As Bob Dylan is playing in the state of Ohio on 17th and 19th, I think we can safely say he won't be gracing the stage in Brum on Friday.
I happen to think this "Bob's mate" business is somewhat overplayed

I'm sure it will be mentioned again on Friday night!
AH talked about how it all came about on the recent tour, and in the recent interview from the Cecil Sharp House festival. He comes across as just being amazed that his hero actually knew about him and about Fairport's covers of his music back in the 60s.