Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour Grapples with Sudden Guitarist Changes

In early June, fans reported that Bob Dylan appeared perturbed with guitarist Bob Britt, who joined the Never Ending Tour in 2019, and that Britt missed the first three songs of several shows. On June 17 at Santa Barbara Bowl, guitarist Doug Lancio—since 2021—was absent without explanation. Jazz virtuoso Julian Lage filled in for Lancio, sharing duties with Britt for seven shows. Britt then posted “Sayonara Bobby” on Facebook and quit, leaving the band without a second guitarist. Because Lage’s schedule limits his availability, Chicago-based jazz and blues guitarist Joel Paterson was brought in and has been covering all guitar parts for performances.

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• Early June 2024 – June 17 2024: Fans note Dylan’s irritation with Bob Britt; Britt absent for opening three songs; Doug Lancio absent from the Santa Barbara Bowl; Julian Lage joins.

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• After seven shows: Britt posts “Sayonara Bobby” on Facebook and quits; Joel Paterson assumes full guitar duties.

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Bob Dylan’s touring career, often called the “Never Ending Tour,” has long featured rotating guitarists. By the author’s count, Dylan has performed with 35 guitarists over a 61-year span. The count excludes guest performers such as Carlos Santana, Neil Young, Ronnie Wood, Nils Lofgren, Jack White, Mark Knopfler, Billy Strings, and studio contributors like Bruce Langhorne and Chris Weber.

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• Bob Britt – Joined in 2019; quit in June 2024.

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• Doug Lancio – In band since 2021; absent from June 17 show without comment.

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• Julian Lage – Jazz virtuoso who filled in; limited by schedule.

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• Joel Paterson – Chicago-based jazz/blues guitarist who covered all duties after Britt’s exit.

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• 35 guitarists have toured with Dylan over his 61-year recording and performance career, focusing solely on regular touring members.

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With only one guitarist on stage, the band’s sound and dynamics have shifted. Observers note uncertainty about how the lineup will stabilize, given Lage’s part-time availability and recent turnover.

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Bob Britt announced his departure with a Facebook post reading “Sayonara Bobby.” No official comment from Dylan, his management, or other band members has been released. Dylan’s camp has not issued a press release on the changes.

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Observers highlighted Dylan’s irritation with Britt and questioned the lack of transparency over Doug Lancio’s unexplained absence. Critics also worry that Julian Lage’s limited schedule may prevent a stable lineup. Fans on social media expressed disappointment at the abrupt turnover and called for clearer communication from management.

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• No public explanation for Doug Lancio’s disappearance from the June 17 concert.

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• Julian Lage’s future involvement remains unclear due to his schedule.

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• Dylan’s perspective on the guitarist turnover has not been documented.

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> “Sayonara Bobby.” — Bob Britt, guitarist (Facebook post)

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The Never Ending Tour proceeds with Joel Paterson handling all guitar parts, but the long-term band configuration remains unsettled. The tour’s schedule continues over the coming weeks, but no further details have been announced.

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