vendredi 21 juillet 2023

Bob Dylan Spring Tour Europe 2023.



Porto June 2sd 2023.

I was so sorry that I had to miss Japan Tour.
But life must go on.
So I did my best to make it to Porto.
I spend two days as a tourist. Porto is a nice city with great people. The Youth hostel is comfortable and the food reasonably good?.
My good friend found me a ticket so I didn't have to worry so much.
As expected a lot fans made it from all over the world for the first show of that Tour.
The venue is not that fantastic neither from out, neither from inside.
My seat is all 'view blocked' so I move to a better space where I stand and dance?
The security is pretty cool, though the mobiles have to be put away?
I do expect the same set list as Japan, maybe with a surprised song.
I'm all away up and the sound is not so good.
It is the set list as Osaka April 6th. With 'that old black magic'.
'My own version of you' as a new rhythm for me and I like it very much. I can't stop dancing.
'black rider' sounds pretty good too. And 'Jimmy Reed' rocks good.
As for the rest.... Nice to hear again.
A nice harp intro on 'Mother of muses' and at the end of 'every grain of sand '.
The introduction of the Band is early and minimalist.

A lot 'thank you' but no move in front except at the very end, for the standing ovation.
The stage light is ...even darker than before, and truly I couldn't see Bob's face at all.
I do believe he had his black suit with embroidery.
So all together I had a great time in Porto with a good unsurprising show.
Thanks to my good friends.
See you on the road.

 

Lisboa 1 June 3rd.

I had a nice trip on FLIXBUS. No worry of driving.
Let the driver do the job. Seat back and relax!
Arriving to ' Oriente ' huge bus station in Lisboa early afternoon.
Easy ride on metro to downtown youth hostel.
Not far from the sea. So first thing is to see the sea.
A nice shower and a good night sleep.
And here is another show day!

June 4th.

Arriving at 'Campo pequeno' early in the afternoon.
A beautiful arena with a huge Bob Dylan poster.
Wish I could grab it to cover my ceiling :)
"Beat the street" buses are parked already and the Band will be dropped for sound check in a small van.
Bobby arriving later by car.
Cool!
My good friend Hilda offers to pay for me a ticket handed by Ian. Thank you so much!
So I'm secured for an entrance.
I spend time chatting with Fans here and there and get inside the venue by 7.30 pm.
I'm surprised by the small size of the inside venue. Nothing could be more intimate. A lot better than Porto.
I'm on first balcony center with a perfect view.
Bob's on I believe few minutes after 8 pm.
"Watching the river flow" is not that great.
But it's the song to adjust the sound and to give time for late folks to take their seats.
The sound will be perfect after that.
Bob's voice as clear as before.
The little grand piano more 'soft' , mixing well with the Band.
Bob's body more visible. Though with the light still minimalist I can't see Bob's face :(
First few songs are good, as good as they could be.
I realize Bob Britt probably blocking the view of fans sited right and Doug Lancio blocking the view of fans sited left. No need for bottles on the piano :). Tony disappears behind Bob and Jerry being really tall is visible, his white glasses flashing in the dark :). Donnie, well ...as usual, discreet and efficient.
"I'll be your baby tonight" has a long musical instrument in middle song, so will "To be alone with you". Time for Bob to relax a bit his voice.
The Brand is tight. No remarks from Bob, except a couple or three "thank you".
"Rubicon" is excellent so was "Black rider". And the new "My own version of you" swinging good.
My highlight for tonight.
"Gotta serve somebody"... Well! I found it a bit erratic tonight, at the end. My opinion :)
The 14th will be "Not fade away" with a big roar from the audience. An audience reacting pretty good. A bunch on my right visibly knowing the set list.
No extravaganza but respect.
Intro of the Band after "Mother of muses". Starting with Jerry Pentecost then Doug Lancio then Bob Britt, Donnie Heron and Tony Garnier.
No jokes :(
"Jimmy Reed" coming oh! too soon. With also a great instrumental with guitars.
Britt and Lancio are doing a great job and Pentecost is wild ;holding his sticks in the air.
The inevitable "Every grain of sand".
Bob picks up is harp but maybe out of time(it seams). So he won't do any harp :(
Standing ovation. Really quickly they turn the lights off.
Bye bye Bobby!
See you tomorrow.

Lisboa 2. June 5th.

Starts with a nice free breakfast.
Then a free tour of the city.
Lisboa is sure hot and crowded. Feel a bit dizzy ?
Take a cold/warm shower and watch a romantic Australian movie on my mobile :)
Then walk to the Campo Pequeno. This time I know the way and don't get lost :)
Musicians arrived at 4.30pm. Tony doesn't look too healthy. He's really scooped. His back must hurt him :(
Bob's car drives in , in total 'security' by 4.50pm.
Will he join for the soundcheck???
I start looking for a ticket early.
I don't panic but I sure would like to be in and not out :)
A young couple walks to me and they do have an extra Tix. So I negotiate a free entrance.
They are Israeli from Tel Aviv and I try to remember some of my Hebrew. Bevakasha! Toda raba!   Leitraot!
That will do the trick.
I chat with my good new friend from Italy.
And in I go.
Same spot as yesterday. Not too bad.
By 7.55 pm many seats are still empty, including on the floor. But there is no way for me to get down :(
Too bad because the stage rush would have been easy.
Bob starts on time with venue filled about 3/4.
Two rows totally empty in my back ???
'The river flow ' is flowing ok.
But it takes 'Black rider' to be really into the mood.
'My own version of you' is again fantastic.
And surprise harp on 'I'll be your baby tonight'.
Then again on 'To be alone with you'.
That will make for the mistake of yesterday.
'Rubicon' is a bit boring.
I see Bob drinking a lot from a cup.
There is no air conditioning. The atmosphere is stuffing.
It's almost if I don't faint on 'Key west'.
The public starts to be restless half the song!
'Gotta serve somebody' needs a new arrangement. More fluid. With more drumming.
Like a military march, maybe???
'I've made up my mind to give myself to you' doesn't get much reaction from the audience.
Neither 'the size of your c**k will get you no where'.
I see that half the floor folks are not even moving...no applause :(
Except a nice reaction on 'My own version of you' and 'Not fade away' and some clapping hands on my section....public ?￰゚ᄂᆱ quiet.
Bob saying shyly  'Thank you' after the big applause.
No harp on 'Every grain of sand'.
By now Bob and the Band should be all sweaty.
I get out to see if Bob will be riding his bus to Madrid or...flying.
He's leaving in a black car. So definitively flying private jet to Madrid.
See you there.
Bye bye Portugal. Obrigado.

Madrid 1. June 7th.

