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Key developments
Bob Britt says Dylan exit was voluntary
AOL reports that Bob Britt, Bob Dylan’s acoustic guitarist since 2019, said his mid-tour departure was voluntary and not a firing. Britt had posted “Sayonara Bobby” on June 27, then deleted the post after fan speculation; he later said on Facebook he planned to return to recording sessions while leaving open possible future touring. AXS TV also reported that electric guitarist Doug Lancio had quietly departed earlier in June, with Julian Lage appearing at Santa Barbara on June 17 and subsequent dates.
Why it matters
Dylan’s Long Hot Summer Tour is undergoing unusually visible personnel churn while still in progress.
Sources & driving stories
AOL.COM
AOL.com coverageAXS TV
AXS TV coverageJoel Paterson joins Dylan band in Austin
Jambase’s Scott Bernstein reports that Chicago jazz and blues guitarist Joel Paterson handled guitar duties for Dylan’s June 29 show at Moody Amphitheater in Austin. Paterson was brought in after Britt’s exit and after Julian Lage returned to a prior commitment. The Austin concert featured a 16-song set including “When I Paint My Masterpiece,” “Crossing The Rubicon,” “Under The Red Sky,” “Soon After Midnight,” “Watching The River Flow,” and “It Ain’t Me, Babe.”
Why it matters
The Austin show provides the first concrete look at how Dylan is filling guitar roles after multiple departures.
Sources & driving stories
JAMBASE · Scott Bernstein
Jambase coverageAOL.COM
AOL.com coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Waters cites Dylan’s long-form influence
Far Out Magazine’s Joe Williams revisits Roger Waters’ claim that “Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” changed his thinking about song length and audience attention.
WORTH NOTING
Untold Dylan reappraises early Leeds recording
Tony Attwood’s new essay argues that the January 1962 recording “Ballad for a Friend” shows Dylan’s early control of harmony, silence, restraint, and narrative perspective.
WORTH NOTING
Poor Immigrant cover survey continues
Tony Attwood spotlights Jan Barten’s version of “I Pity The Poor Immigrant” while comparing notable interpretations by Marion Williams, Gene Clark, Taj Mahal, Richie Havens, and Jewels And Binoculars.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Is Paterson temporary or staying?
Reports identify Joel Paterson as the Austin guitarist, but Dylan’s camp has not confirmed a permanent replacement as the tour continues toward its August 1 Nashville close.
OPEN QUESTION
Will lineup churn affect setlists?
Two guitar departures and rotating replacements could alter arrangements, song selection, or the band’s onstage dynamics across upcoming Long Hot Summer Tour dates.