Justin Vernon, the enigmatic force behind Bon Iver, has finally provided a clear vision of his intriguing “Bon Dylan” project, slated for its debut at his revived Eaux Claires festival. This highly anticipated transformation will see Vernon embody Bob Dylan circa 1994, performing material spanning Dylan’s extensive catalog.
Set for the July 24-25 weekend, this one-off performance will be Vernon’s sole live appearance of 2026, marking a significant break from his Bon Iver touring hiatus since 2019.
The Genesis of Bon Dylan: A Creative Reawakening
Vernon offered the first real glimpse into the project via a newly released teaser video. Soundtracked by a stripped-down rendition of Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet,” the clip frames “Bon Dylan” as both a unique novelty and a profound creative reset for the artist.
Addressing his motivations, Vernon shared, “I haven’t felt much like being what I’ve been.” He added, “So I thought it’d be cool to try to be Bob Dylan for a night. I’m trying to turn Bon into Bob.”
The concept’s roots trace back to a Dylan show Vernon attended last year in Eau Claire with his father and friends. This experience, steeped in a powerful sense of community, directly inspired the revival of Eaux Claires. When faced with the decision to have Bon Iver headline again, Vernon chose artistic evolution over repetition.
This venture aligns seamlessly with Vernon’s previously expressed unease regarding the expectations tied to his own Bon Iver catalog. “Bon Dylan” offers an “escape hatch,” allowing him to perform without revisiting familiar emotional territory and to delve into an entirely different songwriting lexicon.
Collaborators and Archival Releases
The “Bon Dylan” backing band will feature a rotating ensemble of close collaborators, including Sean Carey, Phil Cook, JT Bates, JP Brooks, Camaja Byrd, Ben Lester, Michael Lewis, Katira Lutterman, John Pieter, Courtland Pickens, and Jeremy Ylvisaker. As-yet-unannounced guest singers are also expected to join the lineup.
In other news, Vernon has also delved into his personal concert archives for the debut installment of a new series, VOLUMES. Released on April 3, “VOLUMES: ONE “SELECTIONS FROM MUSIC CONCERTS 2019-2023 BON IVER 6 PIECE BAND”” features nine live performances from Bon Iver’s last four years of touring, alongside a solitary track from 2017.