Get up early. Get a cup of strong 'cafe con leche'. Walk all the way to the Prado Museum.
Spend about four hours in that special museum with mainly Spaniards painters. My favorite would be El Greco (for the use of his colors) and the Italians Tiepolo and Panini.
Walk back to the Youth Hostel.
Eat myself a salad and get ready for the first show in Madrid.
The weather had been rainy all morning and I had to change all my wet clothes.
By chance I grab my rain poncho.
Catch the metro to "Ciudad Universitaria".
Obviously a show at University :)
It's an .. outdoor show. Oh my! Never thought of it.
Start looking for a Tix. Many folks are selling but no less than 100 euros. Way too much :(
The show will start at 9.30 pm.
By 8 pm it starts raining like hell. A light uninterrupted rain. I'm rapidly drenched to the bones. The file of fans is crunched in the entrance of the venue for protection.
I take it easy just trying not to drown.
I have been talking to a seller for a while now. He bought 6 tickets, 250 euros each, he's trying to sell. Well! Good luck I said :)
By 9 pm. He says he will give his personal ticket to me for 20 euros as he's not willing to stand in the rain for the show.
The rain was my miracle :)
I rush to the entrance where nice people give for free some blue rain ponchos. We all look like Smurfs :)
I bumped into one of my follower on Boblinks: Toms from Riga Lettonie. We laugh a lot in the rain before they finally let the fans inside the arena.I decide not to take my seat but stand on the left side of the stage where I can see Bob at the piano pretty clearly.
I will dance in the rain for the entire show. But it suddenly stops raining....another miracle:)
Show starts a 9.50 pm.
Bob and the Band ...all dry :)
Of course I enjoy that one show really much. I focus on Bob who will say 'thank you' maybe 6 times.
The songs are all great.
Even ...'Mother of muses' :) :).
Bob presents the Band before Jimmy Reed with
'Jerry Pentecost on the drums.  Doug Lancio on the blue guitar. Bob Britt on the....well!other one. Donnie Heron on steel guitar and Tony Garnier on bass'.
A short standing ovation and off he goes.
Toms and I catch the metro back home.
Thank you my good friend Toms.
Conversation much appreciated.
I do believe Bob will play Lettonie just to please you :)
Tomorrow is another Bobby day!

Madrid 2 June 8th.

Got up late. Well! I didn't plan anything today.
Just a relaxed day. Took a walk in a park in the afternoon and my cup of 'cafe con leche'.
Then metro 6 , "circular", to the venue.
It doesn't rain. Alleluia!
I try my chance by the gate where folks are already in. Just in case someone is already inside with an extra ticket. Meaning he doesn't really want to sell. Right?
My chance!
Two young British guys say ; " yes, we do have an extra on the phone". Takes a while for the transfer but I'm getting used to those E-tickets.
I walk inside the Botanical Garden immediately.
Why wait any longer ...
My seat is row 8/35. Right on the aisle. Lucky me. I can move my legs ?
Bob's in a good mood. I can tell.
Say "Thank you" after 'River flow'. He murmured something I didn't catch. Maybe mentioned the rain starting following on the colorful ponchos. Today they are of all kinds of colors ; pink, yellow, green, blue, white. Must be fun to watch from the stage.
"Black rider" is a must.
After "Masterpiece" ,also a blast, he said: " thank you Art lovers. I'm an Art lover too".
Before "Crossing the Rubicon" he said "now I sit" and did for "Rubicon" and  "To be alone with you ".
Is this a reaction to the video that was taken yesterday??? Precisely on "Rubicon".
I see the security guy being hyper vigilant. Flashing his light at some folk. :(
So Bob disappeared for two songs. Truly sad ?.
But reappeared for "Key west".
He made a mistake at the end of "Gotta serve somebody". We have seen a ghost, twice :)
Oh well! Who cares??? He got over enthusiastic. :)
"I've made up my mind to give myself to you" is sweet and strong.
Then....oh!oh! A surprise!
No hesitation on "Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum". It had been rehearsed, obviously.
Donnie Heron fantastic on his violin!
It moves the audience, even if few realize the surprise![Need to be a follower to appreciate the change.?].
But the public is good despite the rain.
Introducing the Band before "Jimmy Reed" he will say "Donnie Heron on violin....and steel guitar".
Few more words I didn't catch...
Bobby being in a good mood and me having an excellent seat...I will say this was my best show on that Tour.
Thank you British guys.
Thanks to Bobby and his Band.
And the crew people who had certainly a hard time keeping everything dry.
Madrid in the rain. Never thought of it! ?¬リヤ
Next Sevilla. Dry and warm????
 

June 9. I bused from Madrid to Sevilla
and that was a nice trip.

Arriving late in afternoon I already like the city. Beautiful architecture.
So I book a tour for Alcazar palace for next day.
Sevilla June 10.
As I walk down the street I want my cup of 'cafe con leche' and I bump into a Bobcat. We have a nice discussion then I move on to enter the Alcazar palace.
Spend few hours in admiration of the splendid hard work and decorations: ceramic, wood, tiles....and the garden.
Then move back to my hostel.
I pass by the 'Alfonso XIII' five starts hotel and recognize outside some Dylan people.
I see the Band jumping in a black van and off they go for the soundcheck.
No sign of Bob who will probably leave later.
Time for a change of close and off I go by bus 27.
I now remember the venue I attended few years earlier.
I start looking for a ticket.
Though many fans have extra Tix  they are not willing to sale for my 20 euros proposal.
They just walk in with that extra ticket.
Never understood that attitude. As they could at least get 20!!!
By 8 pm I'm desperate. I believe I won't do that show. It's always a challenge and I know it could not work but....can't help to feel sad to be out.
I talk with some folks out at the gate and with the nice security guard. Not at all aggressive.
When suddenly two people getting out the venue make big signs. In fact they are leaving the show (don't know why???) and they asked the ushers to give me and another woman their two seats.
[Unusual as the tickets are already scanned].
We rush inside waiting for Bob to finish "Masterpiece" before we are seated row 5 on the aisle :)
Fantastic seat ! Beautiful venue! Excellent view of Bobby!
Never been so close on that Tour.
I want to stand and dance bu the usher says we need to be sited.
ok!
I can't believe my luck so I'm over enthusiastic.
And Bob's in a good mood.
Playing a long solo of harp in the middle of 'To be alone with you'.
Bob has a strange expression on "Key west
". Turning over to Jerry or Tony, who don't seem to understand where's the problem.
He has a long long speech presenting the Band , a joke for each one of them. Don't understand everything but I'm sure we'll get a recording :).
Mentioning Doug in movies and Tony in New Orleans ???? "Right Tony?".
I karaoked all along. The seats are large and nobody's next to me or behind.
Obviously the show is not sold out. Plenty of empty seats. :(
But some Fans on the upper level are much enthusiastic! Clapping along on the songs.
After the show I try to sale some of my prints for cash and one of my followers will help me. Jochen , thank you for your kindness.
"It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry".
All together a pleasant day with happiness and anxiety.
Patience paid.
Thank you all the good people!
And Bobby... " May all the gods go easy with you".
See you tomorrow.
 

Granada.

Arriving in the afternoon by Alsa bus.
Found my hostel after 45 minutes walk.
Nice and clean, close to Alhambra.
Which I will not visit, this time.
A relatively good night sleep with a lot of noise from the street (construction).

June 13th.

