Bob Dylan Stuns Nampa Crowd with Rare Performance of “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” at Outlaw Music Festival
Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater – May 20, 2025
Bob Dylan delivered a night to remember in Nampa, Idaho, as he took the stage at the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater on May 20th for Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour. But this wasn’t just another stop on the tour — it was a night that made history for Dylan fans.
In a surprise that sent shockwaves through the crowd, Dylan performed “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” with vocals for the first time in over a decade. The last time he sang the song live was on July 15, 2014, in Sweden. Since then, it had only surfaced as an instrumental — until now.
The set opened with a powerful rendition of “Gotta Serve Somebody,” marking its 2025 tour debut. Dylan’s performance continued with a rich blend of classics like “Simple Twist of Fate” and “Forgetful Heart,” alongside a soulful cover of George “Wild Child” Butler’s “Axe and the Wind.” But the undeniable centerpiece of the night was “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues.”
Dylan began the song on guitar — a rare sight these days — before moving to the piano, breathing new life into the track with a haunting, reflective delivery. The crowd knew they were witnessing something extraordinary: a moment that felt both like a nod to Dylan’s past and a spontaneous act of reinvention.
The evening wasn’t just about Dylan. The festival lineup also featured memorable performances from Willie Nelson, Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, and Lily Meola, making for a night filled with musical depth and diversity.
This surprise performance was a reminder of why Bob Dylan continues to captivate audiences after all these years. At 83, he’s still rewriting the rulebook — and still finding ways to astonish us.
🎥 Watch Dylan’s unforgettable performance of “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” below — and don’t forget to share this moment with fellow fans. 👇👇👇
