PART SIX
1986.
To Joey
I
A
letter from Carole, my friend from 81 Tour, received at the end of
April 86, informs me that Dylan will make a tour in the USA in early
June. After successful tours in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, he
decides to continue with Tom Petty and the “Heartbreaks”. I see
this an opportunity to go again for a crazy trip and open a little
more the doors of Dylan’s perception.
After my adventures in Paris and Blackbushe 78, California 79, Europe, Canada and USA 81, this new adventure does not scare me. I know I need organization, money, a lot of courage, and a faith to move up mountains.
After my adventures in Paris and Blackbushe 78, California 79, Europe, Canada and USA 81, this new adventure does not scare me. I know I need organization, money, a lot of courage, and a faith to move up mountains.
I
think I have all these elements and I'm starting to get
organized. Fortunately this is the low season and I can get a
plane ticket cheaper. My visa brings some problems quickly resolved
after a jump in the Paris embassy. I take this opportunity to
visit the Louvre and fly to New York. Eight hours of
flight ... New York, New York BIG APPLE here I am! I hold my
breath posing my feet on American soil. 5 years have passed
since my last visit. I cross the city to catch a flight to San
Francisco at Newark Airport.
The tour begins on the West Coast:
The tour begins on the West Coast:
June 9th San Diego CA, 11th Reno NV, 12th Sacramento CA, 13th & 14th Berkeley CA
16th & 17th Costa Mesa CA, 18th Phoenix AR, 20th Houston TX, 21st Austin TX, 22th Dallas TX, 24th Indianapolis IN, 26th Minneapolis MN, 27th Milwaukee WI, 29th Chicago IL, 30th Detroit MI, July 1st Detroit MI, 2nd Akron OH, 4th Buffalo NY, 6th & 7th Washington DC, 8th & 9th Boston MA, 11th Hartford CT, 13th Saratoga Springs NY, 15th & 16th & 17th New York NY, 19th & 20th Philadelphia PA, 21st E. Rutherford NY, 22nd Boston MA, 24th Kansas City O, 26th & 27th Denver CO, 29th Portland OR, 31st Tacoma WA, 1st August Vancouver BC Canada, 3rd Bay Area CA, 5th & 6th L.A. , CA.
TRUE
CONFESSIONS TOUR
My
return ticket is for July 23rd in New York. I have a Greyhound
pass for 30 days. I know this way of traveling cheap across the U.S.:
air conditioning, seat wide enough to sleep. This will be my room for
many nights.
After
an hour's stopover in Baltimore and a few additional hours of flight
I landed in SF. I realize that Carole is not at home. I fall
asleep on her home’s steps. She returned at 3 a.m. and we fall
asleep. Carole and her brother Bruce decide to join in for the four
shows after the one in San Diego. They will travel by car. So I
joined them.
ON
THE ROAD AGAIN !
We
arrive in Reno in the afternoon. It's a miracle that the concert is
not ‘sold out’. We go to the hall. We force a bit but we are
rejected. We spy around: some limos arrive and depart. We wonder if
Bob has decided to travel in luxury. After several hours of waiting
we go without seeing the Boss. I know that Bob Meyers is again the
road manager and I have nothing to expect from him. Our seats are
very poorly placed at the top of the hill and the sound is bad.
Dylan
begins with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and then the
Heartbreakers themselves. Dylan on acoustic guitar for three songs,
Petty joined him. Petty alone four songs and the final set. Three
encore songs and the show's over.
Dylan is correct but the show is short and a little classical, little change compared to 81 or 84 except for a few pieces from the last album Empire Burlesque. Some old songs like "A Song to Woody " some new "Clean cut kid" and the famous "Ballad Of A Thin Man," "Like a Rolling Stone," "Masters of War" ... a "Positively 4th Street" aggressive and a fabulous "Rainy Day Women 12 & 35.”