A nice shower and off I walk the streets around the Alhambra. Early walk in cool weather.
I walk all the way to the top of the hill before I realize the show will be INSIDE the Alhambra ?
Found the buses and trucks on a parking lot and figure out they are staying in the near by fancy Hotel ; Aurea Washington Irving.
Well! Time for another walk around Albaicin or Albayzin (in Arabic). Beautiful little area with narrow stoned streets.
Bump into some Bobbycats and seat for a 'aqua con gaz' with view on Alhambra.
Time for a shower and change of close.
Show at 9.30 pm, outdoor.
I put my sign out. Some of my 'fans' chatt with me , wishing me good luck but....in vain.
No Tix to get in.
From outside I can hear the beginning of the show.
Walk all around the Alhambra to find a good spot and finally I am right behind the stage with 15 other unlucky fans.
It's dark and of course we don't see any stage or public but the sound is perfect.
Finally I enjoy myself in that unexpected situation.
Hear Bob talking some words.
Saying it's a beautiful spot and they should be playing here every night. Why not???
I'd go for it ?
Somehow I don't find the show boring even kind of short when he starts " Every grain of sand".
I move to the spot where the car and van have to pass by to get out.
They must have been rushing in, right after the last song, for they drive past me very shortly after I took position.
Driving to the Airport? For Bob...surely. The private jet is ready ????
I can't imagine him (anymore) in a bus for 6 hours.
Well! That was an experience.
It sounded great. Believe Bob was in a great mood.
Heard the enthusiastic public.
I had a good time in Granada.
Thanks to all the good people who had been with me on that journey.
Next Alicante.
Another adventure begins :)

A short report about Sevilla 2 and Granada.

Sevilla 2 was harsh ; no any extra ticket.
I heard he didn't even sing on 'Watching the river flow'. Waiting for me to get in ? :) :) :) LOL.
Granada was weird : though I didn't get inside the Generalife I was able to hear from outside. I sat right behind the stage, on the top of the hill. Of course I didn't see anything but was able to hear ... everything.
That was an experience.
Busing to Alicante was easy and smooth.
Alicante is not my favorite city. Extremely hot , busy and too much car traffic.
I spend the afternoon just resting and planing for the leg between Alicante and Barcelona, up to Carcassonne.

Alicante June 16th.

I check the Plaza del toros. Again an outdoor show starting at 9.30 pm.
At the worst I could hear from outside. But it's better to be inside :)
So. I patiently hold my sign for two hours and a half.
It's crowdy and noisy. I'm sorry to say the crowd looks 'old'. A lot of couples who seem retired :)
My chance would be an 'expat' .
And , yes, the guy offering me a Tix is from Netherlands, living here , in Spain.
The seat is on the balcony. The floor is far for being full. So is the plaza in general. Looks like only half empty, half full.
The show starts right on time. A long intro on "Watching the river flow" when Bob suddenly starts singing.
The sound will be adjusted after the second song.
"When I paint my masterpiece" is strange. Bob trying to stretch the lyrics.
It starts to be more dynamic on "Black rider".
I have to tell folks around me to shut up. Obviously they're not interested in "Rough and rowdy ways" :(
But Shane, my ticket angel, is into it. We have a good time.
Bob is not so talkative: a couple of "thank you" murmured in between his teeth :)
I'm impatient to heard the 14th song. To my shame I don't know the song but Shane does. "Into the mystic" by Van Morrison.
I had the feeling there would be something new as Bob arrived at the same time at the Band and the soundcheck was a long one.
The public doesn't react so much. Only the followers would know about the surprise.
A great show, thanks to Shane.
But not the best for me.
Definitely didn't like the audience:(
See you next.....Huesca.

Huesca. June 17th.

After a night in Zaragoza I catch a little train to Huesca.
Nice clean and pedestrian City center. A change from the traffic in Zaragoza and other cities.
I check in my AirBandB and walk the streets of Huesca.
By chance I had a ticket for the show tonight. Thanks to Graham, Petra and Hilda : a coordination of good hearted people, all BD Fans :)
As I walk down to the ' Plaza del toros ', rain starts falling. I checked weather report in the afternoon and they do expect heavy rain tonight. But that never stopped Bob for playing, neither in Germany, few years ago, neither in Madrid , few days ago. I do carry my blue Madrid rain poncho:)
Lucky me as the sky opens up and pours rain like it's really angry and ? sad. Desperate, even?
I manage to get inside the Plaza with 25 other 'drenched to the bones' Fans. Then they...close the doors.
We are safe inside. The rain running down the gutter. And , unfortunately, pouring on the stage.
The stage is not protected enough : a metal roof and just curtains hanging around. The curtains are all wet by now and I see BD staff sweeping water out. Of course the instruments are under plastic covers but ...no way the musicians will be able to play safely. As electricity and water are no good friends.
I chat with two Fans. One from South Africa, one front Greece. He came specifically front Greece to see that ONE show !
By 9.30 pm, the doors are still closed. They don't allow anyone inside. We can hear the angry Fans outside screaming from anger. They must be all drenched to the bones. And no information:(
By 9.45 pm I see Jerry  (Bob's tour manager) in discussion with crew on stage. And shortly after, they roll the material out.
That's it. SHOW CANCELED!
OH MY!
First time ever I have a canceled show.
And I had a Ticket. :(?
Well! Things happen. Better safe than sorry.
Next San Sebastian.
Closed doors:) :)
See you there.

San Sebastian June 20th.

Spend the gray rainy morning planning my Tour  from Carcassonne to Lucca. And then to see about the last leg later.
I decided to skip Montreux. Too difficult to reach and too much expensive.
Then I walk down the steep streets to the beach.
No sun bath today because of....no sun.
Humidity should be 90%. Feels like in the rain forest.
I just rest looking at the Ocean and by 4pm see the Band coming around the venue, either for soundcheck or just because they checked out from the fancy hotel across the bridge.
They all look relaxed and casual, even rolling their suitcases :)
An hyper security black fence is set up to protect Bobby's bus.
I start looking for a ticket when a couple of fans ask me if I'm the review's writer. They are from Scandinavia and Martin hands me a ticket.
Zona A row 8 seat 5. It's an excellent seat. I'm extremely happy for I can relax for the next hour.
Thanks good Samaritans. They are four together.
At 7.20pm a black van will drop Bob inside his bus. All I can see are....his white shoes :)
Of course too late for a soundcheck, so I don't expect any surprise for the 14th song. One from the set list.
I take my seat rapidly to appreciate even longer :)
Bob and the Band are right on time.
Bob wearing a flashy red shirt matching the red curtains:). Black pants with white straps and ....white shoes ?
They look orthopedic shoes ?￰゚ᄂᆪ?
"Watching the river flow" is not too good. Neither
"Most likely you go your way". Bob is fluffing his hair and sited for the first two songs.
I murmur : "stand up Bobby!"
And he will for "I contain Multitudes" and on.
I particularly like "When I paint my masterpiece".
The Band all tight and Donnie great on his violin.
Bobby picks up his harp and the audience is wild.
From then on the show is great. The sound perfect. Bobby's voice all clear.
I didn't hear the usual echo on "Black rider" .
I'm all attentive after "I've made up my mind to give myself to you". Emotional. I feel like crying.
And Tony starts "That old black magic".
Martin, next to me is beating the rhythm with his hands...so do I. Following Jerry's drums.
Each song perfectly executed.
Bob saying "Thank you" only one time.
Presenting the Band early after "Crossing the Rubicon".
A little joke about Tony who will perform a bass solo....Bob smiling of content.
But then, no more talk.
I am close but still can't really see his face in the dark. His hair cut looks funny. Fluffing it often.
I can see he's wearing...black socks. Which certainly explain his good performance tonight ?
An emotional "Every grain of sand'...
And the final salute.
My best show so far, as I was so close, and it does make a difference.
The audience was respectful and knowledgeable.
Thank you soooo much to my 'followers'.
All the Good Samaritans.
I had a great day and an excellent night.
Good time in San Sebastian despite a strange, unexpected rainy weather.
As I walk away to catch my city bus, I see the Bobby's bus driving away.
Goodnight Bobby! See you in Logrono.

