Bob Dylan’s Tour Faces Mid-Tour Guitarist Turnover

During the June 2026 leg of Bob Dylan’s Long Hot Summer Tour, acoustic guitarist Bob Britt announced his exit and electric guitarist Doug Lancio had already been absent. With only bassist Tony Garnier and drummer Anton Fig remaining, Chicago blues guitarist Joel Paterson was brought onstage for the June 29 Austin Moody Amphitheater show. The setlist featured rare tracks such as “I Shall Be Released,” performed for the first time in 18 years, and a brief appearance by Dylan on guitar during the Tucson show.

Bob Dylan’s Former Guitarist Addresses His Recent ExitRolling StoneRolling StoneBob Dylan Mysteriously Splits With Two Tour GuitaristsWhat Bob Dylan performed on first show without Bob Britt after long-serving guitarist quitBob Dylan Guitarist Bob Britt Quits As Band Shakeup Continues

Lancio, who replaced Charlie Sexton in 2021, missed the June 17 Santa Barbara show, where jazz guitarist Julian Lage filled in. Lage played through June 24 before a Brooklyn commitment kept him from the Austin date. Lage appeared on seven shows before his Brooklyn engagement conflicted with the Austin performance. Dylan has not publicly addressed the changes.

Bob Dylan Guitarist Bob Britt Quits As Band Shakeup Continues

• June 17, 2026 – Doug Lancio absent; Julian Lage fills in at Santa Barbara.

What Bob Dylan performed on first show without Bob Britt after long-serving guitarist quit

• June 24, 2026 – Dylan opens with “Watching The River Flow”; Lage still touring.

Bob Dylan Guitarist Bob Britt Quits As Band Shakeup Continues

• June 27, 2026 – Bob Britt posts “Sayonara Bobby” and writes “I quit.”

Bob Dylan guitarist Bob Britt shares why he left tour after seven years

• June 29, 2026 – Joel Paterson debuts in Austin; Lage booked in Brooklyn.

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Bob Britt – acoustic guitarist (2019-2026).

Bob Dylan guitarist Bob Britt shares why he left tour after seven years

Doug Lancio – electric guitarist (2021-2026).

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Julian Lage – jazz guitarist, temporary stand-in.

Bob Dylan guitarist Bob Britt shares why he left tour after seven years

Joel Paterson – Chicago blues guitarist, debuted in Austin.

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Tony Garnier – bassist.

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Anton Fig – drummer who replaced Jim Keltner earlier this tour.

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Britt said on Facebook he was not fired, left “of his own accord for reasons I would prefer to keep private,” and plans to return to session work and finish his wife’s gospel record. Dylan’s camp gave no comment, and a spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times after the Santa Barbara show that the band had not confirmed Lage’s status as a permanent addition.

Bob Dylan guitarist Bob Britt shares why he left tour after seven years

Fans on forums questioned Dylan’s ability to perform without a second guitarist and warned the setlist could suffer. Some described recent shows as “less-than-stellar,” blaming abrupt lineup changes.

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Reports disagree on whether Lancio has permanently left or may return, and Lage’s future role remains unclear. No official word confirms Paterson as a permanent guitarist.

Bob Dylan guitarist Bob Britt shares why he left tour after seven years

• “I quit.” — Bob Britt, Facebook post

Bob Dylan Mysteriously Splits With Two Tour Guitarists

• “Sayonara Bobby.” — Bob Britt, Facebook caption

What Bob Dylan performed on first show without Bob Britt after long-serving guitarist quit

• “I was not fired but left of my own accord for reasons I would prefer to keep private.” — Bob Britt, Facebook statement

Bob Dylan Guitarist Bob Britt Quits As Band Shakeup Continues

• “he had no word on whether Lage was a permanent addition to the band.” — Dylan spokesperson, quoted to the Los Angeles Times

Bob Dylan Guitarist Bob Britt Quits As Band Shakeup Continues

The next scheduled stop after Austin is another Moody Amphitheater show, where Paterson handled all guitar parts. Future dates will show if Julian Lage returns when available, if Doug Lancio re-joins, or if Joel Paterson becomes a permanent member, shaping the evolving sound of Dylan’s Never-Ending Tour.

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