Bob Dylan to release 2021 concert film Shadow Kingdom

Bob Dylan has just announced that he will be releasing his black-and-white 2021 concert film Shadow Kingdom on CD, vinyl and streaming services this June.

Recorded across seven days from a soundstage in Santa Monica, the film features 13 newly arranged songs from the early half of the acclaimed performers career– a stark contrast to the heavily Rough and Rowdy Ways saturated setlist from his current tour.

In the mid-century stylised nightclub setting, Dylan performs 'What Was It You Wanted,' from 1989’s Oh Mercy, for the first time since 1995, and 'Pledging My Time' for the first time since 1999.

The project was directed by Israeli-American filmmaker Alma Har'el and featured Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek, upright bassist Janie Cowan, and accordion player Shahzad Ismaily, all donning face masks. Dylan– who was taking a break from his Never Ending Tour at the time– played guitar and harmonica.

Shadow Kingdom was initially released as– and only available through– a live stream through Veeps in July 2021. Fans paid $25 to watch the fifty minute stream, to overall positive reviews.

"Dylan plays fast and loose with stagecraft – and his vast back catalogue – and it’s completely thrilling," read a review from the Guardian, to which Rolling Stone added: "The streaming concert was stunning," and an "amazing experience."

Shadow Kingdom, the record, will be released on CD, vinyl, and streaming formats June 2 via Columbia/Legacy Recordings. The film will debut on download and rental platforms June 6.

Shadow Kingdom Soundtrack Out June 2
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“The entire show was one jaw-dropping delight after another.” – Rolling Stone
“He hasn’t sounded better in decades.” – Variety

— Bob Dylan (@bobdylan) April 13, 2023