Well, I have seen Bob Dylan perform

[underpants]

I knew there were no “hits” going in. “Masterpiece” had a completely different arrangement I guess you’d say - almost country western. The 4 piece standard rock band was very tight. Nice songs but I said to my wife at one point “Sounded like a good song. I wish I had an idea what it was about.” He was seated at the piano the whole time. Very roadhouse R&B. Again, the band was great.

17 songs. 90 minutes that felt way longer. No audience interaction at all. No encore. Last song, walked to the front of the stage, lights came up before he was backstage.

The sound at Richmond's grand venue (Altria formerly The Mosque) was outstanding. Even with that I couldn’t understand anything. Nothing.

I wanted to leave and I don’t think I’ve ever left a show. I knew the set list. Yes it’s Dylan, never exactly a crooner and he is 81. I just would think something could be done with the mic or filters. Something.

[Silent Type]

1. I read a lot of complaints about his recent shows. He needs to cut back the number

Last edited Tue Nov 28, 2023, 12:53 AM - Edit history (1)

of concerts. He does too many to be in top form, age considered. I’ve seen him in top form, with the Band, and two times in 1990s. Think I’ll leave it at that.

But it’s Dylan.

[underpants]

3. I really dug into this

He’s doing shows every other day. He’s in Roanoke on Wednesday. He’s in Huntington WV shortly there after. I’ve been to Huntington a lot. A weird mix.

[catrose]

6. I wonder why. Even if he still loves to perform, that schedule has to be grueling

[Doc Sportello]

2. Sounds like a typical Dylan concert

I've seen him in concert every decade since the 1970s. He rarely interacts with the audience. At a concert in the late 90s he did and it was wonderful. Near the end he low-fived the crowd at the stage and I was lucky enough to be one of them. He mostly played lead guitar that night and he was virtuoso, using a technique he said he learned from an old blues great. I saw him last in 2011 but wouldn't go now for the reasons you listed and that his voice is mostly gone.

[underpants]

4. My wife called it an "the Emporer has no clothes" moment

“Doesn’t anyone tell him he just isn’t any good anymore?” She loves Dylan.

Like
I said the band was right and he certainly was interacting with them.

[brewens]

5. I saw him maybe 25 years ago after he had been ill and rehabbed. I couldn't disagree with the reviews saying

he sounded the best he had in years. What little live stuff I'd heard in the couple years before that, I had to agree.

I loved it. It was at Washington State University with Asleep at the Wheel opening. Both Bob and Ray had great bands. Bob was no fucking around. He introduced the band really quick at one point, but it was classic after classic for about two hours. I think I caught him at the right time considering the few chances I had.

[rubbersole]

7. Was fortunate enough to see him in the early '70s...

...in Atlanta at the Omni. With The Band. Governor Jimmy Carter was in the front row and introduced to a great reception from the crowd. A cherished memory with my late wife.

[Roy Rolling]

8. Those Were the Days 😂

Bob’s sulky silence was an outward symptom of his inner angst in the ‘60s and ‘70s.

I saw him in the ‘90s and he was just “phoning it in”. I was so excited to see him but left thinking this is the worst concert I’ve ever attended—and I saw Paul Revere and the Raiders lecture me live with their song “Kicks” while on the “Where the Action Is” tour.

Perhaps edibles might’ve helped. 😂

[yardwork]

13. What a wonderful memory.

[Tomconroy]

9. I saw him in CT a few weeks ago but I enjoyed it

Much more than you did. I read the reviews so I knew going in that it wasn't going to be a greatest hits show. Most of the songs were from his recent Rough and Rowdy ways album. And he had added new words to the older songs he did. They all had kind of a blues air to them.
I thought his voice was good and as you say the band was great. Although there, as always, was little interaction with the audience, he seemed to really be enjoying himself and I thought he's become a pretty damn good piano player.
It's Dylan. He's not there to make you happy. He's going to do what he wants. Just as he always has. I'm really glad I paid what for me was significant bucks to see him and would do it again.I think you just have to go along with him.

[underpants]

11. I did appreciate his piano playing and the sings

at least the arrangements.

Glad you enjoyed it. I really wanted to.

[zanana1]

10. I love his music, but...

I have no desire to go to one of his concerts.

[yardwork]

12. I was very fortunate to see him on the 1999 tour.

He toured with Paul Simon. Dylan had an amazing bluegrass band. The music literally shimmered.

It's the best concert I ever saw. Just caught him on an amazing, amazing night.