Did Bob Dylan Revive Political Themes with ‘Masters of War’ Performance?

## Bob Dylan’s Surprise Performance

Bob Dylan kicked off the Outlaw Music Festival on Friday at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center in Darien Center, New York. He surprised fans by performing “Masters of War” for the first time since the Desert Trip Festival in 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIpFez5K74A" alt="Bob Dylan performing Masters of War

## A Political Statement?

Dylan is known for his sparse commentary on current political issues, especially since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. It’s noteworthy that he chose to perform this particular song as global conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, persist without resolution.

Reflecting on historical contexts, he also performed “Masters of War” during the Gulf War. That year, on February 20, 1991, he delivered a unique rendition at the Grammy Awards while receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, though he didn’t address the war itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbbP6RzroIY" alt="Bob Dylan at the Grammy Awards

## Words of Wisdom

Accepting the Grammy from Jack Nicholson, Dylan shared an evocative thought reminiscent of Psalm 27:10, stating, “Well, my daddy, he didn’t leave me too much, you know? He was a very simple man and he didn’t leave me a lot. But what he did tell me was this. He did say, ‘Son…it’s possible to become so defiled in this world that your own mother and father will abandon you. And if that happens, God will always believe in your own ability to mend your own ways.”

## Classic Hits and New Covers

“Masters of War” is just one of several Sixties classics he’s reintroduced this summer. Alongside it, he performed other iconic songs such as “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3W9fyPwKIQ" alt="Setlist from Outlaw Music Festival

In addition, Dylan included various lesser-known cover songs, such as Charlie Rich’s “I’ll Make It All Up To You” and George “Wild Child” Butler’s “Axe and the Wind.”

## Upcoming Performances

The Outlaw Music Festival will continue on Saturday at Hershey Park Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The festival is set to conclude on September 19 at Alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy, Wisconsin. Following this, Dylan will head to Europe for a series of performances throughout October.

What are your thoughts on Dylan’s choice to revisit “Masters of War” at such a critical time?