In an unforgettable moment at the Outlaw Music Festival on Thursday night, music legend Bob Dylan welcomed rising star Billy Strings to the stage at ONE Spokane Stadium in Spokane, Washington. Together, they delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of "All Along the Watchtower" that showcased Dylan's remarkably clear and powerful voice.

Billy Strings has been touring with the Outlaw Music Festival since its kickoff in May, but this marks his first time sharing the spotlight with Dylan. It’s a rare occurrence for Dylan to invite fellow musicians from the tour to collaborate, though he did often feature Mickey Raphael, Willie Nelson’s harmonica player, during last summer's performances.

During his own set, Strings entertained the crowd with a mix of classic covers, including Bill Monroe’s "Ashland Breakdown" and Jamey Johnson’s "Lonely at the Top," alongside tracks from his albums "Home" and "Renewal." While Dylan has recently incorporated songs like "Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)" into his shows, his last live performance of "All Along the Watchtower" prior to this collaboration was back in October 2022.

Dylan’s performances of "All Along the Watchtower" have soared to an astounding total of 2,266 times, solidifying it as his most-played song. Unlike many previous versions that drew influences from Jimi Hendrix’s iconic cover, this latest performance returned to the song's roots, reminiscent of its original recording on the album "John Wesley Harding."

For festival-goers primarily there to see Willie Nelson, this song is one of the few they might instantly recognize. Dylan has astounded audiences with surprise covers earlier in the tour, including tracks like "A Rainy Night in Soho" by the Pogues, but has since settled into a more consistent setlist, featuring songs like Willie Dixon’s "Axe and the Wind."

The Outlaw Music Festival is only ten days into its trek across the country and is set to run until September 19. With an impressive lineup that includes the Avett Brothers, Wilco, Lucinda Williams, Sheryl Crow, and more, fans can look forward to even more unforgettable collaborations. Many are still hoping for a joint performance between Dylan and his friend Willie Nelson, as their unique bond has yet to yield a shared stage moment in this tour's leg!