Dylan is correct but the show is short and a little classical, little change compared to 81 or 84 except for a few pieces from the last album Empire Burlesque. Some old songs like "A Song to Woody " some new "Clean cut kid" and the famous "Ballad Of A Thin Man," "Like a Rolling Stone," "Masters of War" ... a "Positively 4th Street" aggressive and a fabulous "Rainy Day Women 12 & 35.”
Petty
is not my style and I think we see him too much.
We
find the Dylan hotel after a little confusion because Dylan and Petty
are not in the same hotel. A red hotel bus was parked in front of the
"airport plaza" an ordinary airport hotel. We wait for
hours and hours browsing around the patio. Nothing. It is very
hot. The bus driver told us politely that they will not leave until
three in the afternoon.
3 p.m. in the afternoon; everyone is on the bus or around the bus, back vocal singers and others waiting patiently for Meyers. He is nervous and does not seem to recognize us. After a long time a minivan comes from behind the hotel and stops near the bus. Carole yells
-“Here HE is!”
We run all three pursued by Meyers. Poor Bob ! he's tired or drunk. He scribbles his autograph for Bruce without a glance and jumped into his bus. We have a strange feeling. Carole thinks he is loaded, but with what? He seemed so fragile and thin. He did not know us. We begin a mad dash, following the red bus from Reno to Sacramento. The race ends nowhere. They go straight to the parking lot. No hotel. We know they will not stay sleeping in Sacramento but will go straight to Berkeley. We will have to follow again if we want to know where they will stay.
3 p.m. in the afternoon; everyone is on the bus or around the bus, back vocal singers and others waiting patiently for Meyers. He is nervous and does not seem to recognize us. After a long time a minivan comes from behind the hotel and stops near the bus. Carole yells
-“Here HE is!”
We run all three pursued by Meyers. Poor Bob ! he's tired or drunk. He scribbles his autograph for Bruce without a glance and jumped into his bus. We have a strange feeling. Carole thinks he is loaded, but with what? He seemed so fragile and thin. He did not know us. We begin a mad dash, following the red bus from Reno to Sacramento. The race ends nowhere. They go straight to the parking lot. No hotel. We know they will not stay sleeping in Sacramento but will go straight to Berkeley. We will have to follow again if we want to know where they will stay.
II
The
concert is outdoors and there are no chairs. With great daring and a
bit of luck we glide to the forefront. It is 7 p.m. and the concert
starts at 7.30 p.m. The sound is not great but at least we are in
front. We can observe the translucent skin of the guy. As soon as the
end points we crash in the wings but they are already gone. We're off
to San Francisco.
After a good night's sleep, Bruce spotted the hotel (a specialty for someone who hunts autographs).
At three in the afternoon we're inside a splendid palace in Berkeley: a fairy tale castle. The waiting begins, comfortable but nervous. We meet guys from the band: Howie bassist of the Heartbreakers, three of the four singers. Only Joey the bus driver is nice and modest. Others seem proud. We feel uncomfortable. Displaced.
After a good night's sleep, Bruce spotted the hotel (a specialty for someone who hunts autographs).
At three in the afternoon we're inside a splendid palace in Berkeley: a fairy tale castle. The waiting begins, comfortable but nervous. We meet guys from the band: Howie bassist of the Heartbreakers, three of the four singers. Only Joey the bus driver is nice and modest. Others seem proud. We feel uncomfortable. Displaced.
After
several hours we see a disheveled figure. He is dressed all in
black. Carole freezes. I take a step and ask for an autograph on one
of my drawings. He signs, reserved, without comment. Carole
found her voice and explains who we are. "You remember us, 81? I
am the dancer in San Francisco.
-« Do you need a dancer for your next video clip?
- "I will not do anymore clip",
-"can we get tickets for tonight?"
-“Yes, what is your name?",
-" … "
He points to a weird guy ; Garry Shnaffer and says
-"two under the name of …"
-"Thanks."
And off he goes.
-« Do you need a dancer for your next video clip?
- "I will not do anymore clip",
-"can we get tickets for tonight?"
