More Dead From Dylan: Bob Dylan Breaks Out ‘West L.A. Fadeaway’ In France

Bob Dylan‘s recent trend of covering the Grateful Dead continued last night at his concert in Aix-en-Provence, France. Dylan fit his first take on “West L.A. Fadeaway” at one of his own performances since 1999 into the setlist on Tuesday at Arena du Pays d’Aix.

“West L.A. Fadeway” was trotted out by Bob as his 14th song of the night in Aix-en-Provence. The Robert Hunter/Jerry Garcia compositon was debuted live at the Grateful Dead's August 28, 1982 concert in Veneta, Oregon. The band would go on to record “West L.A. Fadeaway” for their 1987 album In The Dark. Early versions included an additional verse that the Dead wound up dropping soon after the live premiere. There is no word on whether Dylan sang the “missing verse” as media has yet to surface as of press time.

Bob Dylan first played “West L.A. Fadeaway” at his March 18, 1992 show in Perth, Australia. Eight more covers came through December 17, 1995. Dylan then performed “West L.A.” with special guest Phil Lesh on November 10, 1999 in New Haven, Connecticut. The Grateful Dead bassist and one of his earliest Phil Lesh & Friends ensembles embarked on a co-headlining tour with Bob Dylan in the fall of 1999. Lesh emerged towards the end of the night at Veterans Memorial Coliseum for a “West L.A.” that was followed by a show-closing “Not Fade Away.”

Watch Phil Lesh join Bob Dylan for “West L.A. Fadeaway” and “Not Fade Away” on November 10, 1999 below:

Dylan’s version of “West L.A. Fadeaway” with Lesh in New Haven saw Bob on guitar. Last night Dylan played the song on baby grand piano. While Tuesday’s take was indeed the first “West L.A.” performed by Dylan during one of his own sets since 1999, he did join The Dead for the tune as part of a four-song guest spot at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, New York on August 8, 2003. The post-Jerry iteration of The Dead had Bob Dylan open their concerts from July 29, 2003 through August 8, 2003.

Next up for Bob Dylan are two nights in Lyon, France.