Key developments
Dylan plays acoustic-only Chattanooga set
An April 18 review in The Alabama Take says Bob Dylan's April 17 show in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on the Rough and Rowdy Ways tour was performed without an opening band and with acoustic guitars throughout. The account says the set leaned on Dylan's later-era catalog, including "I Contain Multitudes," "False Prophet," "Black Rider," "Love Sick," and a closing "Every Grain of Sand," while Anton Fig and Tony Garnier were singled out for the night's rhythmic and instrumental detail.
Why it matters
It documents the current live format Dylan is using on this leg of the tour.
Sources & driving stories
THE ALABAMA TAKE - COMPOSITIONS
The Alabama Take - Compositions coverageRolling Thunder 1976 gets anniversary series
Ray Padgett's April 18 post on Flagging Down the Double E's launches a month-and-a-half show-by-show series revisiting Rolling Thunder 1976 for its 50th anniversary. The opening-night Lakeland, Florida show on April 18, 1976 is presented as a sharp break from the 1975 run: ten songs passed before Dylan repeated one from the prior tour, five of those first ten were live debuts, and only three of his 22 songs that night carried over from the previous fall.
Why it matters
It adds fresh archival framing to one of Dylan's most closely studied touring eras.
Sources & driving stories
FLAGGING DOWN THE DOUBLE E'S · Ray Padgett
Flagging Down the Double E's coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Lakeland show packed with live debuts
Padgett says the April 18, 1976 opener featured five live debuts in the first ten songs and ten total debut performances.
WORTH NOTING
Chattanooga review stresses restraint
The concert account describes Dylan's performance as precise, controlled, and sermon-like rather than loud or hit-driven.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will Rough and Rowdy Ways keep this acoustic template?
The Chattanooga review suggests Dylan has settled into a tightly controlled, acoustic-heavy live approach on this tour leg.
OPEN QUESTION
How much new ground will the 1976 series uncover?
Padgett frames Rolling Thunder 1976 as materially different from 1975, but the full extent of those differences will only emerge as the series continues.