Dylan began a 21-night tour of the Midwest and East Coast of the United States in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his first concert after twenty-three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 Dylan debuted eight of the ten songs from Rough and Rowdy Ways, and often addressed the audience during the band introductions, many times including local references unique to each venue, which he’s continued into 2022.
Dylan restarted the “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour on March 3rd 2022, modifying the 2021 setlist to replace ol’ standby “Early Roman Kings” with “Crossing the Rubicon.” Dependent on whether you consider “Murder Most Foul” part of “Rough and Rowdy Ways,” Dylan is now playing either the complete album or at least 9 out of 10 songs from the album.
The following are excerpts, with color commentary, from many of Dylan’s remarks to date on the “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour. The transcriptions are based on Olof Björner’s invaluable “Still on the Road” web page. I couldn’t have done it without him, but all errors/omissions are my own.
Phoenix, Arizona (2022) “Marilyn Monroe’s favorite swimming pool was at the Biltmore hotel.”
“Been a while since we were in Phoenix. Alice Cooper still live here? Stevie Nicks? How about Barry Goldwater? My man, Barry… you know Marilyn Monroe’s favorite swimming pool…
