Bob Dylan kicked off the historic Desert Trip music festival – aimed at the older generation – on Friday with an 80-minute set, before The Rolling Stones later took to the stage.
The 75-year-old rocker spent most of his time behind the piano as he performed songs from throughout his catalogue, including Tangled Up in Blue, Highway 61 Revisited and Make You Feel My Love after opening with Everybody Must Get Stoned.
Wearing a white hat and white shoes with a black tuxedo jacket and trousers, Dylan did not speak to the audience or say anything between songs. He occasionally crept out from behind the piano to sing at a microphone centre stage, pulling a harmonica from his pocket to play.
Dylan’s set officially launched the Desert Trip festival, dubbed “Oldchella” when it was first announced.
The three-day concert features six legendary acts: Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Roger Waters and the Who. It’s the first time they’ve all performed at the same event.
Desert Trip is being staged at the same Southern California desert venue where the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is held each spring.
But where Coachella is aimed at millennials, Desert Trip targets the more affluent baby boomers who grew up with the festival’s featured rockers. Luxury camping, gourmet dining and yoga classes are among the amenities being offered.
The Rolling Stones took to the take the stage later in the evening, with Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts rocking the stage in typical style.
According to reports, Sir Mick said to the crowd: “Tonight we’re not going to do any age jokes.
“But welcome to the Palm Springs retirement home for ageing English gentlemen.”
Neil Young and Paul McCartney will perform on Saturday night, and the festival repeats next weekend.
Never stop, never stop, never stop #StonesDesertTrip pic.twitter.com/RUXXBQoF6I
— Desert Trip (@DesertTripIndio) October 8, 2016
