Bob Dylan Honors Jerry Lee Lewis With Unexpected Encore In England
The legendary singer-songwriter covered “I Can’t Seem to Say Goodbye” in honor of the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer.
By Andy Kahn Oct 31, 2022 • 9:22 am PDT
Bob Dylan performed an unexpected encore on Friday night at the end of his concert at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, England. Dylan broke from his usual setlist in order to honor Jerry Lee Lewis by covering the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer’s song “I Can’t Seem to Say Goodbye.”
Dylan is touring in support of his 2020 studio album, Rough and Rowdy Ways, whose tracks make up the bulk of the 81-year-old’s current setlist. Dylan, who mostly plays piano during his concerts, has not been known to play an encore of late. That changed on Friday following the news of Jerry Lee Lewis’ death at age 87.
Prior to the surprise finale, Dylan briefly addressed the audience, telling them:
“Well, Jerry Lee’s gone – and we’re going to play this song – one of his. Jerry Lee will live forever. We all know that.”
Dylan and his band then proceed to encore with the aforementioned Jerry Lee Lewis composition “I Can’t Seem to Say Goodbye.” Watch the tribute from one legend to another below:
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Setlist
Bob Dylan at Motorpoint Arena
- Watching the River Flow
- Most Likely You Go Your Way and I'll Go Mine
- I Contain Multitudes
- False Prophet
- When I Paint My Masterpiece
- Black Rider
- My Own Version of You
- I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
- Crossing the Rubicon
- To Be Alone With You
- Key West (Philosopher Pirate)
- Gotta Serve Somebody
- Mother of Muses
- That Old Black Magic
- I've Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You
- Goodbye Jimmy Reed
- Every Grain of Sand
Encore
- I Can't Seem to Say Goodbye
- Jerry Lee Lewis
- Unknown Song
