Full Breakdown
Bob Dylan’s Long Hot Summer Tour Loses Two Veteran Guitarists
6/29/2026, 11:02:38 PM
Background & Context
Bob Dylan’s “Long Hot Summer” tour began in early June, featuring a setlist of deep cuts and classic covers. The run follows the “Rough and Rowdy Ways” world tour and continues Dylan’s tradition of rotating live musicians.
Timeline of Departures
- June 17 – Review of Santa Barbara Bowl notes Doug Lancio’s absence; Julian Lage appears.
- June 28 – Bob Britt announced his departure on Facebook, sharing a farewell note and stating he was quitting, then deleted the post.
- June 29 – Dylan is slated for the Moody Amphitheater in Austin, Texas.
- July 1 – August 1 – Tour continues through twenty venues, ending in Nashville.
Data & Statistics
- Britt’s tenure: 7 years (2019-2024).
- Lancio’s tenure: 3 years (2021-2024).
- The tour lists 20 dates in 12 states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
- Two guitarists have left within two weeks.
Official Statements & Responses
Bob Dylan has not commented publicly on either guitarist’s exit. A Dylan spokesperson, cited by NME, said the band had no comment on whether Julian Lage will become a permanent member.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans on social media worry that losing two guitarists could leave Dylan without the dual-guitar setup used since 1992. Observers note that songs such as “All Along the Watchtower” and “Tryin’ to Get to Heaven” rely on layered guitar parts, raising doubts about rehearsal time for replacements.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Rolling Stone and NME provide detailed accounts, while other outlets only note the deleted post and lack confirmation from Dylan’s camp. No official reason for Britt’s departure has been given, leaving the motive unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sayonara Bobby.” — Bob Britt, Facebook post
- “I quit.” — Bob Britt, comment on Facebook post
- “no word” — Dylan spokesperson (as reported by NME)
- “The least likely scenario for the Austin show is that Dylan takes the stage without any guitarist, and is backed only by Garnier and Fig.” — Rolling Stone
What’s Next
The band will play in Austin on June 29 before moving to New Braunfels, Texas, and a series of Midwest and East-Coast venues, concluding in Nashville on August 1. Until Dylan or his representatives confirm a new guitarist, the exact lineup for the remaining shows remains uncertain.