-“Yes, what is your name?",
-" … "
He points to a weird guy ; Garry Shnaffer and says
-"two under the name of …"
-"Thanks."
And off he goes.
Thank
you to Carol for having the guts to ask him for tickets. We are still
all amazed. We can not say that the approach was friendly but at
least he has not thrown us away. He did not seem angry as much
as you can guess. It was probably the best he could be at this
time. I have my autograph and we have two tickets from the man
himself. I'm satisfied. He did not recognize us but why blame
him? That is 5 years ago.
When
we entered the Greek Theater we realize that the seats are not very
well placed and they are part of a group of 200 VIPs. We move
surreptitiously to the side to get out as quickly as possible and
reach the hotel before the group.
The
sound is better. The songs are almost all identical with a lovely
acoustic "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carol". Some songs I
do not recognize. We know that the last one is "Knocking on
heaven's door" and just before the end, we will run out. Carole
drive fast and we are rapidly at the Clairmont. Half an hour
after arrival Tom Petty and his band, then the business men, whatever
their role. I wonder why so many. Meyers arrives followed by
Bob. A girl jumps on him and asks if she can kiss him. Bob
smiled,
-"No, no!"
And goes on a bit surprised but surely flattered. He suddenly turned around and went to the bathroom ....
Immediately, the guards are standing guard in front of the doors. (They have not stopped the girl!). He leaves to head immediately towards the bar. He has not changed his clothes! He wears his black leather pants, black boots, a black leather jacket, finger less gloves. He must roughly sweat. We dare not follow him at the bar. We wait in the lobby. It must be around midnight and the bar closes at 2 in the morning. Music comes out. Dylan comes in and goes to the toilet .... he marks a pause before the doors, without glasses he should not see the difference :MEN WOMEN??! We giggle at our stupidity. When he comes out he glances at us. He heads to the bar, and again turned around to look at us from the corner of his eye. Did he notice that we did not enter the bar? In the lobby a dozen fans are circling like animals in cage. The bodyguards and security are nervous. But this time Dylan went to the bathroom ALL alone. Good boy!
We resume our wait more and more tired.
Fifteen minutes after 2 a.m., he leaves. Carole spoke to him and again asked him for tickets for tomorrow.
-"’Course. How many? Four? ",
-" No, only three for the three of us, thank you. "
He was agape as if he had not realized that we had expected him but not too drunk, nor too arrogant. As nice as he could be if he doesn’t know the people approaching him.
"Thank you Bobby! Good night. "
-"No, no!"
And goes on a bit surprised but surely flattered. He suddenly turned around and went to the bathroom ....
Immediately, the guards are standing guard in front of the doors. (They have not stopped the girl!). He leaves to head immediately towards the bar. He has not changed his clothes! He wears his black leather pants, black boots, a black leather jacket, finger less gloves. He must roughly sweat. We dare not follow him at the bar. We wait in the lobby. It must be around midnight and the bar closes at 2 in the morning. Music comes out. Dylan comes in and goes to the toilet .... he marks a pause before the doors, without glasses he should not see the difference :MEN WOMEN??! We giggle at our stupidity. When he comes out he glances at us. He heads to the bar, and again turned around to look at us from the corner of his eye. Did he notice that we did not enter the bar? In the lobby a dozen fans are circling like animals in cage. The bodyguards and security are nervous. But this time Dylan went to the bathroom ALL alone. Good boy!
We resume our wait more and more tired.
Fifteen minutes after 2 a.m., he leaves. Carole spoke to him and again asked him for tickets for tomorrow.
-"’Course. How many? Four? ",
-" No, only three for the three of us, thank you. "
He was agape as if he had not realized that we had expected him but not too drunk, nor too arrogant. As nice as he could be if he doesn’t know the people approaching him.
