Justin Vernon discusses Bob Dylan covers concert, releases cover of “Not Dark Yet”

This upcoming summer, Eaux Claires, the music festival co-founded by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Aaron Dessner of The National, will be returning to Vernon’s hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. This marks the festival’s first occurrence since 2018. Recently, Vernon revealed the festival’s lineup, which features notable artists like Aimee Mann, Daniel Caesar, Dijon, Lil Yachty, Kevin Morby, and a performer known as “Bon Dylan.” Justin Vernon delves into the concept of “Bon Dylan” and what it entails.

Initially, speculations arose about the possibility of Bob Dylan himself performing with Bon Iver as “Bon Dylan.” However, it has been clarified that Justin Vernon will embody the spirit of “Bob Dylan circa 1994” during this one-time event. Vernon’s performance will encompass songs from throughout Bob Dylan’s distinguished career. This exclusive show is the sole performance planned by Vernon for 2026, with a dedicated team of regular collaborators supporting him on stage.

Currently at the age of 44, Justin Vernon will be embodying a specific era of Bob Dylan for this set. Rather than focusing on a specific year, Vernon exudes a versatile approach, as evidenced by his recent press photo recreating Dylan’s Nashville Skyline cover art from 1969. Additionally, Vernon has shared a rendition of a Bob Dylan song from 1997.

In a newly released video, Justin Vernon discusses his upcoming Bon Dylan performance, accompanied by a rendition of “Not Dark Yet,” a haunting track from Bob Dylan’s Time Out Of Mind album. Vernon and his band recorded this version during a rehearsal in March. Reflecting on the inspiration behind his transformation into “Bob Dylan for a night,” Vernon shares a personal anecdote about attending a Bob Dylan concert in town with his father and friends, catalyzing the revival of the Eaux Claires festival.

Following this revelation, Justin Vernon candidly expresses his desire to explore a different persona and escape the confines of his past identities. Aiming to embody Bob Dylan’s essence for a singular performance, Vernon seeks to transcend his established image as Bon Iver. Notably, in the past, Vernon covered “Not Dark Yet” at the 37d03d Festival in Brooklyn in 2019, showcasing his affinity for Dylan’s music.

As the Eaux Claires festival approaches on 7/24-25 at Carson Park, music enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Justin Vernon’s innovative Bon Dylan performance. The event promises a unique fusion of Vernon’s artistry and Dylan’s timeless music, offering attendees an unforgettable experience.