Mellencamp Plays Dylan’s ‘Watchtower’ – Then Dylan Plays It Too

Bob Dylan Brings Back Classic "All Along the Watchtower" After John Mellencamp’s Performance

The Outlaw Music Festival Tour, headlined by Willie Nelson, continues to bring together legendary musicians for unforgettable performances. During the recent show at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Bob Dylan surprised fans by performing his classic "All Along the Watchtower" for the first time since 2018. The performance was a notable contrast to John Mellencamp’s rendition of the same song earlier in the night.

John Mellencamp’s Performance

John Mellencamp, who joined the Outlaw Music Festival Tour in July, kicked off his 12-song set around 6:30 pm with "All Along the Watchtower". This performance marked the third time he had played the song since April, having previously played it seven times in 2020 and sporadically since 1984. Mellencamp’s setlist included a range of his hit songs, including "Paper in Fire", "Check It Out", and "Hurts So Good".

Bob Dylan’s Performance

Dylan took the stage around 7:55 pm, starting his 17-song set with "All Along the Watchtower". This marked the first time he had performed the song since 2018, after having retired it six years ago. Dylan’s setlist included a mix of his classic songs, such as "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35", "Shooting Star", and "Love Sick", as well as some deeper cuts, like "Mr. Blue" and "Six Days on the Road".

Onstage Interactions Suggest Last-Minute Decision

According to reports, Dylan’s decision to reprise "All Along the Watchtower" was made at short notice. The onstage interactions among Dylan’s band members suggested a last-minute change, as they seemed to be reacting to the news with a mix of excitement and surprise.

Watch the Performances

To relive the magic of these performances, check out the videos below:

• John Mellencamp Perform "All Along the Watchtower"
• Bob Dylan Perform "All Along the Watchtower"

Setlists

Here are the setlists for both John Mellencamp and Bob Dylan:

John Mellencamp Setlist – Outlaw Music Festival, 9/13/24

1. "John Cockers"
2. "Paper in Fire"
3. "All Along the Watchtower"
4. "Small Town"
5. "Check It Out"
6. "Longest Days"
7. "Jack & Diane"
8. "Rain on the Scarecrow"
9. "Lonely Ol’ Night"
10. "Crumblin’ Down"
11. "Pink Houses"
12. "Hurts So Good"

Bob Dylan Setlist – Outlaw Music Festival, 9/13/24

1. "All Along the Watchtower"
2. "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35"
3. "Shooting Star"
4. "Love Sick"
5. "Little Queenie"
6. "Mr. Blue"
7. "Early Roman Kings"
8. "A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall"
9. "Under the Red Sky"
10. "Things Have Changed"
11. "Stella Blue"
12. "Six Days on the Road"
13. "Can’t Wait"
14. "I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight"
15. "Soon After Midnight"
16. "Simple Twist of Fate"
17. "Ballad of a Thin Man"

The Outlaw Music Festival Tour Continues

The Outlaw Music Festival Tour will continue its run with three more shows, ending on September 20 in Gilford, NH. For more information and tickets, visit the official website.

Conclusion

The recent performance of "All Along the Watchtower" by Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp is a testament to the enduring power of music. Both artists have been pioneers in their own right, and their renditions of this classic song are a reminder of the magic that can happen when music legends come together.