Bob Dylan was playing live and releasing records before the Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Springsteen. His career has outlasted groups like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, quite an achievement. All the more impressive when you consider his latest album has just gone to number one in the UK and US, and he’s just finished the European leg of yet another tour.
Last night’s gig at the venue formerly known as the Point was outstanding. I love going to Dublin, and we (friend and fellow Dylan fan Rick) travelled down early enough to walk round some of the well-known city sites. Always hiving with people, it was striking to see so many building developments and roadworks around Dublin half-finished, seemingly abandoned. The faceless built-up apartments of the docklands area around the 02 got me thinking – oh dear – is this what Titanic Quarter is aspiring to?
Checked into a few indie record stores in Temple bar – all blasting out Dylan tunes, adding to the sense of expectation. The O2 arena is an impressive sight inside. They’ve moved the arena around in a fan-like shape so that, apparently, the farthest seat is only sixty metres from the stage. Down the front we were about five metres from Dylan’s no-frills stage set-up.
With no support act, Dylan and his band shuffled onstage at 8.00pm. Apart from Wicked Messenger at the beginning, all the other songs were clearly recognisable. He can sing, in a way. Bob drew heavily from Highway 61 Revisited, even rattling through a full Desolation Row. His band kicked up a storm – felt like they were cutting loose for the last night. Dylan even appeared from behind his keyboard to play guitar on Girl from the North Country and Man in the Long Black Coat. It was nice to be in a non-chatty crowd that was totally digging the music as well. Dylan said nothing to the audience all night, but acknowledged us with some funny gestures and odd facial expressions. He’s a strange fella alright, but a two hour-plus set each night from a 67 year old is good going.
In conclusion, much better than the last time I saw him in 2006 at the Kilkenny Festival. Playing indoors suits him better I think. It’s non-stop Dylan news at the moment, he revealed today that he’d love to collaborate with Paul McCartney. Now that would be worth hearing.
Have to say I’m more than a little jealous of you getting to Dublin! I’m loving his new album, although I’ve heard others give more negative reviews. I think its a good move away from the smooth contours of Modern Times (which were wonderful while they lasted) and a return to a more visceral and ironic Dylan. Love ‘Forgetful Heart’ and ‘It’s All Good’.
Hope you’re all keeping well.
A
Yep it was a privilege to be able to go! Am also loving TTL, favourites for me would be “feel a change comin’ on” and “if you ever go to Houston” – after all he encourages someone to pray the sinner’s prayer on that one!