sheff
I'm a 20 year old student, I got to know about Dylan when I was at uni. Saw the legend in Manchester. It was the first time I saw him and I wasn't expecting him to play every song like the album version, like possibly the rest of the audience. Don't forget the bloke has been doing it for years now and he probably has to mix things up to keep himself interested. You don't go to a Dylan concert for the musicianship you go for his lyrics. Highlights 'lay lady lay' and 'hard rains a-gonna fall' and the sing-a-long to 'like a rolling stone' will stick in the memory forever. The bloke is a legend, there is no-one else on his level and there never will be.
Rob from Cardiff.
Couple of years ago, saw
Bob Dylan on stage with Eric
Clapton. Sorry, But Clapton
carried him.
Splodge
The problem is Bob Dylan is the past. Anyone who looked at that performance and read into it all sorts of wonderous things is frankly a bit pretentious.
Phillipa, Bedford
Matt
Don't assume that because people disagree with you and enjoyed the concert that they are 'gushing fakes'. You want Dylan to be other than he is and so you say people that enjoy him are faking it. What a nerve!
Phillipa, Bedford
Tony, Go to a Bob Dylan tribute band next time. They will be consistent and interested in crowd pleasing - but ersatz. You won't mind though because you obviously prefer living in the past to sharing a live performance of someone who has given so much to contemporary music. Yeah - he got old and this might be his swan song, but personally I got as much out of this concert as I did out of the also much maligned one I saw at the Birmingam Odeon in 1966. He is still great and the sounds at Birmingham were fabulous especially Visions of Johanna, Chimes of Freedom and Thom Thumb's Blues.
Chris
Hi. I've posted a messga here previously, but I'd just like to point out that Bob hasn't played guitar live for the last few years. As far as I know this is due to arthritis, I'm pretty sure he's not doing it to spite people who come to the shows which seems to be the view of some people who've posted their thoughts...
Jillian K
Sharp & honest. Gave a clear word picture of the concert.
Jules Atkins
I would reserve anyone's right to say how they feel but, having seen Dylan in Birmingham Friday, my view is almost the complete opposite to Tony's.
I am fairly certain I was at the same concert (Blackbush) in Hampshire that Tony mentioned and I saw Dylan way before that too, at the IOW festival whilst still a schoolgirl.
Dylan has been a good companion through the years and, whilst I always wish he would change the habit of a lifetime and interact more with the audience, I realised long ago that wasnt going to happen and I somehow admire him all the more for being himself.
I enjoyed the concert in Birmingham - more than I enjoyed seeing Dylan in Bournemouth around 4 or 5 years ago. OK, his voice can't compare to how he sounded way back when but, even then, I can recall my schoolpals less than complimentary remarks about his singing!
Bob Dylan is his own man - his music speaks for him .. and I only wish I could articulate my feelings half as well!
Jim
Living on past glories? We heard trading on his name but spot on Review.
My father and I saw him at Birmingham NEC on Friday night. The deep voice, upsinging and RnB arrangements were a problem but anybody who's listened to Love and Theft should have expected it. From our point of view the biggest problem was the audience. It was completely devoid of any atmosphere whatsoever, Dylan struggled to hold their attention and this could have been down to two major factors. The first is his disregard for the audience. In the days of Bono, Chris Martin, Robbie etc singing to the crowd, even singing down fan's mobiles, we didn't even get the customary mumbled "thanks everybody" until the encore.
The second factor may have been Scorcese's doc'. There seemed to be a lot of younger people there who could have been expecting the thin, electric hipster from the bygone era and instead were introduced to the barely intelligible, grumpy old man that we all now know and love. I can't recall being at a gig where so many of the crowd freely wandered around the arena fetching drinks etc. This was a stark contrast to the gig at the NEC in 2001 where Dylan held their rapt attention with a rocking set.
That said,it was worth the trip and the ticket price to hear Hattie Carroll, Joanna and Thin Man performed by their composer but I think this was the last time we'll see him.
Col
Sad if it was so poor. I didn't see it so can't comment. I can only tell you that Birmingham was incredible and all of the comments I overheard afterwards was about what a great concert it had been.
sara
well I am glad that my eagerly placed ebay bids for tickets came to nothing. as manchester the same?
Rossi
No doubt about it Dylan isn't what he used to be but its the glimpses of his brilliance that we catch once in a while that make it worth all the agonising over his performances. i saw him in glasgow, same stage manner, but the fire was still there and the band were again excellent throughout. you can't expect him to play the old songs the old way! he's doing what he's always done, reinventing his own music. he still tours at 64, he never sold out and you'll still go see him next year because you never know...
adb
Craig, try reading your ticket next time - clearly states when doors open and what time he starts! As for the other reviews, anyone who didn't know which one was Dylan, he was the one that looked like Dylan and was singing into the microphone (he was also wearing a different coloured suit to the rest of the band). Saw him at the NEC last night and he was awesome - no, not at all like he was in '66 but if that's what you want, watch a DVD of the '66 tour. He was better this year than in 2003 when i saw him at Wembley. Chimes of Freedom was a little pearl too!!!