From San Sebastian to Logrono. June 21st.

No day off but Logrono is not that far away ; three hours on the bus.
We are four Bobcats, with Graham, Sarah(from Mexico) and Joseph (from UK) and I.
We all dispersed to check in different accommodations.
Sarah and Joseph will join me later around the venue. Well! Not the best ever. A sport arena in the middle of nowhere.
The four buses are already parked.
I spot three young kids with a sign "I love Bob Dylan". They are 15, musicians, and want to meet Bob. I wish it could be possible. They have been spotted by security and I believe not for the best. Too bad. I feel sad for the kids.
[Later on I find them in the queue. They managed to get some cheap tickets.
Great! Happy for them!]
Bob and the Band will arrive later by vans. We can hear the soundcheck. I Believe I hear some piano ??? And Joseph believes he recognizes "Truckin' ". Not sure.
Anyway. The show tonight though indoors will start at 9.30 pm.
I need a ticket. Rapidly a man comes to me and gives me one. Just like that!?.
The ticket says " invitation " and 0€.
Mauro will explain later : he saw me in Alicante and promised himself to give me a ticket when possible. He was in Huesca with a friend and the tickets were exchanged for Logrono. His friend didn't want to come so he kept the promise to give me that ticket.
Fine. It's on the floor. And it's lucky for the venue is a stadium with terrible aspect :(
The seats are plastic and the ceiling really high. I wonder about the sound. They had a long afternoon soundcheck. Should be alright ?
They start 9.33pm.
First song sounds alright.
Bob sitting the two first songs.
Then up. He's wearing the black and white polka dots shirt.
No harp on "Masterpiece".
I really like "My own version of you". Great swing! Mauro also enjoys it.
"I'll be your Baby tonight" moves the public. With some "yeah! Yeah!" and clapping along.
From "Crossing the Rubicon" and on Bob seems to lose his energy.
Mauro, next to me, is bored on "Key west" and asks me the name of the song ????
Some movement from the crowd. Fans leaving.
But then Bob spends time introducing the Band with funny remarks for Doug, Bob (Britt), Donnie and Tony. They all have a laugh.
"Gotta serve somebody" is average.
After "I've made up my mind to give myself to you" I see Donnie picking up his violin and without hesitation they swing into "Tweedle Dee and tweedle dum". I love it (and I know that will trouble some folks :( ). [As much as the fact that I never like "Key west".]
"Goodbye Jimmy Reed" is always good.
And the final "Every grain of sand" with a heart full harp at the end.
Not a bad show all together but not the energy of San Sebastian 2.
During the entire show we could see thunder lightnings through the ceiling windows.
Lucky the show was indoors.
I say thanks to Mauro and walk the half hour under the rain to my crowded Hostel.
[We are on the path to Compostela.]
Thank you Joseph, Sarah, Graham for the company. We had fun.
Thanks Mauro for the Tix.
Thanks Bobby and the Band and the crew. See you next in Barcelona!

June 22sd. Day off to travel from Logrono to Barcelona.

The company bus is Alsa and the trip will take six hours and a half.
We start half hour late from Logrono but then all is fine with a lunch stop.
Barcelona is already crowded as we cross through. My hostel is right by the beach. A six female dorm :)
The first night is cold as the air conditioning is on Alaska time and we are not provided with blanket. It's 27°C outside and feel like 12°C inside :(
June 23th.
First thing in early morning 'Cafe con leche' and a warm sun bath and a swim.
Then relaxing walking around the area and walk towards the Rambla. As crowded and noisy as it could be.
The ' Gran theatre del Liceu ' is still....well! The same.
Beautiful theater. First one on that tour. Will be a  change from the sport arena.
Capacity 2292. Expensive tickets. I truly need a miracle.
I remember from years before the trick of 'Security Bob' to snick Bob inside without being seen.
I position myself at the right time, right angle :)
A black van pulls inside the garage door by 6 pm. Bob's in for sure considering all the security people around :) :)
Time for my business now.
A queue starts to form all along the street and perpendicular street. I hold my sign. The folks seem amused :)
A guy wants to sell two for 100€ each. Another fan (from Germany) is bargaining.
And suddenly, from out nowhere and no reason, that guy hands me one ticket and the other one to F. She gives her ticket to my German friend/fan. We doubt about the validity of those Tix (black and white copies) but nonetheless we are inside.
The seats are ' blocked view '. We see absolutely nothing of the stage. So with two others, we move to a better spot. Still on 5th gallery but we see the stage and all the lyrics sheets on the piano ???!!!
Great! Good vibrations, anyway.
The theater is already a must to be in a good mood. Sure Bob can feel it too.
Bob's appearance provokes a standing ovation for a long moment. A loud clamor.
The audience is knowledgeable and enthusiastic from beginning to end.
'Watching the river flow' a bit weak but then the sound is perfect.
My highlight is "My own version of you".
Us, four Bobcats, on the top, are loud.
The Band is tight and Bob focused.
A couple of "thank you".
The 14th song will be "Tweedle Dee and tweedle dum" as Donnie picks up his violin.
Then...  A musical rythm/intro I don't know. Definitely a new song. Instead of "Mother of muses" ????
It will be "Stella Blue" apparently for the birthday of Robert Hunter ;
[Robert C. Christie Hunter (born Robert Burns; June 23, 1941 – September 23, 2019) was an American lyricist, singer-songwriter, translator, and poet, best known for his work with the Grateful Dead.] Wikipedia source.
Emotionally done ! ?
Then "Mother of muses". Still on the list.
So we are Thanx with an extra song tonight.
The show Not to have missed :)
Great great show! Excellent for all reasons.
Thank you the Good Samaritans.
I chat with a BD follower after the show.
Thanks for the company.
Walk back to my hostel.
Trapped in fire works exploding all over the streets. Thousands of happy people celebrating
San Juan day.
I celebrate my good first day and show in Barcelona!
And....fall asleep!
See you all tomorrow.
Same place, same hour! 
 

June 24th. Barcelona 2.

