Bob Dylan Stuns Killarney Crowd With First “Lakes of Pontchartrain” in 34 Years

Bob Dylan delivered a major surprise at his Killarney, Ireland concert. He performed the traditional folk ballad “The Lakes of Pontchartrain” for the first time since 1991. The performance took place at the INEC Arena on November 23.

This revival of a 19th-century song follows another rare cover days earlier. Dylan is known for digging deep into music history during his live shows.

A Deep Cut With Deep Roots

Dylan first played this song in 1988. It was during the start of his famed Never Ending Tour. His last performance of it was in Nashua, New Hampshire over three decades ago.

The song’s origins are American, referencing Louisiana. It became an Irish standard after the band Planxty popularized it in the 1970s. According to Rolling Stone, playing it in Ireland was a poignant nod to local folk traditions.

Dylan’s History of Location-Specific Covers

This is not an isolated incident for the legendary songwriter. In 2023, he played a series of location-specific covers on tour. He performed Chuck Berry songs in St. Louis and Leonard Cohen tunes in Montreal.

This pattern has fueled speculation among dedicated fans. Many hope for more setlist surprises as the tour continues. It breaks the routine of his standard “Rough and Rowdy Ways” show.

The Killarney performance proves Bob Dylan’s setlists can still hold surprises. His Bob Dylan Killarney concert will be remembered for this rare folk revival. It shows his enduring connection to music’s vast and deep history.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the song “The Lakes of Pontchartrain” about?

It is a traditional American folk ballad. The song tells the story of a traveler who falls for a Creole girl near New Orleans. Its themes of travel and love are common in folk music.

When did Bob Dylan last play this song?

He last performed it on July 6, 1991. That concert was in Nashua, New Hampshire. The Killarney performance ended a 34-year absence from his setlists.

Why is this song popular in Ireland?

The Irish folk group Planxty recorded it in 1974. Their version on the album “Cold Blow and the Rainy Night” made it a standard in Irish folk music. This cemented its place in the country’s musical consciousness.

Does Dylan often change his setlist on tour?

While his recent tours have focused on the “Rough and Rowdy Ways” album, he has a history of surprises. He frequently adds a rare cover or two, especially ones that resonate with the local audience.

What other deep cuts has Dylan played recently?

Just three days before, he played Van Morrison’s 2016 song “Going Down to Bangor” in Belfast. This shows a recent pattern of incorporating unexpected and location-appropriate covers into his shows.