Bob Dylan Plays Surprise Set with The Heartbreakers at Farm Aid

Bob Dylan made a surprise guest appearance at Farm Aid on Saturday, marking his first appearance at the annual charity concert since he first helped conceive it.

Back by The Heartbreakers and playing exclusively on guitar, Dylan ran through a three-song set that included the first performance of “Maggie’s Farm” in 14 years, as well as “Positively 4th Street” and “Ballad of a Thin Man.” The performance was streamed live on YouTube and can currently be replayed in full.

Dylan is credited with inspiring Willie Nelson to launch Farm Aid. During a 1985 performance at Live Aid, Dylan wondered whether a similar event could be put to support American farmers. Nelson took on that mission, teaming up with Neil Young and John Mellencamp to start Farm Aid. Dylan played the first two iterations in 1985 and 1986 alongside Young, Mellencamp, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, and many more.

Dylan, 82, is set to launch a new run of North American tour dates beginning in Kansas City on October 1st. Tickets are available here.

Get Bob Dylan Tickets Here

Quick clip from Bob Dylan’s surprise guest appearance with The Heartbreakers at Farm Aid tonight. “Maggie’s Farm” — first time he’s played it in over a decade: pic.twitter.com/ck3LVqw0gj

— Ray Padgett (@rayfp) September 24, 2023

Bob Dylan just showed up at Farm Aid “Maggie’s Farm”’
” 9/23/23 @FarmAid @ruoffmusicenter FKA
Deer Creek noblesville, indiana @Concert_People @JamBase #FarmAid2023 #FarmAid
🇺🇸 🐄🐴🐔☀️🎸 pic.twitter.com/PAZpwf57EL

— Rock And Wrestling Connection (@RockndWrestling) September 24, 2023

The GOAT Bob Dylan Farm Aid “Ballad Of A Thin Man” 9/23/23 🐐 @FarmAid @ruoffmusicenter FKA
Deer Creek noblesville, indiana @Concert_People @JamBase #FarmAid2023 #FarmAid
🇺🇸 🐄🐴🐔☀️🎸 pic.twitter.com/2WIlxJeegs

— Rock And Wrestling Connection (@RockndWrestling) September 24, 2023