PART SEVENTEENU.S.A.
Fall Tour 2014.
I
will spend September volunteering on some farms close to my home
Angers.
I’ve
chosen the association called HelpX. It is on the same ideology as
WWOOF but not necessarily work on Farm. It could be home sitting,
animal sitting, babysitting or any little work as cleaning,
painting, gardening…
You
work few hours a week in exchange for room and food.
I
like gardening so I’ve chosen homes with a garden.
I
decide to try HelpX in Oregon U.S.A. before the beginning
of the Tour, starting in Seattle.
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10/17/14
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Seattle,
Washington -Paramount
Theatre
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10/18/14
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Seattle,
Washington -Paramount
Theatre
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10/19/14
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Seattle,
Washington -Paramount
Theatre
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10/21/14
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Portland,
Oregon -Keller
Auditorium
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10/24/14
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Hollywood,
California -Dolby
Theatre
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10/25/14
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Hollywood,
California -Dolby
Theatre
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10/26/14
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Hollywood,
California -Dolby
Theatre
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10/28/14
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Oakland,
California -Paramount
Theatre
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10/29/14
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Oakland,
California -Paramount
Theatre
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10/30/14
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Oakland,
California -Paramount
Theatre
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11/1/14
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Denver,
Colorado -Bellco
Theatre
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11/4/14
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Minneapolis,
Minnesota -Orpheum
Theater
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11/5/14
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Minneapolis,
Minnesota -Orpheum
Theater
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11/6/14
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Minneapolis,
Minnesota -Orpheum
Theater
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11/8/14
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Chicago,
Illinois -Cadillac
Palace Theatre
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11/9/14
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Chicago,
Illinois -Cadillac
Palace Theatre
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11/10/14
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Chicago,
Illinois -Cadillac
Palace Theatre
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11/12/14
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Cleveland,
Ohio -State
Theatre
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11/14/14
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Boston,
Massachusetts -Orpheum
Theatre
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11/15/14
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Providence,
Rhode Island -Providence
Performing Arts Center
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11/17/14
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Toronto,
Ontario -Sony
Centre
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11/18/14
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Toronto,
Ontario -Sony
Centre
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11/20/14
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Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania -Heinz
Hall For The Performing Arts
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11/21/14
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Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania -Academy
Of Music
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11/22/14
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Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania -Academy
Of Music
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11/23/14
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Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania -Academy
Of Music-afternoon show (private)
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11/23/14
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Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania -Academy
Of Music-evening show
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11/25/14
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Washington,
D.C. -DAR
Constitution Hall
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11/26/14
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Newark,
New Jersey -New
Jersey Performing Arts Center
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11/28/14
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New
York, New York -Beacon
Theatre
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11/29/14
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New
York, New York -Beacon
Theatre
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12/1/14
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New
York, New York -Beacon
Theatre
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12/2/14
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New
York, New York -Beacon
Theatre
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12/3/14
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New
York, New York -Beacon
Theatre
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Markus’
property is in Mapplewood, somewhere in the middle of forests in
south West of Oregon.
I
spend one night at a friend’s house in Seattle then take the Amtrak
train to Eugene.
Lani,
Markus’ roommate picks me up and we drive all the way to the house.
The property
is huge but many projects are on the go. Even the garden is not
really functional.
I
find myself making tons of apple sauce, cooking for Markus and doing
other little works.
But
also I found myself in a middle of a conflict between Markus and
Lani. I turn out to be a counselor.
After
two weeks in a comfortable home I feel sad to leave but there is a
Tour to go on.
I
From
the 16th to
the 20th of
October Seattle.
I
know D. will be at the shows and I’m anxious.
I
had decided for that tour not to buy any ticket, not even a cheap
one.
It
will be a static set list again, the one I know by heart.
I
have my sign “I need a free ticket, please”.
Tony
and Cynthia (I’m staying at their farm) are with me for the first
show.
D.
appears behind me and kindly says hello. Somehow I’m happy to see
him.
It
is not exactly a big reconciliation but there is no
conflict.
