this is the best performance on the setlist. Bob is having fun, laughing, adding extra “no no no mores” and is absolutely rocking out. This was proven to the world at the Farm Aid performance.
3.Forgetful Heart
On the ride up we listened to a playlist of the original recordings of the set list and we remarked how this arrangement and performance is better than the original. Prove me wrong.
4.Axe and the Wind
5.To Ramona
6.Early Roman Kings
7.Under The Red Sky
8.I'll Make It All Up To You
9.All Along The Watchtower
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is the highlight of the setlist. Dylan is a genius for taking a lick from an obscure Van Morrison song, adding a major chord and voilà, the best arrangement of Watchtower in history.
10.'Til I Fell In Love With You
A new arrangement on this leg! There’s a bit of Thunder On The Mountain “tuning” along with a big “BONK” power chord after each verse. Very similar to Forgetful Heart.
11.Desolation Row
My personal highlight. One of the reasons I keep going to these shows is to hear this song. Slightly new arrangement too, with a sort Chuck Berry/Surfer rock riff going throughout the song. I love it so much.
12.Love Sick
13.Share Your Love With Me
14.Blind Willie McTell
“The greatest song about America ever written” -
. He ain’t lyin’.15.Soon After Midnight
Lovely song that I’ve heard many many times.
16.Highway 61 Revisited
A slightly darker and grittier arrangement with a couple minor chords in there! Obviously a crowd pleaser and fun rocker. I commented that if you told 2009 Henry that one day he would miss and long for Hwy61 he’d have called you crazy. Great to have it back and to almost close the show.
17.Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
What can I say? The greatest breakup song ever written has somehow become the best song to close a powerful show. The harmonica solo alone is worth it.
Final Thoughts:
It’s really hard when you don’t know when your next Bob Dylan show will be. I’m very relieved and grateful that mine will be in Dublin to see Rough & Rowdy Ways finish up. I really love the Outlaw Music Fest so much. There were songs over the last 2 years that I thought I would never hear again or had never heard before. I saw Bob in places I only dreamed about like The Hollywood Bowl & The Gorge. I hope Willie keeps it going and I hope Bob signs on if he does, but if not, I’ll be ready for whatever Bob does next.
In Jewish tradition there’s a special blessing called the “Shehechiyanu” which we say when we reach a milestone event, (Bar Mitzvah, Wedding, 50th Bob Dylan concert), so If you’ll indulge me, I’ll say it here:
.בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה, ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ, מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה
Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shehecheyanu, v'kiy'manu, v'higiyanu laz'man hazeh.
Blessed are You, Adonai, creator of all, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this time.
See you in Dublin!
Your Pal,
Henry
L’ Shana Tova! Mazel Tov 🙌
I enjoyed and appreciate your review, Henry! It’s so heartening to see (and hear about 🙂) Bob performing SO well 🫶. And wow … number 50 is Mazel Tov worthy, for sure! Here’s to many, many more.