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Bob Dylan Played ‘Not Dark Yet’ for First Time in Seven Years, and Totally Reimagined It
Confirmed
In Short: Bob Dylan performed 'Not Dark Yet' for the first time in seven years at a show in Düsseldorf, Germany, on October 27, 2026.
Bob Dylan performed 'Not Dark Yet' for the first time in seven years at a show in Düsseldorf, Germany, on October 27, 2026. The song, originally released in 1997 as part of his album 'Time Out of Mind,' was reimagined with a slight reggae touch, altering its somber tone.
Dylan's performance of 'Not Dark Yet' came as part of his Lights of Autumn European fall tour, where he has been revisiting songs from 'Time Out of Mind.' The album, produced by Daniel Lanois, earned Dylan multiple Grammy Awards in 1998, including Album of the Year.
The song's original lyrics, such as 'sometimes my burden is more than I can bear' and 'I know it looks like I’m movin’, but I’m standin’ still,' were given a brighter and even optimistic twist during the performance.
Dylan's decision to perform 'Not Dark Yet' was influenced by his own struggles with mortality. In 1997, he thought he was going to die after a life-threatening heart infection, and the album was partly inspired by Jerry Garcia’s death at 53.
The album 'Time Out of Mind' was a significant period for Dylan, marking his return to a more somber and reflective sound after a period of creative uncertainty. He described these songs as 'the dread realities of life.'
Dylan’s performance in Düsseldorf also included other songs from 'Time Out of Mind,' such as 'Love Sick' and 'Tryin’ To Get To Heaven.' He played electric keyboard throughout the show and added harmonica on 'Under The Red Sky' and 'Every Grain Of Sand.'
Dylan’s tour continues to surprise fans with new arrangements and rare performances. He has also revisited 'Million Miles' and 'Highlands,' the latter not performed since 2001.
The reimagined version of 'Not Dark Yet' reflects Dylan’s evolving artistic vision. He described the album 'Time Out of Mind' as 'was me getting back and fighting my way out of the corner.'
What this adds
Dylan's reimagining of 'Not Dark Yet' marks a significant moment in his ongoing tour, showcasing his ability to adapt and reinterpret his earlier work.
What's confirmed
- Bob Dylan performed 'Not Dark Yet' for the first time in seven years at a show in Düsseldorf, Germany, on October 27, 2026. The song, originally released in 1997 as part of his album 'Time Out of Mind,' was reimagined with a slight reggae touch, altering its somber tone.
- Dylan's performance of 'Not Dark Yet' came as part of his Lights of Autumn European fall tour, where he has been revisiting songs from 'Time Out of Mind.' The album, produced by Daniel Lanois, earned Dylan multiple Grammy Awards in 1998, including Album of the Year.
- The song's original lyrics, such as 'sometimes my burden is more than I can bear' and 'I know it looks like I’m movin’, but I’m standin’ still,' were given a brighter and even optimistic twist during the performance.
- Dylan's decision to perform 'Not Dark Yet' was influenced by his own struggles with mortality. In 1997, he thought he was going to die after a life-threatening heart infection, and the album was partly inspired by Jerry Garcia’s death at 53.
- Dylan’s tour continues to surprise fans with new arrangements and rare performances. He has also revisited 'Million Miles' and 'Highlands,' the latter not performed since 2001.
What's still developing
- Shadows are fallin’, and I’ve been here all day It’s too hot to sleep, and time is runnin’ away I feel like my soul has turned into steel I’ve still got the scars that the sun didn’t heal There’s not even room enough to be anywhere It’s not dark yet, but it’s gettin’ there Dylan was 55 when he recorded Time Out of Mind.
- Dylan called these songs “the dread realities of life.” He’d been musically lost in the wilderness while he searched philosophically and religiously for an identity.
- Following a period of sporadic output, Dylan wrote more frequently and began the painstaking process of making one of his best records.
- His cinematic soundscapes frame the songs in a murky portrait, making it sound like Dylan is singing from another dimension.
- JamBase Data Launches ‘Circuits’: Explore ‘The Road To MSG’ Listen to “Not Dark Yet,” which arrived two nights after “Million Miles” returned in Bremen.
- Dylan first played “Not Dark Yet” live on October 30, 1997 at Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia, according to his official setlist archive.
- Dylan first performed the song, written by Don Robertson and recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis, on October 28, 2022 at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, England, the day Lewis died.
- He’s also revisited the Time Out of Mind songs on the 2023 box set The Bootleg Series Vol. 17: Fragments – Time Out of Mind Sessions (1996–1997), where Dylan essentially stripped away Lanois’ “swampy, voodoo thing” that he found so objectionable.
- The first “Highlands” since 2001 would also be a momentous occasion, though pretty difficult to imagine.
- The only Time Out of Mind song Dylan hasn’t played live at any point is “Dirt Road Blues.” If he wants to really stun fans on this European run, he’d break that out.
- 17: Fragments – Time Out of Mind Sessions (1996–1997), where Dylan essentially stripped away Lanois’ “swampy, voodoo thing” that he found so objectionable.
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