Bob Dylan's Never Ending Tour 1999: A Year of Global Performances
The year 1999 marked another prolific chapter in Bob Dylan's legendary Never Ending Tour, a series of concerts characterized by constant movement and evolving collaborations. From the shores of Florida to the stages of Europe and high-profile partnerships with other music icons, Dylan's 1999 schedule showcased his relentless commitment to live performance.
The North American Opening and European Leg
The 1999 tour sequence began in Fort Myers, Florida. This appearance was particularly notable as it marked Dylan's first performance in the state since 1995. While the initial leg focused primarily on the eastern United States, the tour concluded its first phase with two final concerts in Paradise, Nevada.
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Following the North American dates, Dylan transitioned to Europe for a summer tour. This international leg began with two concerts in Portugal, followed by a significant run of eleven shows in Spain. Additionally, Dylan performed three concerts in Austria before returning to the United States.
Collaborations with Paul Simon and Phil Lesh
Upon his return from Europe, Dylan embarked on a substantial thirty-eight date tour alongside Paul Simon. This collaborative effort included a performance at Summerfest, a major summer music festival held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During this period, Dylan also stepped away from the partnership for a solo appearance at the Tramps Nightclub.
The Paul Simon collaboration was split into two parts. The first leg concluded on July 31 in Wantagh, New York. After a brief hiatus, the tour resumed on September 2 in West Palm Beach, Florida, traveling through the southern states before ending on September 18 in Dallas, Texas.
Dylan closed out the year with another distinct partnership. Starting on October 26, he began a twenty-date tour with Phil Lesh and Friends, a project blending Dylan's songwriting with the improvisational style of the Grateful Dead's bassist. This final tour of the year concluded on November 20 in Newark, Delaware.
Key Facts
- First Florida Return: The 1999 tour started in Fort Myers, Dylan's first Florida show since 1995.
- European Reach: Performances included Portugal (2 shows), Spain (11 shows), and Austria (3 shows).
- Paul Simon Partnership: A 38-date tour split into two legs, ending in Dallas, Texas.
- Phil Lesh Collaboration: A 20-date tour that ran from October 26 to November 20.
- Festival Appearance: Dylan performed at the Summerfest festival in Milwaukee.
Tour Summary Table
| Tour Segment | Key Locations | Notable Collaborators/Events | Duration/Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial North American Leg | Florida, Eastern US, Nevada | Solo | Started in Fort Myers |
| European Summer Tour | Portugal, Spain, Austria | Solo | 16+ concerts |
| Paul Simon Tour | NY, FL, Southern US, WI | Paul Simon; Summerfest | 38 dates |
| Phil Lesh and Friends Tour | Various US cities, Delaware | Phil Lesh and Friends | 20 dates |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bob Dylan first return to Florida in 1999?
Bob Dylan began the 1999 tour in Fort Myers, Florida, which was his first time performing in the state since 1995.
How many concerts did Dylan play in Spain during his European tour?
Dylan performed eleven concerts in Spain as part of his European summer tour.
Who did Bob Dylan tour with during the summer and autumn of 1999?
Dylan toured with Paul Simon for a 38-date run and later toured with Phil Lesh and Friends for a 20-date run.
Where did the tour with Paul Simon officially end?
The tour with Paul Simon concluded on September 18 in Dallas, Texas.
Did Bob Dylan perform any solo shows during his tour with Paul Simon?
Yes, Dylan performed a show without Paul Simon at the Tramps Nightclub.
When and where did the Phil Lesh and Friends tour conclude?
The tour with Phil Lesh and Friends ended on November 20 in Newark, Delaware.