Oh, What a Night!
The Triumphant Return of Mr. Tambourine Man in Phoenix, AZ
Last night Bob Dylan took the stage at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, Arizona, marking the commencement of the 10th Anniversary Outlaw Music Festival Tour. Sharing the bill with Willie Nelson & Family, Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, and Lily Meola, Dylan delivered a set that both honored his storied past and introduced fresh elements to his live repertoire.
Notably, Dylan’s performance featured the return of several songs long absent from his setlists, as well as live debuts.
The band remains unchanged from the spring tour: Anton Fig held down the rhythm on drums, while Bob Britt and Doug Lancio added texture and drive on guitars. Longtime bassist Tony Garnier (who recently turned 70), a fixture in Dylan’s live shows for decades, anchored the ensemble with his signature style.
The Mystery Song: Axe and the Wind
One of the evening’s biggest talking points emerged when Dylan performed a bluesy number that no one seemed to recognize. For hours, fans speculated wildly online—was this an unreleased track from an upcoming Dylan album? A new original? Something never heard before?
It wasn’t until later that night, when bobdylan.com updated its official setlist page, that the answer was revealed: the song was “Axe and the Wind” by George “Wild Child” Butler—a deep blues cut that Dylan chose to resurrect and reinterpret. Mysterious and raw, it felt right at home alongside the rest of the night’s selections.
Here come’s the full setlist as it is confirmed by Bill Pagel. Since several songs from last nights performance already surfaced on YouTube, we have linked those video recordings directly in the setlist below where available.
Full Setlist – May 13, 2025, Phoenix, AZ
I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight
Last performed: April 22, 2025It Ain’t Me, Babe
Last performed: April 22, 2025Forgetful Heart
First performance since 2015Axe and the Wind (George "Wild Child" Butler cover)
Live debutTo Ramona
First performance since 2017Route 66 (Bobby Troup cover)
Live debutAll Along the Watchtower (new arrangement)
Last performed: April 22, 2025I’ll Make It All Up to You (Charlie Rich cover)
Live debutIt Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry
First performance since 2021Mr. Tambourine Man
First performance since 2010Under the Red Sky
Last performed: September 17, 2024Scarlet Town
Last performed: August 04, 2024A Rainy Night in Soho (The Pogues cover)
Live debut
Looking Ahead: Chula Vista Awaits
Following the Phoenix show, the Outlaw Music Festival Tour continues with a performance scheduled for May 15, 2025, at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista, California. Fans can anticipate another evening of musical exploration as Dylan and his fellow artists bring the festival’s unique blend of Americana to new audiences.
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Venue: North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Doors Open: 3:00 PM
Show Starts: 4:00 PM
Full Lineup & Approximate Set Times
Lily Meola
4:00 PM – 4:30 PMSierra Hull
4:55 PM – 5:40 PMBilly Strings
6:10 PM – 7:25 PMBob Dylan
7:55 PM – 9:10 PMWillie Nelson & Family
9:40 PM – 10:40 PM
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the Outlaw Music Festival Tour progresses.