Key developments
Tony Garnier Says Dylan Changes Songs Nightly
In Guitar World, Chris Jisi profiles Tony Garnier, Dylan's bassist since 1989. Garnier says Dylan's songs can change from night to night in phrasing, melody, lyrics, and sometimes chords, forcing the band to listen and react in real time. He describes a minimalist role, often building his own bass parts while drawing on Dylan's ideas about numbers and song structure from Chronicles: Volume One.
Why it matters
It shows Dylan's live approach is still intentionally mutable and collaborative decades into his touring career.
Sources & driving stories
GUITAR WORLD · Chris Jisi
Guitar World coverageCostello Recalls Dylan's Unmade 2007 Collaboration Pitch
Cult Following reports Elvis Costello recalling a 2007 U.S. tour encounter with Dylan. Costello says Dylan brought him into soundcheck, the pair played "Tears of Rage," and Dylan initially tried to involve him in "Peace, Love and Understanding" before Costello declined because he did not write the song. Costello also says Dylan later suggested making a record of Johnnie and Jack songs, but the project never came to pass.
Why it matters
It adds a fresh account of a dormant Dylan collaboration idea and shows how casually he has floated recording concepts.
Sources & driving stories
CULT FOLLOWING · Ewan Gleadow
Cult Following coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Untold Dylan ranks 'Idiot Wind' highest
Tony Attwood's essay revisits several 1974 songs and argues that "Idiot Wind" is the one that most endures, citing its unusual opening progression and later live reinterpretations.
WORTH NOTING
Far Out revisits 'Jokerman' doubts
Tom Taylor's piece reopens Dylan's later comments that "Jokerman" may have been better before further tampering, keeping the song's production history in view.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will Dylan's setlists ever settle?
Garnier says songs can shift nightly in several dimensions, raising the question of whether any current Dylan arrangement is meant to remain fixed.
OPEN QUESTION
Could the Costello collaboration still surface?
Costello's memory of Dylan pitching a Johnnie and Jack project leaves open whether any tapes, demos, or later revival plans exist.