TL/DR –
Bob Dylan brought his “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour to DeVos Performance Hall in October 2023, which was distinctive for not allowing cell phone use during the concert. The show was unpredictable, typical of an evening with Dylan, and featured mostly songs from his latest album. However, it was observed that Dylan’s voice was unfortunately difficult to understand at times, and he stayed away from his greatest hits, instead focusing on his new music.
The 82-year-old icon captivated fans with his “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour at DeVos Performance Hall, a characteristic unpredictable show, making it the third most-read story of the year.
Grand Rapids Tour Stop: Notable fans and reviewer Nicholas James Thomasma on Oct. 14 in Grand Rapids.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Local Spins’ most-read stories of 2023 countdown continues with No. 3: Nicholas James Thomasma’s review of Bob Dylan’s tour stop at DeVos Performance Hall, potentially the last Grand Rapids show by the legendary artist.
Bob Dylan defies expectations. With over 15 concert experiences, I approach Dylan shows without preconceived notions.
For many, seeing Bob Dylan, the greatest songwriter, is a must-do. He is 82, after all. Expecting him to strum an acoustic guitar and play a hits set would be misguided.
Anticipating the Grand Rapids show to feature songs from the newest album “Rough and Rowdy Ways”, I prepared myself with the album earlier in the day. I arrived ahead of time for a marquee photo, only to find it out of order.
Uniquely, cell phone usage inside the venue was prohibited. All phones were locked in Yondr bags, a device for preventing cell phone use. No photos and no videos were allowed.
I quickly took a photo of myself and my bandmate Dan Hildebrandt, bass player in my band, Nicholas James and the Bandwagon. We then locked our phones and entered the venue.
The stage was simply set, with minimal lighting and no extravagance. The back curtain was deliberately left open, revealing the industrial wall, and various cases and lighting rigging. The unusual setup was expected from Bob Dylan.
At 8 p.m. exactly, the black-suited band played the intro to “Watching the River Flow”, and Dylan appeared to massive applause from the audience.
SHARPLY DRESSED, IN GOOD SPIRITS AND GRAVELLY AS EVER
Dylan, 82, was stylish in a black-sequined suit, white-tipped shoes, and a white hat. He alternated between standing and singing and sitting and jamming all night behind a black baby grand piano, taking the leads and solo sections, deferring to his band only a few times.
His smoky, garbled voice was sometimes hard to understand. He primarily performed songs from “Rough and Rowdy Ways”, his latest album, with a few classics from The Band era and an unexpected cover of Chuck Berry’s “Nadine”.
Dylan appeared in good spirits, thanking the audience four times. The absence of cellphones in the air made for a delightful concert experience.
The stage presentation was highlighted by an introduction of the band and the finale “Every Grain of Sand”, where Dylan took a harmonica from the top of the piano and played the only harmonica solo of the night.
He took a bow before a cheering crowd and disappeared into the darkness. An encore was perhaps expected, but Bob Dylan is known to defy expectations.
SET LIST: Bob Dylan at DeVos Performance Hall
Watching the River Flow
Most Likely You Go Your Way (and I’ll Go Mine)
I Contain Multitudes
False Prophet
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Black Rider
My Own Version of You
I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight
Crossing the Rubicon
To Be Alone with You
Key West (Philosopher Pirate)
Gotta Serve Somebody
I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You
Nadine
Mother of Muses
Goodbye Jimmy Reed
Every Grain of Sand
MORE ABOUT BOB DYLAN:
Top 10 Best Bob Dylan Covers: The Ultimate Local Spins Playlist
Bob Dylan at 80: The Essential Top 10 Playlist by Nicholas James Thomasma
VIDEO: Nicholas James & The Bandwagon covers Bob Dylan’s “Silvio”
Copyright 2023, Spins on Music LLC
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