Things didn't happen as planned. When I was ready for a swim I realized the weather was not as great as yesterday. So I just took my 'cafe con leche' in a bar by the sea and wrote my review for Boblinks. I then took a walk along the beach. No swimming today.
Graham suggested to visit the Picasso museum but...it was closed. So Graham, kindly, invited me for a lunch in an Indian restaurant/fast food. An interested concept. The food was excellent. My best meal on that Tour ?
I walk the Rambla about twenty times before show time. At least time for the doors to open by 6.30 pm.
We are few looking for an extra ticket.
Not so easy!
But a lot of fans come talking to me; my reviews' followers. Thanks folks. Much appreciated. I even managed to sale some of my prints (not easy on that tour) to three Ladies from Danemark. Much appreciated. Thanks ?￰゚ルマ?.
For those two shows Fans came from different European countries.
By 7 pm the black van cautiously and 'privately '? driving Bob Dylan is entering the parking garage under the screaming  'Bobby! Bobby!' of about 15 fans. Did he like it or not???? Mystery!
Hilda comes to me and proposes to buy me a ticket. A beautiful Lady who already helped me with Tix. I go immediately to a man selling for under price ticket. It's a second balcony. Better than the night before.
Same beautiful theater. The Beacon, the Rex, the Majestic (in San Antonio) are similar. I think Bob should do his new set list only in those nice and intimate venues. No more sport stadiums?
They start on time with an ovation from the public.
The echo on "Black rider" is more discreet than last night.
No harp on "Masterpiece".
14th song is "Not fade away".
And tonight no surprise song.
A long introduction of the Band. Bob asks Bob Britt to play something on his guitar (a few notes) and asks Donnie to play a bit of violin ?
He is talkative tonight.
The songs are all well executed (except for a light mistake on "Every grain of sand") but for my opinion it's lacking of yesterday's energy.
No harp at all.
At some point Bob is playing something weird on the piano and I see Doug and Tony moving close and following Bob's hands. I can't tell what was different ?
The kid next to me is from UK. First BD show.
He is carefully noting the songs??? Should read the set list from Boblinks?
Still one of the best shows with an enthusiastic and respectful audience.
Bob's voice and diction as clear as ever.
The sound perfect.
Thanks to my good friends.
I had a nice stay in Barcelona!

From Barcelona to Carcassonne June 25th.

We are a group of Bobcats at the bus station.
We start panicking when the Flixbus is more than two hours delayed. But finally all is well. We can all fall asleep on that bus ?.
I find my Couvent hostel... without any nuns.
The dorm is 6 females only. Great. Except one girl will get up every night at 2 am ?.

June 26th.

With Irene, we take a nice walk early morning around the Medieval city (Beautiful place!),
where the show will take place tonight at 9.30 pm.
Back for an afternoon rest, a lunch, a change of clothes. And back to the Medieval city.
I bumped into many Dylan crew people or even the musicians. Jerry Pentecost is a great guy!
They will do a long soundcheck..after all!
So...we wait for a stretched afternoon ?
I go inside by 9 pm.
I chat a little bit with my good friends/fans from ..... Australia. Nice to meet them again?
I've got a ticket from Irene and we both sit on the upper section. Show starts on time but too many folks are still moving around. The first song is ruined ?.
It's getting better on "I contain Multitudes".
The public is not polite, moving a lot for drinks!
I try to enjoy myself and focus on Jerry on the drums.
An echo on "Black rider".
Long harp solo on "When I paint my masterpiece".
But his voice is weak on "Mother of muses".
Tired???
He said something like "I hope we'll be good, it's past our bed time" ????
Then a murmured "Baby, ce soir" but after the song. No reaction from the audience ?
Two or three "Thank you".
A minimalist introduction of the Band with a little something about Tony, before "Jimmy Reed".
The public is the worst since the beginning of the Tour. Talking (I had to ask twice to shut up ?), going out for drinks, taking photos ( I saw security taking out a fan) or even throughing things on stage. Bad manners, the Frenchies!
"Jimmy Reed" wakes up some Fans in the back, clapping along.
"Every grain of sand" is good. Bob blows his harp, puts it down, and picks it up again.
A beautiful venue decor, surrounding. An average show. A terrible audience ?.
But all together my stay in Carcassonne had been pleasant.
Let expect a better public in Aix-en-Provence.
A suggestion for the Bob Dylan organization.

1) Ask fans to be sited on time. Maybe ring a bell 10 minutes then 5 minutes before the time due for the show.

2) Ask fans to be respectful and NOT move or TALK during a song.

3) Make sure the first song is... audible. Why should " watching the river flow " be ruined every night?

On the train to Aix-en-Provence.
See you there!
And be your Baby ...ce soir?

Aix-en-Provence June 27th.

The city of Paul Cézanne ( one of the favorite painters of Bob Dylan...for what I know).
And where his " Trail car " is exhibited somewhere North. Château La Coste.
For me that will be 'training' from Carcassonne to Aix-en-Provence via Marseille. A nice trip with other Bobcats.
I check in my AirBandB and take Irene to her BB.
Then join Svein for a bus ride to the Arena.
8 km away from town ?
In the middle of.... nowhere.
A large space ship ready to take of to the moon. But absolutely nothing else. Fields with cows???
Luckily I bump into Fans I know to chat a while and rapidly find a ticket. And ...  walk inside more than one hour before show time.
I chat again with fans (my good friends from Sydney) and finally take my seat ; row 15 on the floor. Not too bad but it's an arena truly ugly. All black inside ?. Huge ; 7000 seats.  They closed some sections. To tell you the truth...I was in a negative mood. I didn't believe there would be so many folks.(ready to space to the moon)?
But what do I know? A Bob Dylan show is always surprising!
So tonight they start at 8.33pm for unknown reason. Show was programmed at 8.30 pm.
The sound is loud. 'Watching the river flow' correctly done.
Bob is in a a good mood! Didn't mind the fields and the cows???!!?. Or is it his red shirt matching the curtains?
The audience is polite (a lot more than Carcassonne). Respectful and reacting with emotion.
Bob will say a shy "merci" after 'Masterpiece' ( I believe). But no 'Baby ce soir' though this song brings the most enthusiasm from the public. Another reaction on "you may be an ambassador to England or France' ( yeah! Yeah! Yeah!).
Then Bob says "I will present my Band now though it's not easy after that song but it must be done" ( or something of that spirit). A remark about Tony Garnier. And during the show a couple of "Thank you".
His singing with energy, even screaming at some point.
A slight mistake on the lyrics of "Key west" and again on "Every grain of sand" where he will blow some harp.
But the most unexpected is the 14th song.
I was betting on " tweedle Dee and tweedle dum".
But they start a swinging Rock-and-roll. Obviously a Greatful Dead song. I don't know the song but recognize the style. 'West L.A. fadeaway'.
The public reaction is not as wild as expected.
Dead heads might not be so numerous tonight ?. This is , Aix-en-Provence, not San Francisco ?
But nonetheless this is the highlight of the show.
The BAND nailed it! Fantastic!
Maybe Bob should do a Dead show?￰゚リツ
To my astonishment that show was far better than Carcassonne.
Bob and the Band in a remarkable energy and a great audience. Even a stage rush at the end. A longer stay for the final bow center stage.
Merci Bobby !
I bump into a French Fan, Evelyn,  who will give me a ride back to downtown. And with her I finally meet Nancy from Austin Texas.
Unfortunately I won't be able to go to ' Château La Coste '. Unreachable by train or bus. Maybe on another trip to visit Museums : Cézanne (et la montagne Sainte Victoire), Chagall, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso...loved that region.
Should be my next vacation time after the BD Tour?
So ... Thanks to all good people!
See you next in Lyon!
Wear a Tie Dye shirt!