Ash Mansfield
Went to the NEC gig last night...well this review rings true for that gig too. He only addressed the audience for the first time when he was leaving the stage, his songs were unrecognisable and he didnt once strap the ol' guitar on and jam out. Its a shame and disappointment. I expected better from a music lover himself, he should know what the public want. Damn shame Bobby boy you've finally sold out.
Michael
been a Dylan fan for over 35 years and I appreciate that times change and so do people. However if someone is kind enough to buy me tickets for his next "performance" may I suggest two improvements? A guy holding a large board behind him to indicate which one he is, (there wont be any need for him to move)and a second guy holding a second board with the title of the song he's singing (that's Dylan not the guy with either of the boards). The concert was incredibly disappointing, sadly the artist has passed on to another world.
Pete C
Dylan rocked at Nottingham What a band! I,ve seen Dylan several times since '69 and I can honestly say this was this best ever. The band were excellant, what musicians perfect timing and the guy on fiddle/banjo/steel guitar
was outstanding and Dylans voice what do you expect for 62 years and a 100,000 fags later, a choir boy.I could recognise all songs except one and even sang along now and again.So stop living in the past accept Dylan for what he does now and enjoy the music as I do.
keir
Considering the BBC broadcast Dylan's recent documentary they could at least provide an objective review of the gig. This review gives a much fairer overview of the performance. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2005/11/17/bmbob17.xml&sSheet=/arts/2005/11/17/ixartleft.html I was open minded and expected a performance unlike other bands I have seen and that is what I got....Dylan is different and ever changing and that is what makes him special. If he just turned out the same old classics from the 60's he would't be an intruiging and interesting musician. As for the comment about him not embracing the audience...he embraced his band as a musician.
COLIN BEESON
I HAVE BEEN A DYLAN FAN FOR FORTY YEARS.VERY DISAPOINTED WITH THE CONCERT..I SPENT MOST OF IT IN THE FOYER.
David C
Let's face it, Bob's voice is shot now, each line began as a croak and ended on a high note. It was Bob doing karaoke of his own songs, lacking any kind of passion or committment.
Eric
I was one of the hairless ones. Been a Bob Dylan fan for more than 30 years but never seen him live. I won't be doing it again. The review is spot on, as are "Drac's" comments
John Waddington
I'm obviously in a minority but i thought the whole point was the music, not an artists capacity to charm the audience. If you expected Dylan circa '66, nearly 40 years later, well you've definitely missed the point. Dylan has moved on and so should you. His ability to re-interpret his own material is staggering and shows what a genius he is. If you expect 'the greatest hits' i suggest you spend your £35 on his back catalogue. Incidently, i thought his version of 'highway 61'(at manchester) was better than the original!
Simon Woods
My first experience of Bob Dylan, what was all the fuss about over the years? I had to ask the guy next to me which one he was due the the poor visability and apparant static stage performance, i could not distuinguish track from track let alone the lyrics. To be honest if it had been a tribute band in the local pub i would have left after the 2nd number....dreadfull.
Ed H
I agree with James Everington, and Rob O. Recording artist indeed. The show was about a here and now. Spellbinding.
Paul S
If anyone went to this gig expecting vintage Dylan, or even average Dylan, they are very silly indeed. Of course he's over the hill, he's old, his voice is gone and the songs are sometimes unrecognisable. But some people on this page seem to be expecting slick, pristine versions of the classics. Dyaln has never done this - he's always done it his way. If he wants to play piano, he will. Dylan doesn't play by the rules. I hear the Ice Arena has Cliff Richard on soon - perhaps some people here should give that a go instead.
Gordon
Some varied opinions. You need to be a full paid up member of the Dylanaholics to fully appreciate a Dylan gig. OK, he did not speak to the audience but he has not done for years. he has played keyboard rather than guitar for a couple of years now. His voice is not what it used to be but he is helped by a good band. I have a feeling that many people were seeing him for the first time as it is the first time he has played Nottingham. Two of my party were seeing him for the first time and enjoyed it.
Looking forward to Birmingham on Friday. Keep on rolling Bob.
Elaine
Tony, I totally agree with your review. Sadly I walked out after an hour - just couldn't take any more of it. Don't think I've felt so disappointed at a concert, ever!
Jamie F
totally agree with Tony and £35 for the back of his head is unbeleivable - I waited for hours for him to abandon his keyboard, strap on his guitar and let rip with some classics - im still waiting.
Bob R
Very dissapointed, I went to hear Bob Dylan and all I got was a Heavy Rock band with Dylan hiding himself on the stage somewhere.For me it was a ripoff. I think he's milking his Fans.
Chris
Although I wasn't at Nottingham, I was at Manchester...and Bob was amazing! Last night was the fifth and best Dylan gig I've been to. I find it hard to believe that the night before was a bad as some of the comments suggest, Bob can hardly be blamed for the acoustics at the venue. As for 'having his back to the audience' he certainly didn't in Manchester, although he was side on. The set was excellent with the usual changes to the original arrangements. I also got the impression that a lot of people went to the MEN to see a legend before he dies...and if that's your attitude, I for one am glad if you didn't have a good time. Judas? Hardly.
