Key developments
McGuinn recounts Dylan's Mr. Tambourine Man reaction
In Guitar Player, Andrew Daly reports Roger McGuinn's recollection of playing the Byrds' version of "Mr. Tambourine Man" for Bob Dylan at World Pacific Studios. McGuinn says Dylan first asked, "What's that?" before recognizing his own song. The piece also frames the Byrds' cover as central to the rise of folk-rock and the 12-string electric guitar.
Why it matters
It adds a fresh firsthand anecdote to a foundational Dylan/Byrds story and reinforces the song's historical role.
Sources & driving stories
GUITAR PLAYER · Andrew Daly
Guitar Player coverageEssay revisits Dylan's 'When He Returns' era
Tony Attwood's post on bob-dylan.org.uk argues that "When He Returns" stands out as a defining composition from Dylan's late-1970s religious period. The article says the song was performed 47 times, from November 1979 through November 1981, and notes that the live performances closely mirrored the recording. It also compares the track with related material such as "Iron Rod."
Why it matters
The piece supplies a concrete performance count and keeps attention on Dylan's gospel-era catalog.
Sources & driving stories
BOB-DYLAN · Tony Attwood
bob-dylan coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Bootleg New York Skyline reviewed
Cult Following's review treats the double-album bootleg as a sequencing experiment around Al Kooper's New Morning concept and compares the 1969-70 material to Nashville Skyline and New Morning.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Was "New York Skyline" newly issued?
The review describes a bootleg double album, but the data does not clarify whether it is a new archival release or a long-circulating concept package.
OPEN QUESTION
Did "When He Returns" get later revivals?
The article's 47-performance tally ends in November 1981, leaving open whether the song ever returned to the setlist afterward.