I
get a free ticket and the show is no surprise, neither the public.
The
American public is jaded, nothing like a wild and happy crowd.
We
move back to the farm after the show. D. is staying with his good
friend A.
I
bought myself an American telephone to stay in touch with D. He’s
somehow more communicative through the electronic material.
I
manage to make him accept a visit to the Seattle Art Museum with me.
He’s
obviously avoiding me physically though still in contact by texting.
It’s difficult for me to figure him out.
We
spend two hours together ; the museum then a pizza and beer.
That
will be our only time together in Seattle.
The
three shows will be similar ; same theater, same set list, same
public.
My
heart is somewhere else!
The
weather is still nice and warm so with Cynthia and the family we take
some walks around the farm.
The
farm is located on an Island so every night after the show I will
take a bus then a ferry to reach home.
II
From
20th to
27th of
October Portland.
To
reach Portland I will catch a low coast bus company called BoltBus.
17$ for the ride.
D.
told me that he might be taking the same bus at 2 p.m. I don’t
truly believe him.
But
to my stupor he shows off 5 minutes before departure! Whoa! What a
surprise!
We
are side by side for four hours. I feel uncomfortable ; what to say,
what to do?
He
will chat incessantly with a young fellow sitting next to us. I
feel sad, frustrated and angry though I realize now it was my fault.
I didn’t initiate the conversation.
On
that tour I had planed to use the Couch surfing organization as much
as possible.
The
principle is simple : you go to the Website, you make yourself a
profile. If you need a place to stay in a city you type the name (for
example Portland), you explain your project and you enter the dates
in a calendar. Hundreds Hosts will pop up with their own profile so
you decide which one fits your personality. There is no money
involved, it’s just an exchange, a conviviality. The accommodation
can be a couch but also a mattress on the floor or as comfortable as
a private room. Some hosts will also provide food though it is not
the rule.
I’ve
done it in Japan and Europe successfully (with few exceptions)..
In
Portland a Lady accepted my request and her daughter is picking me up
at the bus stop.
I
split with D. He’s got other plan, I’m not part of it.
I
have my private bedroom and we eat dinner with MissL.
D.
texts me 2 or 3 times. Why?
When
I text back that I miss him…he gets angry. Why?
I
rest before Missl drives me to the venue.
It’s
a Theater. I put my sign out but the scalpers are not making my
position easy.
They
buy and sale. I need a free ticket.
I
start to feel panicky when I see D. with a group of friends. He
doesn’t say hello and walk away. Tears are following down. Do I
deserve a rejection?
My
spirit is low. I won’t be able to get in. I don’t even find the
smoking area.
If
the smoking area is outside there is a small chance for me to sneak
in at the intermission.
So
no show for me tonight. I take the bus back with a down spirit.
A
T_shirt seller talked about the possibility for him to drive to
Oakland from Portland. I asked him if he would give me a ride. Maybe!
I
will not do the Hollywood shows as L.A. is too much expensive to
reach.
I
need six more nights in Portland or Oakland. My host’s daughter
accepts to host me. Great!
I
will nonetheless spend the last three days with Ed (the T_shirt
seller) for he will drive me to Oakland. We watch Dylan videos and
movies.
III
The 28th 29th 30th of October Oakland.
Ed
wants to drive at night to avoid traffic but at 4 a.m. we have a flat
tire. We are three hours delayed when we reach Oakland.
Lakshmir
(a beautiful Lady from India) accepted my CS request in Berkley.
Ed
drops me close by and I find myself in a nice condominium. I have my
own room. The house is close to the B.A.R.T.(bay area rapid transit)
going to Oakland or San Francisco.
Since
I love Berkley I enjoy myself walking around , to the university. I
recall the 60’s and the fights for the Civil Rights, where the
protest movement started. Today everything is calm. No rebels, no
more hippies.
I
take the B.A.R.T. for a visit to the Fisherman Wharf, my favorite
area in San Francisco.
I
invited D. for lunch or dinner but there will be no answer.
