A lesser-known Bob Dylan song has seen an "800% spike in listeners" thanks to a now-viral Timothée Chalamet performance of the track. The Dune and Call Me By Your Name actor recently portrayed Dylan in the biopic film – A Complete Unknown – and recently hosted Saturday Night Live, where he was also the musical guest. The 28-year-old, who has been nominated for Best Actor at this year's Academy Awards, performed two of Dylan's more obscure songs on the show, leading to a surge in interest in the tracks.
Chalamet appeared with an acoustic guitar and performed against a black backdrop on the live comedy show. The song he performed first featured on a compilation album called Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Vol. II, which released in 1971. Tomorrow is a Long Time, however, was first released as a live song in 1963. But a studio version of the song was not released until almost a decade later on the compilation album.
The song, along with 'When I Paint My Masterpiece,' 'I Shall Be Released,' 'You Ain't Goin' Nowhere,' and 'Down in the Flood' appeared on the final side of the double album. While it may be known to dedicated Dylan fans, Chalamet's performance has shot Tomorrow is a Long Time into public discourse, with many sharing their love for the performance and original song.
One user wrote: "Great song pick and rendition by Chalamet." Another suggested a "Bob renaissance" was "incoming" following Chalamet's performance. Pop Crave reported the song received an 800% boost to streaming numbers following Chalamet's SNL appearance. Musicians like Elvis Presley, Joan Baez, and Nick Drake later covered the song but the Beautiful Boy and Little Women actor's performance appears to have had the greatest impact on listening habits.