From Aix-en-Provence to Lyon.

The Flixbus left on time and arrived on time. A nice trip with a break near Montélimar where I had a treat of nougat.
I walk 40 minutes along the Saône to my youth hostel. I have bunk in a 18 bunks mixed door.
But to my surprise it's quiet.

June 30th.

I walk a long walk to the botanical garden and back to my room for a change of clothes and charging my phone. Then walk again the long tunnel under the city to the venue.
I meet with Ben and Guillaume just on time to see the Band arriving for soundcheck.
We three chat a while around drinks and it's time to look for a ticket. Finally I get one from Ben and we walk inside. The venue is an amphitheater.
Smaller than Aix-en-Provence but not totally full.
Many seats are empty and I grab one, fifth row totally on the left. I see Bob clearly on the piano.
They start a little late and people are taking their seats on " watching the river flow ".
I found his voice a bit weak and I found his energy down until " West LA fadeaway ". Where I stand up and dance and truly enjoy myself at that specific moment !
The public is cold. Except a reaction on " I'll be your Baby tonight". The clapping don't last to long on each song.
No "ce soir" and no "merci" from Bob.
Maybe a couple of " thank you". A remark on 'how difficult those songs are' after "Serve somebody".
I'm surprised about the audience being so quiet when about 20 Bobcats are in the public tonight.
The show is a lot better after the Greatful Dead song. Even "Every grain of sand" will be my highlight.
A rapid salute where he asked Tony to join him.
I had great expectations to meet some people I knew for that show in Lyon, but finally my best encounter was after the show when I had a long conversation with three beautiful people :
A couple from Brésil (the man being originally French) and their friend from Auvergne.
They will give me a lift to my hostel as it starts raining. Thank you?
Life is full of surprise. Definitively not my best show. And it is my opinion ?
But of course I have many to compare to.
Tomorrow I will focus only on the show.
Some days with and some days without.
Not Bobby's fault.

From Aix-en-Provence to Lyon.

The Flixbus left on time and arrived on time. A nice trip with a break near Montélimar where I had a treat of nougat.
I walk 40 minutes along the Saône to my youth hostel. I have bunk in a 18 bunks mixed door.
But to my surprise it's quiet.


Lyon 2. June 30th.

A disturbed night in my 18 bunks room. A guy speaks in his sleep and I don't understand what he says because it's probably in Polish or something like this. ?
So get up early and take  a walk in Lyon. To give me a purpose I choose to go to Lyon 'China town'. Took me two hours to find the street with three Asian restaurants, two Asian shops ?￰゚リツ? and that's it for 'China town'.
I'll wait next year to be in Beijing to eat good Chinese food.
Walk back to the hostel, take a shower, change my clothes and walk for the third time the tunnel under ground Lyon to reach again the venue.
Nothing is happening Mr Jones.
I meet a nice Lady waiting for Bob ?. She finally decides to have a cup of tea with...me.
By 7 pm. I start my search for a ticket.
Not as easy as last night. When I start to be desperate, Victor offers me his extra ticket. Thanks a lot. I feel a lot better ?. Really kind ?of you Viktor.
I find myself sited between two Bobcats (Nancy and Angus) in the first upper ring. The view is perfect though a little far to see Bob's face.
As soon as they take their position on stage the public is up and shouting. Good! I feel it's better than yesterday already.
"Watching the river flow" and "Most likely you go your way" are great. Bob doing a long piano solo before starting "River flow".
"False prophet" is strong.
"When I paint my masterpiece" creates reaction from the audience. And though there is no harp, the piano is fluent and Donnie on the violin adds a sweet sound and swing.
"Black rider" puts the audience in total silence. The echo reasons as a shadow.
I don't remember exactly when but Bob says clearly "Merci, les amis" ..and a roar from the public!
He's obviously happy of the Frenchies tonight?
"My own version of you" is usually my favorite but tonight all songs are exceptional.
"I'll be your baby tonight" always moves the public. I'm happy for the warm reception.
"You've got to serve somebody" is strong. It will start after the Band introduction and a long and loud applause for Tony Garnier, who seams to be moved.?
If I have a highlight for tonight could be "Crossing the Rubicon" and "I've made up my mind to give myself to you". Bob really insists and even points at the public (Irene told me)
on the "you" which seams to be personal.
We wait few seconds for the 14th song. Again Tony, Donnie and Bob Britt close up on Bob to know which song he's in the mood for.
Again "West L.A. fadeaway". With the audience getting wild Bob will probably keep this one on the list ?
He starts "Mother of muses" with a broken voice . "West L.A." took all his strength ???
But it's an emotional version.
A swinging "Goodbye Jimmy Reed" and a great "Every grain of sand" with applause from the audience.
For the very end there is a stage rush. Bob seams to like it. Fans in the front saw him smiling and looking straight in the eyes of Fans.
I didn't mention "Key west" ?
Well! I found myself doing a Karaoke on "Key west". ?
So....
Great show. Great public.
I finish the night with some good friends/fans : Darren,  Mameselle Lili, Ben, Dave, a woman from...Tibet , a man from...India.
Dave and Ben will give me a ride to my hostel.
Thank to all the help : Viktor, Ben, Dave, Mameselle Lili, Darren, Nancy, Angus, Petra, Misha, Irene....and all the rest.
Thank you Bobby and the Band.
See you next in....Milano.

Milano 1.

I reach Milano two days before the first show as I skipped Montreux show.
I check in the cheapest hostel I could for I have to pay for four nights. Bad mistake.
I am in a room of twelve people and...bed bugs. The first night I'm literally eaten by bugs and mosquitoes. My body is a rash. I won't be able to sleep for three nights.
Nonetheless because I can't afford another room I stay.?.
I don't have the energy to visit Milano. But I've been here already before.
The day of the show I hope for a better spirit. I usually don't like the pre-show meeting but this time that would have been welcome. I meet only Ulie and Monika at a cafe. Thanks for the company and the drink.
I made a mistake on the show time. Tonight it will start at 9pm. Not 8pm. Why? Who knows ?
Then I have to look for my ticket. My itching body doesn't help to look happy. I also remember than last time in Milano at Arcimboldi theater I didn't get in.
The people are indifferent. I'm just invisible. Except for curious journalist and folks who find my situation amusing if not ridiculous. " You want a free ticket, really?".
It takes a lot to laugh,
By 9.10pm I'm the only one out.
it takes a train to cry.
When a Lady arrives running and saying she has an extra ticket but she's waiting for her boy friend. Who will arrive running. They want money for that ticket and the scalper next to me doesn't help. I propose 20€ but it doesn't work. I'm afraid they will go in with that ticket that ,by now, I'm desperate to have. He says 50. And I find my last 50€ bill. It takes forever for the ushers to write the seats numbers on the paper , secure the phones and ...ask us to wait the end of the song on. I hear "I contain multitudes".
Then I rush in. There is a problem with the seats being taken by other folks. I see an empty seat right in front of me and I just...seat.
Last seat on the right of the first quarter.
Bob is already fully into "False prophet" .
His voice doesn't appear so clear. The BAND is loud.
I try to enjoy myself but I have to spray some cream all over my arms in between the songs.
The audience is reacting politely. Some folks in the back obviously knowing the set list and songs.
"Not fade away" is ending then they start a song I don't know. It sounds Rock and Roll.
I will need to ask few fans to figure out it's "Bad Actor" by Merle Haggard.
Someone told me that Bob and the Band rehearsed 100 songs before taking the road.
So we're ready for more surprises.
Would be great to change some of the Dylan songs too. As Bob has no problem of memory on new songs ?
Before the show I spotted Scarlet Rivera walking in.
After the show a group forms around her for a chat. That group moves to the backstage door where the musicians are waiting to leave.
Tony Garnier joins the group for a talk.
We all say "good night Tony" before walking to a nearby pizzeria.
Thank you Nancy for sharing your pizza.?
I have to walk 40 minutes, back to my crummy hostel, past one o' clock.
I will have to take three warm showers during the night to relieve my body pain.
The show might have been terrific...but truly I have hard time to be happy.
Tomorrow is another day!

