Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson are hitting the road once again this summer to mark the 10-year milestone of the Outlaw Music Festival. Joining them on this celebratory tour are Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, the Avett Brothers, Lake Street Dive, Waxahatchee, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers, and more at various locations. The 35-date tour will commence on May 13 in Phoenix, Arizona, and conclude on Sept. 19 in East Troy, Wisconsin. Ticket sales are set to begin on Feb. 7.
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“What an incredible lineup to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Outlaw Music Festival Tour,” expressed Nelson in a statement. “I am thrilled to unite with friends and family in bringing this celebration to our beloved fans.” (Note: The math may be a bit off regarding the “10th Anniversary” as the inaugural event took place in 2016.)
Other artists featured on the rotating lineup include Turnpike Troubadours, the Red Clay Strays, Charles Wesley Godwin, Trampled by Turtles, the Mavericks, Sierra Hull, Willow Avalon, Waylon Payne, Madeline Edwards, Lily Meola, Myron Elkins, and Tami Neilson. Similar to the 2024 edition of the Outlaw Festival Tour, Dylan and Nelson are the only constants on every bill.
The original Outlaw Music Festival began as a one-day event in Scranton, Pennsylvania, showcasing performances by Nelson, Neil Young and Promise of the Real, Sheryl Crow, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, and Lee Ann Womack. It evolved into a touring festival in 2017, with Nelson being joined by acts like My Morning Jacket, Van Morrison, Eric Church, Jason Isbell, and Dylan throughout the summer.
The 2024 iteration of the Outlaw Music Festival marked the first time that Dylan committed to the entire duration of the tour. Unfortunately, Nelson had to miss several shows due to health issues. Lukas Nelson graciously stepped in for his father during those performances, delivering timeless hits from the family repertoire.
Dylan’s nightly performances took a different turn from his usual Rough and Rowdy Ways show from previous years. He omitted every song from the 2020 LP and instead surprised the audience with covers like Chuck Berry’s “Little Queenie” and Dewayne Blackwell’s “Mr. Blue,” along with original tracks such as “Ballad of a Thin Man,” “Shooting Star,” “Love Sick,” and “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight.” He was frequently accompanied by Nelson’s longtime harmonica player, Mickey Raphael.
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Here is a comprehensive list of dates for the 2025 Outlaw Musical Festival, along with the individual lineups for each show:
May 13, 2025
Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, Phoenix, AZ
Willie Nelson & Family
Bob Dylan
Billy Strings
Sierra Hull
Lily Meola
May 15, 2025
North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, CA
Willie Nelson & Family
Bob Dylan
Billy Strings
Sierra Hull
Lily Meola
May 16, 2025
Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
Willie Nelson & Family
Bob Dylan
Billy Strings
Sierra Hull
May 18, 2025
Toyota Amphitheatre, Wheatland, CA
Willie Nelson & Family
Bob Dylan
Billy Strings
Sierra Hull
Lily Meola
… (more dates and lineups continue as per the original content)
FAQs
Q: Will there be any special guests joining Dylan and Nelson on the tour?
A: Yes, there will be additional artists such as Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Billy Strings, and more performing at various stops along the way.
Q: How can fans purchase tickets for the Outlaw Music Festival?
A: Ticket sales for the tour are set to begin on Feb. 7, allowing fans to secure their seats for this exciting celebration.
Q: Are there any surprises or special performances expected during the tour?
A: Dylan’s nightly sets have been known to feature surprise covers and unique renditions of his classic songs, making each show a memorable experience for attendees.
… (additional FAQs can be added based on the content)
Credit: www.rollingstone.com
