Hear Bob Dylan Unveil Tender Merle Haggard Cover In Boston

Bob Dylan closed out a three-show run in Boston as part of his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour last night at the Orpheum Theatre. Dylan premiered a cover of Merle Haggard’s “Footlights” during the concert on Sunday.

“Footlights” is the latest cover debut from Dylan on the North American leg of his ongoing tour this fall. Unlike others, there doesn’t seem to be a connection between the song or artist and city where Bob played. “Footlights” is the second Merle Haggard song Dylan has covered for the first time in 2023. Dylan premiered a take on Haggard’s “Bad Actor” back on July 3 in Milan, Italy.

Bob Dylan infamously included Merle Haggard among those that didn’t have his back when he was starting out during a speech in 2015 upon receiving MusiCares Person Of The Year Award. Dylan quickly walked back the comments in an interview conducted with journalist Bill Flanagan posted on Bob’s website shortly after the ceremony, saying he has “the highest regard for [Merle Haggard], his songs, his talent.”

Merle Haggard wrote “Footlights” for inclusion on his 1979 studio album Serving 190 Proof. Bob Dylan performed the song in the 15-slot last night, the place where he usually inserts new or rare covers. Dylan was on baby grand piano for the concert backed by guitarists Bob Britt and Doug Lancio, multi-instrumentalist Donnie Herron, drummer Jerry Pentecost and bassist Tony Garnier.

Listen to Bob Dylan’s debut “Footlights” performance below:

As with other tour stops, Bob Dylan went heavy on songs from his latest studio album, 2020’s Rough And Rowdy Ways, on Sunday in Boston. Nine of the ten songs featured on the record were played at the Orpheum last night. The 18-song performance also included such classics as “Watching The River Flow,” “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” and “When I Paint My Masterpiece.”

Bob Dylan returns to The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York for concerts on Tuesday and Wednesday. Scroll below for a full list of dates.