Milano 2.

I woke up with a good news; booking.com sent me a credit. I will use it to book my last night in Milano in another hostel. I choose one with positive reviews and check in early. I can then relax and take a nap in the afternoon.
By 4.30pm I'm bored and decide to go to the venue , see if I can meet people there who I know.
I see the two same Italian fans who want autographs, mainly from the Band.
Band arrives by 5.30pm , stepping out of their bus.
I 'stalk' the parking lot for a while. Bob's bus is not protected. No way he will come close to it.
A garage door slightly opens and two security guys take position in front. Bob should be arriving soon. A black car, with Bob's security man in front, passes in front of me and drives inside the garage door. Bob is inside.
Noway the two fans will get any autographs. Not even from the Band.
This is the way it goes, nowadays ?
It doesn't matter. The most important is to see Dylan and his Band on stage.
[And those two guys didn't go to the show ???!!!?].
So after a chat with a nice follower Stijn (thanks for the coffee?), I search for a ticket.
Not easy.
But Ulie and Ulie's wife will offer me their extra Tix for that show tonight.
Great. No worry anymore.
Thank you soooo much.
I walk in and take my seat, all the way in the top. Under the roof?
Five seats around me are empty but will fill up later.
Nice fans on that section of Arcimboldi theater.
Nice reaction, cheering and applauding.
I see the stage remotely far but plainly visible.
See Bob shuffling his paper lyrics.
For me, where I seat( in middle ) the sound is perfect. I can hear Bob's voice clearly.
"Watching the river flow" is perfect. So is "Most likely...". Bob sitting and almost invisible.
Then standing for "Multitudes". I find "Black rider" particularly great tonight. Specifically the guitars and the echo. The audience is quiet. It's a moment of Magic. My highlight for tonight.
At some point Bob will say clearly "Grazie, Grazie, Grazie mille".
And "Baby tonight" is moving the public.
"My own version of you" (new version) always so good. "Serve somebody" powerful.
A big applause from the public that will cover Bob presenting Jerry Pentecost as the drummer, twice.  Before Doug Lancio 'on guitar', Bob Britt 'also on guitar', Donnie Heron 'on steel guitar ' and 'on bass Tony Garnier ( Big applause from the fans of ...Tony?). Then Bob presents again Jerry Pentecost on drums. To make sure he will get applause too. And I believe he was specifically good on "Serve somebody".
The show goes on without mistake or hesitation.
The BAND really really professional by now.
Bob not erratic on piano which makes the music clear, loud and fluent.
A couple of 'grazie' and 'thank you'.
The 14th song is "That old black magic" and....
They start ,as an extra, a song I don't know.
"Broke down palace" another Grateful Dead song.
Absolutely faultless ?
Then "Mother of muses".
We have on that 4th of July an extra song?
A long appreciated harp solo at the end of "Every grain of sand".
The show was another great show.
The audience is happy going out.
My day had been a good day and a great night.
Thanks Ulie and wife.
A group of 30 or so Fans follow Michele, the Italian ' leader ', to a nearby Pizzeria where we finish the night and drink to....Bob!
I have a ride with Nancy to home by 1 am.
And fall asleep right away.
Finally a great day in Milano.
Next Lucca and " I'm travelin' light and  I'm a-slow  coming home "?
Thanks all good people ?


Lucca July 6th.

I decided for a night bus. Maybe a mistake.
As we have a stop over in the middle of the night. In the middle of nowhere (in Genoa). All is dark and dead on that outside parking lot. To be positive...it's not raining or cold?
Second bus 20 minutes delayed after two hours of waiting.
Can't even sleep. Too afraid to miss the stop in Lucca at 3.30 AM.
I'm the only one stepping out. Either I'm the only crazy Dylan fan either someone is... sleeping ?
I take a walk in beautiful Lucca intercity. Under the full moon and...empty arms.
The stage is already setup.
My AirBandB hosts agree to let me in at 6am.
That's a relief. I can take a shower, buy food in the close by supermarket and...take a nap.( From 10 to 1.) Then relax until 4pm when I start walking to the Piazza Napoleone.
This time the streets are full of tourists. Not so nice?
Meet with Irene then Svein and Monika.
We wave hi! to Tony passing by?
Thanks to Evelyn for the ticket. I don't have to worry.
The seat is strange. And the setup even stranger ;  first rows(front stage), a construction with high seats in middle of the Piazza. More rows of seats around, behind they put more rows of non-numeric seats(one of mine) and finally a tribune with high seats.
I can't decently seat. I decide to stand on the side. The view of the stage is partially obstructed( by the middle construction). I can see Bob Britt, Donnie and Tony. I have hard time seeing Bob. Only at times, when he stands behind his piano. So...I focus on the sound.
Of course, behind, the fans are not the most attentive; drinking and talking.
I have to shush a kid totally drunk few times.
Bob starts the few first songs in a rush. He will start "Baby tonight" before the Band is fully ready. And sung it in an "angry voice".
Nonetheless he will try a 'mille grazie" and few "thank you".
In front and here and there fans are responding gracefully. But the music is lost in the dark staring sky.
I enjoy myself as I can dance and karaoke.
Not a song will truly impresses me.
Maybe "West LA fadeaway"..…
He's again losing his voice on "Mother of muses". A bit hard after the Dead song.
As he is playing his harp on "Every grain of sand" there is a stage rush. So he'll pick up the harp again and makes a great solo.
I push (a little bit) security control to arrive five rows in front of the stage for the final salute.
Bob looks happy but....tired.
I watch him as he leaves the stage. Bent and slow. He must be exhausted by now. As we are all , the followers ?
It was a great experience (again) in Lucca.
But as for the show itself...not the best.
I say thanks to Jason who doesn't seem happy. Maybe it was difficult to adjust the sound in those conditions.
My fancy home permitted me to rest and recover for the final two shows.
So.
Thanks to Evelyn and all good people.
See you in Perugia.
Another adventure ?
Happy birthday Bob Russell ?

