Bob Dylan announces 2026 tour including 5 shows at Royal Festival Hall
Legendary folk singer Bob Dylan continues his never-ending ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ tour with five phone-free shows at the Royal Festival Hall.
Folk giant Bob Dylan debuted his first record in March 19, 1962 - a self-titled protest music album produced by Columbia talent scout John H. Hammond; who also included two original compositions - ‘Talking New York’ and ‘Song to Woody’, breaking through the folk standards that were commonplace in he genre at the time. ‘Song to Woody’ itself was an ode to Woody Guthrie - a significant influence in Dylan’s early career. It wouldn’t receive that much attention at first - but the next release; ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan’ - would go on to cement Bob Dylan’s legacy as a outsider; a rule-breaker, a trend-setter - and one of the most influential figures in modern music today. The opener on that record? Just a small track: 60s anthem ‘Blowin in the Wind’.
Dylan would later forsake the acoustic guitar for electric and trigger an intense wave of backlash from the folk community that would cement his maverick status - one of the rare legacy acts still going today who isn’t willing to embrace or curtail to nostalgia - his never-ending ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ tour was a testament to the endearing brilliance of his late career albums.
“Utterly unpredictable - a night of frequent thrills and unconditional pleasures,” the Guardian have praised recent Bob Dylan shows - with the five Royal Festival Hall shows being Dylan’s first in London itself since a run of three performances at the Royal Festival Hall in 2024. Dylan’s first gig in the capital itself was at The King & Queen pub in Fitzrovia, London, 1962. Dylan’s most recent release is The Bootleg Series Vol. 18: Through The Open Window 1956-1963 - which Uncut called “as an astonishing, deep dive into Dylan’s formative years,” as you’re ever likely to get.
What’s perhaps most novel about this experience is that it is conducted in partnership with Yondr, which will prohibit the use of video cameras and mobile phones.
PRAISE FOR ROUGH AND ROWDY WAYS TOUR
“A night of frequent thrills and unconditional pleasures” - Mojo
“Earth blues and hushed reverence” - The Times
“A masterclass in musical intimacy” - Uncut
“Utterly unpredictable’a night of frequent thrills and unconditional pleasures” - The Guardian
BOB DYLAN 2026 TOUR DATES
Weds 25th Nov: BIC Windsor Hall, Bournemouth
Thurs 26th Nov: bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
Fri 27th Nov: Utilita Arena, Sheffield
Mon 30th Nov: Opera House, Blackpool
Tues 1st Dec: Opera House, Blackpool
Thurs 3rd Dec: Royal Festival Hall, London
Fri 4th Dec: Royal Festival Hall, London
Sat 5th Dec: Royal Festival Hall, London
Mon 7th Dec: Royal Festival Hall, London
Tues 8th Dec: Royal Festival Hall, London
TICKETS GO ON SALE HERE
Promoter / Venue Presales: Monday 20th July @ 10AM BST
General Onsale: Wednesday 22nd July @ 10AM BST