Julian Lage Returns to Dylan's Band

The guitarist's absence lasted five shows, and his return was as unannounced as his departure.

On July 6, Julian Lage was back on stage with Bob Dylan at Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee, Minnesota. Rolling Stone reports that he had been missing from the previous five dates of Dylan's summer run. He played alongside Joel Paterson, a new guitarist in the band. The magazine said fan-shot footage showed the closer, "I Shall Be Released."

Neither camp seems to have explained the gap. We would be careful about reading too much into it. The reporting describes shifting guitar duties on this leg of the tour, and it doesn't say why.

Lage is known for a clear, conversational touch that sits between jazz, folk and country. A Dylan band suits him because the songs keep changing shape night after night. Whether he stays for the rest of the run is not yet clear.

Last seen: Shakopee, Minnesota, July 6, 2026, in Dylan's summer tour lineup.