# In 1968, Steven Tyler saw the ‘new Bob Dylan’ in New York. He left feeling “so bummed”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1968-steven-tyler-saw-the-new-bob-dylan-in-new-york-he-left-feeling-so-bummed/
- Published: 2026-10-29T23:07:19+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-29T23:52:50+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/in-1968-steven-tyler-saw-the-new-bob-dylan-in-new-york-he-left-feeling-so-bummed/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Tyler was disappointed by Donovan’s 1968 Carnegie Hall performance.
- Donovan reportedly changed the pace and vocal effect of his songs.
- The experience shaped Tyler’s commitment to audience expectations.

## Summary

As a teenager in 1968, Steven Tyler saw Donovan perform at Carnegie Hall and left disappointed. Donovan was then widely regarded as Bob Dylan’s successor, but Tyler felt the quiet performance fell short of what he expected from the singer and his songs.

Tyler recalled that Donovan played the songs faster and did not use the distinctive vocal effect on “Hurdy Gurdy Man”. After an audience member spoke, Donovan reportedly replied, “You’re playing havoc with my senses,” then stopped addressing the crowd. Tyler later said the experience shaped his own approach to performing: he tries to give audiences the songs and stage presence they expect.

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