"Thank you Bobby! Good night. "
We
return to the spot the next day at 4 p.m. Petty comes back from the
sound check. This does not seem to concern Dylan. He does
not come out before 7 p.m. We are leaving. We must find a place to
park and check that we have our tickets. We know from experience that
between the Boss talk and his employees there is a gap and that the
instructions are lost. If Dylan is generous we have a doubt regarding
Meyers. But we have these tickets and we can proudly say that we are
Dylan guests.
We
are in the same seats as yesterday. The concert is the same.
Fairly short. When we start to warm up, it's the end. Dylan is not
Springsteen.
We
return to the castle and wait until 1a.m. Joey is nice to tell us
that the Boss flew to L.A. Bye! Bye! see ya !
For
Carole and Bruce that’s the end of the adventure. For me, it begins
in solitude, "freewheeling". Armed with my Greyhound pass,
my bag of clothes, a few pennies in my pocket and a heart full of
hope.
III
Seven
and a half hours drive before reaching L.A.
6 in the morning and no bus to Costa Mesa. The closest point is Hutingon Beach the stronghold of the Hippies in the 60s: good, good vibrations and the first bus leaves at 12:55.
6 in the morning and no bus to Costa Mesa. The closest point is Hutingon Beach the stronghold of the Hippies in the 60s: good, good vibrations and the first bus leaves at 12:55.
I
walk the streets of Downtown L.A. ; one of the point the most 'hot'
in the U.S.A., the most polluted too. I have the feeling of
losing a lot of time but I take this opportunity to keep a diary that
I update between the moments of hyper activity. Sometimes I'd
rather have a car but the country is so vast that it is impossible to
keep this pace of travel by driving alone. The bus provides the
possibility to rest between two points.
An
hour and a half drive and again I change buses. This place is in the
middle of nowhere! I wonder how I'm going back to L.A. and how to
reach Phoenix? There is no break between the two and Phoenix is very
remote.
But
for now I'm back at the Artists’ door. There is a ramp that
leads directly into the theater. No chance to see the Boss unless he
takes one of his whims. I am therefore in line to enter. To my
surprise, the display is not that of Sacramento: they have chairs in
front of the stage and I found myself on the lawn, very far from the
forefront. The audience I am disappointed with, very preppy of
'yuppies' of the L.A. upper class, and L.A. upper class IS upper. I'd
prefer the old 'hippies' from Berkeley.
It
is 7h30.It is the show time but only half of the seats are filled.
There is a constant stream of arrivals. Difficult to concentrate on
what is happening on stage. The sound is good. The songs are the same
and Bobby is so small down on the stage! The public is stoic.
I
walk to the back stage door, I have nothing better to do for tonight
I’ll sleep outside, too little money for a hotel room. I have to
calculate the sum of all concert tickets, and it's huge.
Three
fans are waiting too. We begin to talk. They know which
hotel Dylan is in and offer me to join them. I jump in the
car, ‘bound for glory!’.
A
mad chase begins at 1 a.m. They know the name of the hotel but not
the address. We must follow the car were Dylan engulfed. The cars
drive fast: it's crazy!
The
guy who leads the pursuit is called Bryan, a fan of early dylanmania.
He is the first editor of the Dylan fan magazine called "zimmerman
blues”. Bob said he did not like the name:
-"zimmerman belongs to the past."
Bryan said OK and called his magazine "Changing". The magazine no longer exists.
-"I'm retired,"
said Bryan
-"I did what I could for Dylan. I have done my duty. "
He is nice and fun. The other two are not fans but want to have fun.
We found the hotel ; a very famous "Four Seasons." Both guys are amazed by the luxury, but Bryan and I have seen others (‘Meurise hotel’ on Rivoli street is not bad either! And the Clairmont in Berkeley!). Bryan starts to get excited and want to know what room will Dylan sleep.
We reach the 20th floor and floor to floor, we play the detectives. We try to hear a familiar voice, a guitar sound. We hear laughter and voices in chambre1111 Bryan wants to know what is happening. A doorman is looking for Howie Epstein. Bryan says spontaneously that Howie is the room 1111. The porter knocks on the door that opens and Bryan rushes inside. But no Dylan.