At
the venue. Though many fans told me it would be easy to find a ticket
in Oakland I stay on my guard. Things don’t happen the way you
expect!
I’m
not successful the second night. D. is coming late, trying to sale an
extra ticket. Of course he’s not supposed to give it to me. It’s
money. I feel sad. It’s just a natural feeling, no?
I
will not go in tonight. Double disappointment.
The
third night D. has a couple of extra ticket. So what!
He
will do something that makes me love him. He will give me one of the
tickets. Thanks Honey!
The
seat is on the balcony but at the intermission I move on the floor.
I
enjoy myself though I see D. with a couple of women. I feel jealousy.
But why? Stupid feeling!
IV
The
1st of
November Denver.
From
Oakland to Denver it’s a long way and an expensive trip by bus.
I
search on Internet and find a low coast flight.
I
also find a CS host at the last moment.
Nikk
has already two guests (a young couple) he accepts me to sleep on the
couch.
They
wait for me to join them for a Brunch. Nikk is a Chef and his choice
of the Restaurant excellent. We spend a pleasant afternoon.
The
young couple drives me to the venue. I find an easy ticket and walk
inside with relief and peace.
The
Denver show is great. It doesn’t matter if the set list doesn’t
change.
In
fact I like it. I can sing along most of the songs by now, exception
of “The early roman kings” and “Scarlett town”.
The
only thing that seems to change is Bob’s out fits. One night he
will be in white, the other night he will be in black.
I
don’t try to be by the back stage door any more. That will be in
vain. Not even try to see him getting out of his bus.
I
don’t see much of Barron or the musicians.
The
Dream and a big part of the Magic is gone.
I’m
just trying to have a pleasant trip with not too much hardship.
I’ve
seen Randy (one with whom I traveled before) but our relationship
turned sour.
Why?
V
The 3rd 4th 5th 6th of November Minneapolis.
My
CS host is Kristopher. I have my own room with a couch.
I
will have free access to the house since Kristopher works early in
the morning.
The
weather is mild. The city easy to reach by feet. I walk a lot. I
spend time in a nearby Café using the WIFI. I spend some quiet and
happy days. D. will not be here.
At
the venue I meet Bill. We don’t have much to say.
I
find a ticket for a full show and manage half of another(sneaking in
at the intermission).
I
will miss the second show.
I
recognize Fans I’ve met before, we have a nice conversation and a
happy time though mainly outside the venue. It’s part of the
spirit. I’m sorry it doesn’t happen anymore between the Bobcats
and I. I don’t understand what I do wrong except begging for a free
ticket.
Minneapolis
is not my favorite city, I’m glad to move away.
VI
The
7th 8th 9th 10th of
November Chicago.
The
Greyhound bus takes me to Chicago.
I
start to get anxious.
Chicago
is where D.’s mother is owning a condominium.
D.
will be in Chicago.
In
the past we had spend few days together in that condo.
The
memory is painful. D. had been distant even cold with me during those
days. The communication didn’t work. We were side by side I the
same house but so far away spiritually. I was feeling more than
lonely, I was feeling rejected, abandoned. How could you feel
abandoned next to some one who pretends to be your friend?
This
time D. didn’t propose to help me with a bed in that condo. Of
course I understand. But it hurts for I know some Fans will be with
him. Fans I know and who had been my Friends.
None
the less I keep contact with D. through the telephone; texting.
I
told him about my sadness.
I
will stay with Alex, my CS Host. I have my own room but I can’t
forget about the condo and the good time they’re having there.
They
will all be at the venue.
None
of them engage the conversation with me. I’m ostracized. I feel so
down.
I’m
not sure if I want to be here or run away.
Alex
comes with me for the first show and I do find a free ticket.
I
don’t remember the show.
The
second night. I will get inside only at the intermission.
After
the show I want to see D. The group of Bobcats staying with D. walk
down the street for we want to see some sculptures by Picasso exposed
in the next street.
D.
will take photos of a huge mosaic by Chagall. I walk around with him,
like a little dog.
It
feels weird.
The
others want to go home and they left me right in the middle of the
street. Whoa!
Luckily
Alex will drag me back home. I cry non-stop.
I
spend the entire next day in my room. Crying like a crocodile!
Third
day I go to the venue by train. Alex don’t want to come.
I
manage to sneak inside at the intermission.
The
show is now just a routine. My mind and spirit are focused
on something else.
D.
is here with his friends. By texting him on his telephone (and he
answers me most of the time) I find out there will be a party in a
Greek restaurant with some Fans after the show.
I
invite myself. I jump in a taxi with the group.
I
have a nice time. I behave as good as possible though I’m all
nervous inside.
Charlie
Sexton is in the same restaurant and all the girls go to salute him.
Weird!
D.
is nice with me, maybe too nice! The woman next to him(a Bobcat) is
his girl friend.
Hard
to swallow.
Alex
comes to pick me up. Thanks Alex.
Bussing
to Cleveland. I’m all confused.
VII
The
11h and 12th of
November Cleveland.
Kevin
accepted my request for a couch.
He’s
making sweaters as a business and lives in a warehouse. He picks me
up at the bus station and cooks dinner for both of us.
We
chat about his business.
I
prepare my couch, take a warm shower and fall asleep.
Next
day I walk a long way, in the cold, to the Art Museum. I spend the
whole afternoon with the paintings.
I
take a tram to the venue in the late afternoon.
It’s
again a Theater.
I
meet with two Fans I’ve seen on the road years before. We have a
nice conversation but I need a free ticket so I put my sign out.
There
is no scalpers, that should help me. If there is a person with an
extra ticket he may not be able to sale it. And it works. Those
scalpers are really my enemies!
That
seat is on the balcony but now a days and most of the time I don’t
even bother to move down at the intermission.
The
sound is excellent anywhere. Except being right in front the stage it
doesn’t matter where you seat.
The
lights are so dim that we don’t even see Bob’s face. He hardly
interacts with the public.
As
I said the Magic is gone.
The
shows are good quality shows ; professional.
I’m
happy to be part of the public.
VIII
The
13th and
14th of
November Boston.
I
take the Amtrak train to Boston
Long
and delayed as usual with the train.
We
reach Boston station two hours late. I didn’t have any answer to my
requests on the Couch Surfing Site so…I have no plan for the night.
The Hotels are expensive and I was so troubled the days before that I
had forgotten to book a Youth Hostel.
The
night will be long.
A
young man is waiting for a bus. He needs 4$ to catch an early bus ,
so I promise to give him the money if he keeps me company.
The
train station closes at 1 a.m. so we move to the Greyhound bus
station.
I’m
cold and exhausted.
I
also spend the morning inside the train station (now opened).
Finally
I have a positive answer for a couch but texting non-stop with the
Host I realize he’s Sex oriented (as it happens for some Couch
Surfing Hosts).
At
3’oclock I have to cancel the invitation which turns into a
nightmare.
At
6 p.m. I roll my suit case to the venue(luckily close by) hopping to
be able to leave it inside the venue.
The
wind is blowing cold, a blizzard. I’m freezing.
The
scalpers are more aggressive than ever.
It’s
so cold than the Fans are rushing inside, not paying attention to me.
I
wait until the intermission but there is no hope , no way to get in.
I
decide to call my Host in Providence and ask him if I can go to his
house tonight.
George
accepts and I’m leaving Boston with great relief.
The
worst situation I’ve been in since the beginning of the Tour.
As
I will skip Toronto and Pittsburgh shows I requested 5 days of Couch
Surfing in Providence.
George
answered positively.
IX
From
15th 16th 17th 18th 19th of
November Providence.
I’m
supposed to meet George in a bar. He’s drunk.
We
take a cab to his house. A three stories building in a suburban area.
I
have my private room.
I
crash on the bed with a couple of blankets on me. It feels so good to
be in a bed, warm and safe.
I
just sleep long , long. I do some food shopping as I have access to
the kitchen.
I
sleep part of the afternoon.
George
comes after his work. He’s willing to come with me to the show.
