Bob Dylan, the iconic American singer-songwriter, has officially announced the dates for the 2025 leg of his Never Ending Tour, marking his return to the stage after the premiere of his biopic, A Complete Unknown, starring Timothee Chalamet. Excitingly, these upcoming concerts will take place not in the major metropolitan centers typically occupied by A-list performers, but rather in smaller, often overlooked towns, beginning with Tulsa, Oklahoma, on March 25, 2025.
Following Tulsa, Dylan will travel to Wichita, Kansas, on March 29, then to Mankato, Minnesota, on April 4, and finally wrapping up this initial tour leg with a show at The Weidner-Cofrin Family Hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 6. Especially noteworthy is Mankato, the 21st largest city in Minnesota and Dylan's birthplace, which adds a personal touch to the performance scheduled there.
This tour marks Dylan's first return to live performances since the release of A Complete Unknown last year, which has achieved significant acclaim, including eight Oscar nominations, among them Best Picture. Directed by James Mangold, the film tells the story of the legendary musician's formative years, focusing on his arrival in New York City during the early 1960s.
Dylan expressed his admiration for Chalamet's performance via social media, stating, "There’s a movie about me opening soon called A Complete Unknown (what a title!). Timothee Chalamet is starring in the lead role. Timmy’s a brilliant actor, so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me." He also noted, "The film’s taken from Elijah Wald’s Dylan Goes Electric – it’s a fantastic retelling of events from the early ‘60s leading up to the fiasco at Newport. After you’ve seen the movie, read the book." Chalamet aptly responded, saying he was "floored" by Dylan's praise.
The Never Ending Tour, which began back in 1988, has become synonymous with Dylan's career, showcasing his ever-evolving musical repertoire. While the concert series had previously been marketed as the Rough and Rowdy Ways tour, recent promotional materials have updated this to simply reflect the broader scope of his performances. Since its inception, songs from Dylan’s latest studio album, Rough and Rowdy Ways, have become frequent features, representing the artist’s continually changing musical style.
Throughout 2024, Dylan integrated his music with performances alongside fellow legends like Willie Nelson and Robert Plant on the Outlaw Tour. This collaboration required significant adjustments to his set list and overall show production. Adding to the changes, Dylan recently parted ways with longtime collaborator Charley Drayton and multi-instrumentalist Donnie Herron, instead welcoming drummer Jim Keltner back to his band—a player whose partnership with Dylan has spanned decades.
While the specifics of what concertgoers can expect from Dylan during this upcoming tour remain somewhat enigmatic, the anticipation is palpable. Fans and critics alike express excitement for what might be the latest chapter of Dylan's storied career, particularly following the renewed interest sparked by the biopic.
With the unique choice of venues, Dylan aims to reach audiences often overlooked by major acts. The remote locations highlight Dylan’s connection to his roots and passion for connecting with communities, ensuring his performances maintain the soulful atmosphere and authenticity for which he is celebrated.
Overall, Dylan's tour announcement has certainly reignited interest not only around his newly released film but also around his expansive and influential legacy. Each show promises to offer fans yet another glimpse of the genius behind his legendary career, blending nostalgia with new explorations of his music.
With the first show just around the corner, the excitement among fans grows, and those background stories from both his biopic and storied career lay the groundwork for what audience members will experience. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, particularly for the performances at venues like Mankato, which will likely draw local viewers eager to witness the man whose influence has permeated decades of musical history.