Julian Lage Joins Bob Dylan’s Band In Santa Barbara

Bob Dylan recruited guitarist Julian Lage to replace Doug Lancio last night at his concert in Santa Barbara, California. The acclaimed jazz guitarist played all 16 songs with Dylan’s band at the picturesque Santa Barbara Bowl.

Dylan didn’t seem to change the setlist in deference to Lage’s participation. Bob used the same setlist on Wednesday as he did at his previous show, with the exception of “I Shall Be Released” swapped in for “Every Grain Of Sand” to close the concert.

The circumstances of Lage’s participation in the show are unclear as of press time. Doug Lancio has been a member of Bob Dylan’s touring band since November 2021. It remains to be seen whether Lancio has parted ways with Dylan or needed to miss the Santa Barbara concert for another reason. The question will be answered, at least in some part, tonight when Bob Dylan performs in Highland, California.

While Bob Dylan has certainly brought up special guests in the past, the length of Lage’s appearance in Santa Barbara is what raises eyebrows. The 38-year-old guitarist was on hand for the “To Be Alone With You” opener and remained on stage through the “I Shall Be Released” finale.

Julian Lage is at the peak of his career, following the January release of his excellent album Scenes From Above. Lage, who recently made guest appearances with Goose and Tedeschi Trucks Band, next has a scheduled show on June 29 in Brooklyn. Bob Dylan’s current tour runs through August 1.

While Bob Dylan prohibits the use of cell phones at his concerts, two clips from last night’s show have surfaced so far. Watch Julian Lage perform with Bob Dylan in Santa Barbara: