Bob Dylan has officially announced his highly anticipated 2025 world tour, setting the stage for another chapter in his storied career. At 83 years old, Dylan shows no signs of slowing down, revealing a global itinerary that spans continents and includes both intimate venues and larger arena settings. Fans around the world are celebrating the announcement, eager to once again witness the legendary songwriter bring his poetic vision to life on stage.
The tour, informally dubbed “Coming Home to Las Vegas,” marks Dylan’s return to some cities he hasn’t performed in for over a decade, as well as new stops that reflect his ongoing evolution as an artist. In typical Dylan fashion, the announcement came with minimal fanfare—just a simple message on his official website and social media channels accompanied by a sleek black-and-white tour poster featuring a silhouette of Dylan in mid-performance.
Kicking off in late March in Auckland, New Zealand, the tour moves across Australia before heading to Japan, where Dylan will perform a series of six consecutive nights at the Tokyo Garden Theater. These shows are expected to be especially intimate, with setlists that may draw from deep cuts across his expansive discography. It’s a nod to his devoted international fanbase, who have continued to support Dylan through countless reinventions and sonic shifts.
After Asia, the tour crosses into Europe, with dates in Berlin, Paris, Barcelona, and Dublin. European fans have long been among Dylan’s most loyal, and the venues chosen reflect a blend of historic theaters and modern arenas. Observers are already speculating whether Dylan might introduce new arrangements to his existing catalog, as he has been known to do, keeping even his most familiar songs unpredictable and fresh.
The North American leg of the tour begins in July, and it is here that the phrase “Coming Home to Las Vegas” takes on its full meaning. Dylan will headline a three-night stand at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, a venue long associated with the glitz of Vegas showbiz—an ironic setting for a performer who has always defied mainstream expectations. Still, Dylan’s Vegas appearances in recent years have drawn critical acclaim for their raw, minimalist delivery and fiercely focused performances.
Las Vegas also serves as a thematic anchor for the tour. Though Dylan has rarely commented publicly on his touring themes, insiders suggest that “Coming Home to Las Vegas” reflects a reflective mood in the singer’s current phase—a meditation on artifice, spectacle, and the search for authenticity in an age of noise. Dylan’s choice of setlists and stage design will likely embody this juxtaposition, much as his 2020 album Rough and Rowdy Ways balanced intimacy and grandeur.
The tour also includes a return to New York City’s Beacon Theatre, a longtime favorite of Dylan’s and a venue he has played more than 30 times. Fans are anticipating special surprises during these shows, with rumors of guest appearances and unique song selections already circulating among online forums. Dylan’s past Beacon residencies have seen him experimenting with new arrangements and paying homage to musical influences, from Sinatra to traditional folk.
Further dates in Chicago, Atlanta, and Austin have also been confirmed, each stop promising a tailored setlist and stage experience. Dylan’s touring band, largely unchanged in recent years, continues to deliver a tight, jazz-inflected sound that complements the gravelly nuances of his late-career voice. Their synergy on stage is a testament to Dylan’s enduring commitment to live performance as a living, breathing art form.
Critics are already praising the ambition of the tour, with several music journalists noting the sheer scope and emotional weight of the announcement. At a time when many legacy artists are scaling back, Dylan seems to be doubling down on the road, pushing forward with the same restless energy that’s defined him since the early 1960s. His willingness to challenge himself—and his audiences—is part of what makes his live shows such a singular experience.
While Dylan has often been enigmatic in interviews, he recently offered a rare comment via his website’s Q&A section, writing, “The road is home. Las Vegas is just one stop, but maybe it’s where the song ends—or begins again.” The quote has been interpreted in multiple ways, with some suggesting it hints at a farewell tour, while others see it as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of Dylan’s artistic journey. Whatever the case, his words have only deepened the intrigue around the tour.
Tickets for most shows will go on sale next week, with presales available for fan