I
explain that I will not buy any ticket and he’s incredibly nice
enough to buy 2 tickets, each one for a value of 128$.
We
take a cab to the venue and for the first time I walk to the Box
Office to claim my expensive ticket. It feels so good! I even ignore
all other fans around me.
By
some kind of miracle the seats are 6th row
center.
I
enjoy. I feel in Peace.
No
tension, no stress, no anger.
No
one or no thoughts will disturb me.
This
will be one of my best memory shows.
I
spend those peaceful days inside the house, all by myself (George
leaves the house early in the morning).
I
read the ‘ Memoir of a Geisha’. Cook for myself. Sleep on and
off.
Only
once I will walk to the downtown area. Providence is a nice little
town but the view of so many homeless people disturbs me.
I
have a hard time when comes the time to move to Philadelphia.
X
The 20th 21th 22th 23th of November Philadelphia.
Another
Greyhound bus, passing through New York.
Nice
trip. I’m relax enough to appreciate.
I
didn’t find a Couch Surfing Host so as a substitute I booked a
Youth Hostel.
For
20$ a night with breakfast.
Couch
Surfing is nice, it’s a way to meet people and to have information
about the cities you’re visiting.
On
the other hand, it’s binding. You have to be easy going as you will
meet all kind of personalities, all kind of home habits or food
habits. Some situations are not always easy to deal with.
So
a Hostel is sometimes a good break.
This
Hostel is far away from the center. The bus takes forever and I need
to walk 30 minutes inside a Park.
To
my surprise it’s a real Mansion, in the 19th century
style with paintings on the walls.
The
dormitory is huge so is the kitchen.
I
will be in luxury! Cool!
I
like Philly.
I’ve
been here on a previous Bob Dylan Tour with D.
We
had a wonderful time, eating in an Italian restaurant, visiting the
Bell and the Museum.
Sweet
memories.
Why
our relationship had turned sour?
I
visit a Museum in the afternoon and get lost…I have to ask my way
to the venue.
The
venue is again a Theater.
Scalpers
don’t make me happy.
Matt
is here. He used to be a friend but …friendship among the Bobcats?
It comes and goes.
Simon
is here too. A young Frenchy Fan. A lot more friendly. We have a nice
chat.
I
get a free ticket in spite the competition.
I
enjoy the show.
The
way back home is long but it feels good to know I have a place to
stay in security. It’s cold out.
Rumors
have been spread that Bob Dylan will do a private show on Sunday.
I
walk to the venue (a 2 hours walk) and pass by the Ritz. They’re
loading the musicians ‘ bus.
Donny
is stepping inside the bus.
In
front of the Theater Fredrik is being interviewed. He’s the Fan for
whom Bob will play.
I
stick around to see what’s happening.
Bob’s
bus pulls in at 2:45 p.m. Bob steps out and walks inside the venue by
the backstage door.
It’s
the first and only time I saw Bobby other than on stage.
Barron
doesn’t mind me neither Big Bob.
I’m
part of the circus?
One
hour later Fredrik walks in the theater with his camera crew.
When
he comes out I ask him how it went.
He’s
over enthusiastic. Some how it doesn’t feel right.
Who
is he? He won’t even go to the night show.
I
feel jealousy but I know it probably didn’t mean much for Bob.
Money?
He did it for money?
I
missed one show in Philly.
I
love Philly, I had a good time walking in the park, along the river.
I
don’t think about D.
By
now I had decided to skip Washington D.C. and move strait to New York
I
booked a Youth Hostel again as it was difficult to get a CS host for
9 nights.
The
Hostel is in Spanish Harlem, close to the metro 6
XI
From
24th 25th 26th 27th 28th 29th 30th of
November1st 2sd of December New York.
This
hostel is the worst. The dorm is mixed (mainly men), small, not so
clean on the other hand the staff is friendly and there is a small
kitchen.
I
feel weird to be here and not going to Washington for the show.
After
some search on Internet I find a low coast Chinese bus company.
For
55$ I book a two ways trip to D.C.
Let’s
be Nuts!