-"zimmerman belongs to the past."
Bryan said OK and called his magazine "Changing". The magazine no longer exists.
-"I'm retired,"
said Bryan
-"I did what I could for Dylan. I have done my duty. "
He is nice and fun. The other two are not fans but want to have fun.
We found the hotel ; a very famous "Four Seasons." Both guys are amazed by the luxury, but Bryan and I have seen others (‘Meurise hotel’ on Rivoli street is not bad either! And the Clairmont in Berkeley!). Bryan starts to get excited and want to know what room will Dylan sleep.
We reach the 20th floor and floor to floor, we play the detectives. We try to hear a familiar voice, a guitar sound. We hear laughter and voices in chambre1111 Bryan wants to know what is happening. A doorman is looking for Howie Epstein. Bryan says spontaneously that Howie is the room 1111. The porter knocks on the door that opens and Bryan rushes inside. But no Dylan.
For
my part I just want to know if Stanley Golden is there. I thought I
saw him on the scene. He should remember me, the year 81. He
was the confidant / bodyguard / doctor for Bob. We saw each other
again in 84 in Nantes and he seemed nice. The porter gave me his
phone number, but Stan says he does not remember me. It was 2
a.m. and he was probably sleeping. He asks me to call the next
day. But it’s today! We know anyway that Dylan is in this hotel.
But where? At three o'clock in the morning, we give up.
At
4 o'clock I fall into Bryan's apartment, and I sleep, I sleep.
IV
The
following day. I return to the hotel and ask for Stanley.
-"I can not talk now but we'll see each other at the concert."
-"Ok".
-"I can not talk now but we'll see each other at the concert."
-"Ok".
By
going to the concert we have a flat tire, as Bryan is not supposed to
drive he starts panicking. I decide to hitchhike. I ask
for Stanley Golden backstage but they response that there is no
Stanley Golden?! I think Stan avoids me, he does not want to get
involved. – but I never knew really ! -
This
audience is there for Tom Petty. Some hysterical blonde but the
rest of the public is rather cold.
Bryan
eventually joined me at the stage door and invites me to his studio
in Santa Monica. He shows me his "souvenirs": a plane
ticket for Bardanes on behalf of Dylan, a birthday card for a little
Dylan signed "love dad", a paper full of "Robert"
for a passport renewal - he should write his full name. The writing
is smaller and sharper than the autographs. I remember that he signs
with the left hand when he is perfectly right handed. He tries to
thwart graphology? More interesting is the collection of video. I
spend the night watching the tapes: "Concert for Bangla Desh",
"Johnny Cash session", some TV shows: one or two songs with
Earl Scruggs backstage somewhere, three songs from the album "next
morning", Dylan is alone on acoustic guitar. I do not know why
he did it but he is cute with his round face, young, with stubble,
and clear blue eyes that break the screen. At that time he did not
look hard like today rather the appearance of a cherub.
Bryan has a rare piece: the entire "Peace Sunday" concert in duet with Joan Baez at the Rose Bowl Pasadena 82. Four songs in total. Here again he had not lost his cherub cheeks and was wrapped in a tight suit. A magical moment. And finally I had a blast with two hours of "Renaldo and Clara”. I forward to each image Dylan does appear. I'm running a few juicy scenes: the trio Dylan, Sara, Baez. This film was a flop but it was not a Hollywood movie rather a kind Dali-Bunuel: collage, surreal view of Dylan's career and personality. The kind : cutting Dylan into pieces and clue up the pieces in disorder, like all the faces of a diamond.
Bryan has a rare piece: the entire "Peace Sunday" concert in duet with Joan Baez at the Rose Bowl Pasadena 82. Four songs in total. Here again he had not lost his cherub cheeks and was wrapped in a tight suit. A magical moment. And finally I had a blast with two hours of "Renaldo and Clara”. I forward to each image Dylan does appear. I'm running a few juicy scenes: the trio Dylan, Sara, Baez. This film was a flop but it was not a Hollywood movie rather a kind Dali-Bunuel: collage, surreal view of Dylan's career and personality. The kind : cutting Dylan into pieces and clue up the pieces in disorder, like all the faces of a diamond.
