Bob Dylan attempts to describe "ancient Viking soul" Willie Nelson: "How would you define the indefinable?"
Willie Nelson released his 154th studio album in April 2025. Titled Oh What a Beautiful World, the record marks his 77th solo project. Meanwhile, Bob Dylan shared glowing words about the country legend during their joint Outlaw Music Festival tour that summer.
The album arrived without details on its record label or distributor. Despite this, it added to Nelson’s vast discography, spanning over six decades.
Dylan took the stage during the 2025 Outlaw Music Festival with rare performances. He played *Mr. Tambourine Man* live for the first time in 15 years. Another surprise came when he covered *A Rainy Night in Soho* by The Pogues, a song he had never performed before. Between shows, Dylan spoke warmly of Nelson. He called the singer’s voice a 'warm porchlight' for wanderers. Struggling to pin down Nelson’s essence, he used vivid metaphors—describing him as an 'Ancient Viking Soul'. Beyond his music, Dylan praised Nelson’s kindness, generosity, and deep understanding of people. Nelson, now in his ninth decade, continued to tour and record. His latest work followed a career defined by relentless creativity and collaboration.
The 2025 Outlaw Music Festival highlighted both artists’ enduring influence. Dylan’s rare performances and heartfelt tributes underscored Nelson’s impact on music and culture. The album’s release further cemented Nelson’s status as one of the most prolific recording artists of all time.
