Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan at SEC Armadillo, Glasgow

About the Event

Prepare to witness a living legend grace the stage as Bob Dylan, an icon whose voice and songwriting have shaped the very fabric of popular music, arrives at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow on Monday, 17 November 2025. This is more than just a concert; it’s an opportunity to experience a rare and profound encounter with an artist who has continuously redefined artistic expression for over six decades. Dylan’s performances are known for their raw honesty, unpredictable setlists, and the sheer power of his enduring lyrical genius. Attending a Bob Dylan concert is a pilgrimage for music lovers, a chance to connect with a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate across generations. The intimate setting of the SEC Armadillo will provide a perfect backdrop for an evening of unparalleled musical storytelling, allowing the audience to be fully immersed in Dylan’s captivating presence.

About Bob Dylan

Born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1941, Bob Dylan emerged from the Greenwich Village folk scene in the early 1960s, quickly establishing himself as a singular voice and a prolific songwriter. His early acoustic protest songs, such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” became anthems for a generation grappling with social and political upheaval. However, Dylan’s artistic restless spirit soon led him to embrace electric instrumentation, a move famously met with controversy at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, but which also ushered in a new era of rock and roll. Albums like “Highway 61 Revisited” and “Blonde on Blonde” showcased his increasingly complex and surreal lyrical imagery, cementing his reputation as a poetic force.

Over his illustrious career, Dylan has released over 40 studio albums, earning him a Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 – a testament to the profound literary merit of his lyrics. His music has spanned genres, from folk and rock to blues, country, and gospel, always infused with his distinctive vocal delivery and unflinching observation of the human condition. Notable hits that have soundtracked countless lives include “Like a Rolling Stone,” a visceral and defiant masterpiece often cited as one of the greatest songs of all time, the poignant ballad “Tangled Up in Blue,” and the introspective “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.” He has won numerous awards, including 11 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Even into his eighties, Dylan continues to tour and record, his performances a compelling reminder of his enduring relevance and his unparalleled contribution to the cultural landscape.

Venue Information

The SEC Armadillo, a distinctive and architecturally significant venue located on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow, offers a unique setting for live performances. Its striking sail-like structure makes it a recognisable landmark within the city. Inside, the venue boasts a versatile auditorium designed to provide excellent acoustics and sightlines for a wide range of events. This intimate setting promises an up-close and personal experience with the legendary Bob Dylan. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

A Bob Dylan concert is never a predictable affair, and that’s precisely part of its enduring allure. Fans can expect an evening that delves deep into his vast and varied catalogue, showcasing his remarkable ability to reinterpret his own timeless songs. While no setlist is ever guaranteed, recent tours have seen Dylan drawing from his extensive discography, often surprising audiences with deep cuts alongside beloved classics. You might hear the anthemic power of “All Along the Watchtower,” the mournful beauty of “Make You Feel My Love,” or the biting social commentary of “Desolation Row.”

Dylan’s performance style is famously idiosyncratic. He is not one for grand stage theatrics or elaborate production. Instead, the focus is squarely on the music and the words. His voice, weathered and distinctive, carries the weight of decades of experience, delivering each lyric with a profound sense of narrative and emotion. His band, a collection of highly accomplished musicians, provides a masterful musical backdrop that supports and elevates Dylan’s delivery, often adding new textures and interpretations to familiar melodies. The performances are often characterised by their spontaneity and a certain enigmatic quality, allowing each song to breathe and evolve in the moment. While the exact duration can vary, a typical Bob Dylan concert often lasts around two hours, with a short interval, providing ample opportunity to immerse yourself in his unparalleled artistry. Prepare for an evening of thoughtful reflection, powerful storytelling, and the unforgettable magic of a true musical titan.

FAQs

Will Bob Dylan play his classic hits? While Bob Dylan is renowned for his unpredictable setlists, he generally incorporates a selection of his most famous and enduring hits into his performances, alongside deeper cuts and newer material. Fans can usually expect to hear songs that have become cornerstones of popular music.

How long is Bob Dylan’s set? Bob Dylan’s concerts typically run for approximately two hours, often including a short interval. The exact duration can vary depending on the specific show.

What is Bob Dylan’s typical performance style? Bob Dylan’s performance style is known for its raw authenticity and focus on the lyrical and musical content rather than elaborate stage production. His distinctive vocal delivery and his highly skilled band are central to his live shows.

Can I expect a lot of audience interaction from Bob Dylan? Bob Dylan is not known for extensive audience interaction. His performances are primarily about the music and the delivery of his songs. You can expect him to be focused on the performance itself.

Has Bob Dylan’s setlist changed much over recent tours? While certain core songs often remain, Bob Dylan is known for constantly evolving his setlists. He frequently revisits older material in new arrangements and often surprises audiences with unexpected song choices from his vast catalogue.

Is it possible to request a specific song at the concert? Unfortunately, direct song requests are not typically accommodated at Bob Dylan concerts. The setlist is carefully curated by the artist and his team for each performance.