I saw Bob Dylan... [View all]

[LuckyCharms]

In the year 2000 (I think, maybe 2001, not sure) in Canandaigua NY at an outdoor venue. He opened for Phil Lesh.

I went to this show by myself and stayed overnight at a nearby hotel after the show. It was about a 160 mile drive for me, one way.

It was still daylight out, and most people were still outside of the venue gates.

I somehow managed to score a second row ticket. I got to my seat way early, and was just sitting there drinking a soda when Dylan came on stage. There was no one sitting around me when he came out. He walked out with his band and they started tuning a bit. Dylan kind of casually looked out into the audience and probably took note of how empty it currently was.

Then he locked eyes with me and gave me a quizzical look. I don't want to exaggerate, but we probably looked at each other for maybe 3 or 4 seconds...which is a long time to have Bob Dylan looking at you. He then gave me a crooked little smile, turned his back to the audience toward his bandmates, and they started the first song. My guess is that I looked like someone he knew personally.

I've seen him 4 or 5 times in concert, but never this close to the stage. Sometimes the experience was underwhelming, but this show was good. I think Larry Campbell might have been in his band at that time? He always played with stellar musicians.

So here's a little bit shaky close-up video of Dylan at another show that same year. This was 25 years ago, and he was considered old then, and his voice was unliked by some. But I'll tell you, it's really something watching him perform up close. I personally love his voice, even in his later years. I love this song. And no matter what I or anyone else thinks of his voice, this man can bring me to tears.