Last Night in Cleveland (by Rebecca Slaman)

2026-04-10, KeyBank State Theatre, Cleveland, OH

Photos courtesy Rebecca Slaman

Last night, the final (maybe?) leg of the Rough and Rowdy Ways tour hit Cleveland. Rebecca Slaman was on the scene and reports in.

Slaman co-hosts the new Definitely Dylan podcast series “The Bob Dylan Hotline,” in which she and Laura Tenschert (another recent correspondent) answer questions about all things Dylan. Slaman also leads walking tours of Bob Dylan’s New York; find more info at ramblintours.com.

By the way, our next tour correspondent is…me! After following along from home the past month, I’m going to finally see the tour myself, in Bowling Green, Chattanooga, and Jackson. If you’re going to the latter, I’m doing an event at a nearby record store beforehand, hope to see some of you there; find more info here.

Here’s Rebecca Slaman on last night’s show in Cleveland:

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BOB IS ON FIRE!

Weirdly, I had a dream the night before the show in which Bob did the most awesome concert my brain could conjure: he walked onstage donning his iconic sunglasses, did some light choreography and power posing, and directly referenced things I said on the Definitely Dylan podcast. It was so real that when I woke up, I panicked that I had forgotten to write this review.

Bob hasn’t been to New York on his own since 2023. After what I would describe as some unpleasant vibes at the nosebleeds of various Outlaw shows, being in the crowd in the Playhouse Square theater in Cleveland was as welcome as a hug from Bob himself. The house staff were extremely friendly to boot; one bathroom attendant/stall director thanked me for “patronizing their bathroom.” Whether it was from the helpful staff or the effusive praise from the crowd, Bob was in top form.

Dylan really rewarded our attention. After an overstimulating experience at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I welcomed the screenless, rapt focus awaiting me at the Bob Dylan concert. Dylan performed a show no less than incredible. He exhibited great musicianship over a variety of rock music styles, proving he can really do it all.

At 8:04, the band came out one by one and joined in an ongoing groove. Tony Garnier grabbed an electric bass, setting down the driving groove to “To Be Alone With You.” Soon, Bob himself walked out in a white raincoat, resembling the risen Christ. The crowd leapt to their feet, filling the auditorium with whoops and applause. The house lights remained on for the first three songs. I think Bob maybe wanted to see some love.