Perugia July 7th.

The only way from Lucca to Perugia is by train via Firenze.
So be it!
The first train is packed and slightly delayed. But I manage to catch the second train also packed.
Traveling with Svein with a pleasure!
In Perugia my only option was to stay in a hotel.
So be it!
Check in and rest. Don't feel like visiting. I start feeling exhausted.
By 5pm I join Irene to catch a little train to up in the mountain of Perugia. Then we have the weirdest walk I ever had, through the underground city of Perugia. That would be interesting to have more time here to know about history. But I just walk to the venue , a huge outdoor plaza with a huge stage set in.
Capacity 6 thousands with plastic seats and a stone tribune in the back for poor fans. No number seats attributed.
I hold my sign up for two hours with a poor result : only folks who want to sell for 100€ or so.
Other than that?....total ignorance and scorn.
I shut of my feelings and tell myself I don't even want to go inside with such an audience ?
After all I could hear from outside ?
I'm waiting for ,maybe, some of my readers. Fans who know me.
Hardly any one here speaks or understand English. At a Bob Dylan show???? The Nobel for Literature.???
That always struck my mind.
Some fans who know me say hello and that feel good.
When I feel totally blocked out...four young people come to me. They know me for my reviews and they have a ticket for me.
Among thousands of Fans , only a handful are great good heart-ed Fans.
I start feeling that the world is truly going WRONG!
OrI'm not at the right place, at the right time.
Bob Dylan doesn't mean anything in terms of humanity. He's just a Legend?￰゚リ゙
From rags to riches!!!
I decide not to seat among the crowd.
To stand somewhere in a corner and dance. To remember the good old days. When it was fun to be at a Bob Dylan concert.
I stand by a rail. Stopped by security 'cause I don't have the gold ticket to be close. Security even asks me to take my seat.
"Mr. Dylan doesn't like people to stand up" he says.
How does he know that ....????
Can't believe how many folks talk in the name of Mr. Dylan.
The world has gone wrong!
I finally move to the top of the hill.
I see the stage clearly though far away but the sound is loud.
To my extreme surprise....the six thousands people are quiet. Too Quiet ?
I look at the hands hardly clapping. No one dare to stand and dance....just crazy me!
It feels we are in a preacher sermon. Except no hallelujah! Silence!
The show is the same as the last few ones.
Professional but , for me, the charm is gone.
Bob said "Grazie Grazie mille grazie" twice and some "thank you". Repeat again "those songs are difficult to play...".
"That old black magic" and a comment from Bob. "That song is called That old black magic, if someone wonders" ?
Then will notice before Jimmy Reed. "We've played that one before, we'll play it again" or something of the kind.
Great harp solo on "Every grain of sand".
And truly this is the only time we have a wild reaction from the crowd. And as it's the opening of the Red sea....a fantastic stage rush!?
They want to SEE  Bob Dylan close...and that must be the only reason they bought an expensive ticket....
Well!
At least I hope Bob Dylan had a great time, looking from the stage.
Me,....not so much.
Thanks beautiful young people who gave me that ticket. That will be another one experience to write in my book : search for the good hearted 'fans' in the thousands anonymous folks?
Back to my hotel room... wishing to paint my Masterpiece.
Feel like I want to be in another Universe.Rome will be next and last....

Rome final destination.

It was a nice ride on FLIXBUS from Perugia to Rome. My AirBandB is on the other side of Rome. I pay 1.50€ for a 'tourist tour'.
Rome is heavy of traffic and heat.
My booking is a mixed of Airbnb and hostel.
I share a room with the owner then with other guests. The apartment is next to a large traffic road. The noise is intolerable. And probably the pollution. The Italians have few notions of ecology. Hardly ride a bike. The planet is in danger!
Anyway I decide to stay home and relax.

July 9th.

The temperature will reach 37°C. I won't visit Rome. I've been here many times.
I need a ticket for the show. It doesn't seem easy. The venue is small and when I checked the website...sold out.
I checked again early afternoon and two sections on left and right of the stage are open.
I don't know about the visibility but I buy myself a ticket and then another one for a fan I know.
By 3pm I take a metro then walk to the venue.
The structure is weird , so the area. Nothing is happening. I walk around and find an ice cream parlor. My first real Italian ice cream.
Later on I meet with Uli and we have a drink in a cool AC bar.
The show tonight will be at 7.30pm. Don't know why!
Many Bobcats gathered for that last show but I want to focus on the show( could be the last ...at least for me) and avoid the confusion of too many crazy behaviors from people I know or believe I know.
Just say goodbye to my good friends from Australia. Dedicated but discreet ?
The seat is incredibly located. Up on a gallery, far left of the stage. Uli and I have a clear view on the piano. So close! It's even closer than the first row on the floor.
I stand up by the rail. I want to enjoy myself. Forget about the public ?
I see the Band and Bob walking to the stage from behind. Bob last.
I see his hands on the piano for the first two songs when he sits and plays.
Drinking from a cup between the songs.
The sound is great.
The view perfect.
I see Bob's face.... Getting old!
His back is bent in a black embroidered suit. Black pants with white straps.
White flat shoes.
His hands moving diligently on the keys.
At times only his right hand playing, the left hand on the top of the piano.
He's shifting his paper lyrics in between the songs. I don't see him actually reading much.
I karaoke each song. No one in front of me and no one behind. By a miracle, that seat is perfect!
Bob says "thank you Ladies and gentlemen" but nothing in Italian.
Public is warm. But truly I feel like Bob and the Band are playing for me, even though they NEVER look at me.
After "I've made up my mind to give myself to you" I see Bob turning to Tony, then Doug moving to Tony. That will be "That old black magic".
Then they start a new song. I hear shanandoah shanandoah...but the name is "Only a river" by Bob Weir. Another reference to Dead heads.
As I'm ready for "Mother of muses" I see Bob turning to Tony who rapidly scrolls a prop-tor in front of him.
They jump in a long and heavy Rock and Roll tune.
"Truckin'" another Dead song.
I'm on fire , so is the audience.
They Rock the casbah!?
Two extra songs. No error?￰゚ᄂᆪ?
They could have been Dylan songs. But he decided to cover...the Dead???
"Mother of muses" cool of the atmosphere before "Jimmy reed".
And the permanent "Grain of sand"
I can see a box of 5 harps on the right side of Bob on the piano. He will pick one. And....
The entire floor is moving towards the stage. A stage rush that will make Eric panics. I see him pushing back a young kid trying to move on to the stage.
But Bob and the Band are happy. Tony can't stop smiling. As he looks up at me for the salute...I wave my hands!
I see now that Bob is wearing a yellow shirt ?
He joins his hands in a "thankful" salute!
It will take so long to have the lights on that we believe he will come back. But they already pack the guitars and all....
Bye bye Bobby ?

That was my best show of the Tour.

A great final!


 




 




 

 


 



 


 




 



 


 


 



 


 





 

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