James Everington
Review appears to be written by someone who expects a 'greatest hits' set sounding exactly like the records... Never seen him before myself but I'd rather see him reinterpret old songs and play new pmes than a greatest hits. There were a couple of ropey songs but most were fantastic - particualrly Masters Of War.
Barry Stacey
Oh Dear Bob
It won't do. How about a 'good evening and thanks for coming'
the band were over rehearsed and perfuctionary how about some balls? as was evident in the long keep the waiting and watch them leave encore.
Sorry it was capable but we want more than that from a legend
floydy
Anyone with half an eye on the music press and television should have known all of that already. Perhaps you did but have just been waiting for a chance to pronounce limply upon it?
Disappointed of Nottingham
Felt I couldn't let pass the opportunity of seeing such a 'legend'when he was playing on my doorstep, and so forked out £30 plus £3 booking fee (per ticket!!! What's that for exactly???). I was deeply disappointed and was on the verge of walking out within the first half hour - as were the rest of my party. It was only the fact that I really wanted to hear Like a Rolling Stone that kept me in my seat. I couldn't hear any of the words, virtually every song sounded the same, and I was offended that Dylan couldn't even be bothered to speak to the audience or introduce his songs. In fact, it was the worst gig I have ever been to in my life ( and I tend to go to about ten every year). I'm annoyed with myself for wasting money on seeing someone who is not only well past his sell by date, but who hasn't got the manners and grace to appreciate his audience.
Pete Thorpe
The band was brilliant, played wonderfully. but thats what distracts, because Dylan music has a raw edge to it and that got lost somewhere. it did not feel like a Dylan gig should. There were some memorable highlights in there, Maggies Farm to start with was excellent, but the new arrangements had a similar feel to them, leaving a lot of songs to lose their identity somewhat. but it was Bob Dylan really glad I went may not get the chance to see him play live again.
Stephen Jeffery
I completely agree with Tony's review. I thought perhaps he had only half a face for most of the concert. The times they have changed indeed. The band however were very good.
K W Smith
He has alwayys been over-rated
Drac
As a devoted Dylan fan since the mid sixties, I felt insulted by his performance last night. If the man feels so bad about appearing live then he should stop doing it instead of robbing his fans in the way he did. I went to the gig with an open mind, not entirely sure what to expect. What I got was probably the worst gig I've ever seen. The Arena is an appalling venue at the best of times and last night certainly wasn't one of those. The sound was terrible by any standards and I would suggest that the engineer responsible take up plumbing. But, this was all overshadowed by the "performance" of Dylan and his band, mutilating some of his classics in a lack lustre fashion and performing other songs in a disinterested shambling way with not an ounce of spark. If a Dylan cover band did a show like that they would be booed off stage. I'm surprised that they weren't. I left just before the encores and wasn't surprised to see crowds of people leaving the venue, and from the comments being made, for the same reason that I was.
Philip Rann
Think you are right - but the show was not helped by the venue - if Dylan and and his men have decided to morph into an Alice Cooper tribute band - then at least we could have bopped - I've had more fun at a funeral
Bill Gibson
Its a mirror of the review (under my pen name billy zinc) published on the Northern Echos revoltution review page (its still on I believe). You should encourage anny one who couldn't see to get a FULL refund like I did last year from Newcastle Arena. THe man treats his audience with distain and should be made to pay. He has always tried to see how far he can go with people like some petulance child. This from a fan who wenr to the Isle of Wight in 1969 and to a show in e3cery tour (until this one) since.
kevin p
shame,
thought about going but guess i didint miss much
Leo McCotter
I think this is an unfair comment - badly thought out. Maybe Tony would have preferred to see Bob Dylan 'milk' the audience, like Robbie Williams doing a pale imitation of Frank Sinatra. Having got rid of the real talent - his songwriter. Dylan is at least original in the true sense of the word and has always been enigmatic. I would like to remind Tony that in 1964 in Manchester Free Trade Hall people like him cried out Judas and since then Dylan has proved them all wrong.
Jared LeftLion
Twas a funny gig. Probably the first i've ever been to that had finished by 9.45pm. Too expensive by far, but then again Bob has turned into a corporation these days. As for the performance, I think it's about all you can expect from him really. He is old, but he's still going and most people were there just for the experience of 'seeing' Bob and being able to tell the grandkids. the encore with 'Rolling Stone' and 'Watchtowere' was awesome!
Craig
I totally agree with Tony. I myself got there at 8pm expecting to see Dylan come on a little later. Wrong, he was already on stage, aparently ! I spent the first 20 mins looking at the guitarists only to realise he was on keyboard! Dylan on keyboards all night!!! NOT what i had expected and paid for. But I have now seen him live, thats all i can really say about the night, I saw him !!
matt
nice to read a good honest review, rather than a gushing fake. although dylan fans might not appreciate the comparison, i felt exactly the same when i saw the pistols on their 'comeback' tour.
Rob O
fantastic concert, if you've been following him for so long your expectations were wrong - hes constantly reinventing himself. The band were pretty tight around him