XII
The
25th of
November Washington D.C.
I
meet Simon in Washington.
My
spirit is high. I’m sure I’ll find a way to get in.
And
I do. A rich couple approaches me and they have an extra ticket. At
first they want to sell it. The value is 250$.
Well
I explain that I’m an Artist, present them with some of my Art.
I
promise to make them a painting if they e-mail me.
They
give me the ticket.
Whoa!
The most expensive I ever got.
The
seat is excellent, 4th row
on the left.
But
some seats are empty in front of the piano. I move there at the
intermission.
Simon
is next to me.
We
have a great time. Thanks Simon.
That
will be one of my best day and show. Washington D.C. is a nice city.
The
bad thing is …my bus is leaving at 1:00 a.m.
I’m
exhausted. I will sleep all the way to New York.
XIII
The
26th of
November Newark.
From
New York it’s easy to reach Newark by train.
The
weather is cold. It had been snowing.
The
venue is inside a building.
I
put my sign out. There is no scalpers so it should be easy.
R.
and Asha call my name. I know them from the past and I’m
surprised since until now we didn’t exchange much.
They
hand me a ticket. I’m happily surprised.
I
walk in and start talking to Asha. I know it sounds like I’m happy
only when people do things for me.
All
the way I had the feeling I was not part of the ‘game’. I’m not
so much a social person though I do Couch Surfing, WWOOF and other
social activities most of the Bobcats ignore.
I
enjoy the show.
I
take the train back to the Hostel.
XIV
27th
28th 29th 30th of
November 1st 2sd
of December New York.
The
first days is New York I enjoy myself.
I’ve
bought a City Pass for 109$.
That
includes 6 tourist attractions :
The
Statue of Liberty
The
Empire State Building
The
Metropolitan Museum
The
Guggenheim Museum
The
Museum of Modern Art
The
National Historic Museum.
D.
will be in New York, so will his girl friend. M.
Oh
my! I feel bad already.
Paradoxically
we keep contact through the telephone. We’re getting along through
the writing communication.
My
first few days in New York are even wonderful.
I
visit the Tourist attractions ; the Statue, Ellis Island, Ground
Zero, the Museums…
I
take the trains to the Beacon Theater every night.
The
first night a friend of D. hands me a ticket.
The
theater is great. I enjoy myself.
After
the show some Bobcats will gather in a Pub for drinks and chats.
D.
is not with us. I text him. He says he’s tired and resting.
Next
days is more complicated for a ticket but I find the smocking area,
behind the theater and John and D. help me to sneak inside.
D.
talks about a show he wants to go to after the BD show. I ask if I
can join. He doesn’t say no.
We
jump in a cab the 3 of us.
The
show is fantastic. I dance on the Grateful Dead music.
We
seem to get along. Then move to the pub to join the Bobcats.
One
day I invite D. to join me to the M.E.T. but it will not happen. I
feel a little bit disappointed but…
The
night Bob is off D. proposes to a group of Fans to go to a show in a
small club.
I’m
exited. I dress up a bit.We are only four but D. is nice and relaxed.
Until
I find out his girl friend M. is coming and sharing a room with him
at the Beacon Hotel.
The
dream turns into a nightmare.
I
run to my Hostel, buy myself a pack of beers and drink until I
knocked myself out to sleep.
This
is the third time of my life I’m unconsciously drunk.
I
send dirty messages to D. I insult him. I’m trying to exorcise the
Devil. It’s not the right solution. I should be meditating or
praying.
I
decide to skip the Bob Dylan show on the 1st.
This
is showing how much hurt I am .
I
traveled the world for the B.D. shows, I suffered hunger, fatigue,
humiliation, the cold, the warm ..I fought for a ticket, I sneaked in
venues.
D.
has his revenge on Black Pool.
I
will go to the last of my shows on the 2sd, to the Pub after the
show.
I
have a great time with my Friends, we chat, we laugh…
D.
is here so is M. Ignoring them is impossible.
I’m
happy the Tour is over.
I’m
glad I did what I did.
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