V
Bryan
is someone! He is what I call a good parasite (parasite Weberman
being bad), a Dylanologist. Bryan lived in N.Y. when he heard that
Bob had moved to L.A. and he had a studio in Santa Monica. Bryan
moved to Santa Monica, just in front of the studio. For numerous
years until the studio closed in 83 he observed the comings and
goings of Dylan. The studio being constructed of glass, he could
see Dylan opens his mail or answers the phone. So much that one
day he asked Bob if he did not mind.
-"No"
he replied
-"if I want to talk to you I do, if not I don’t,"
-"fine with me,"
said Bryan. Bryan was content to listen to the sounds coming from the studio and delve into the trash. It was through him that fans learned one day that his friend Howard Alk was found dead inside the studio.
Bryan was invited (or invited himself) to the Bar Mitzvah of Jacob in 84 (one year after the Bar Mitzvah of his brother Jesse at the Wall in Jerusalem). So, paradoxically, the eldest Dylan boy would have had his Bar Mitzvah at 17 years old. At the request of his grandmother he had an Orthodox celebration at the Western Wall with an ultra-Orthodox father (in appearance). Jesse was 13 in 79 when Bob had become a ‘Christian’!
1983 being the end of the Gospel period.
-"No"
he replied
-"if I want to talk to you I do, if not I don’t,"
-"fine with me,"
said Bryan. Bryan was content to listen to the sounds coming from the studio and delve into the trash. It was through him that fans learned one day that his friend Howard Alk was found dead inside the studio.
Bryan was invited (or invited himself) to the Bar Mitzvah of Jacob in 84 (one year after the Bar Mitzvah of his brother Jesse at the Wall in Jerusalem). So, paradoxically, the eldest Dylan boy would have had his Bar Mitzvah at 17 years old. At the request of his grandmother he had an Orthodox celebration at the Western Wall with an ultra-Orthodox father (in appearance). Jesse was 13 in 79 when Bob had become a ‘Christian’!
1983 being the end of the Gospel period.
Bryan
told me that Dylan can dance the Hora correctly. He happened to be
every year for Yom Kippur in the synagogue in Santa Monica and saw
Bob regularly. He also had the habit of regularly passing by Sarah's
house in Beverly Hills and see the famous red Cadillac with a white
top, parked in front. He said once or twice a year he could meet
Dylan at the wheel of either one of his cars. He showed me Bob's
favorite restaurant, an Italian named Bruno's. He often sent one
of his employees to get dishes.
I
really appreciate the company of Bryan who was the most decent
fan-collector ever met. But I must go.
VI
At
6 o'clock in the morning without having slept I'm at the Greyhound
bus station .. I sleep, I eat, I let myself go in this air
conditioner box: I'm in cotton.
It
is 7.55 p.m. when I reach Phoenix, five minutes before the
concert. I jump into a taxi. The driver is smart and
avoids traffic. Immediately on my arrival I’m offered a ticket
for 10$. The seat is not great but I am on time. During the
delivery of Petty I approach the scene. I left my bag under a
seat and move to the front from empty seat to empty seat. I play hide
and seek with security. In the end I'm just in front and sit up on a
chair. Bob has never been so close. He looks old and
tired. He does not wear glasses, I deduce that he does not even see
the first row of spectators. I stand for the last three encores and
after « Knocking on heave's door » I know it's
over.
It
was a very good concert with a responsive audience. The best gig so
far this Tour. But my position might allows me to be objective
because being so close gives the impression of being part of the
group. The first rows are the best but unfortunately are not always
reserved to the best fans but often to the richer. The impression,
however, are the best from the forefront more than from the back of a
huge hall.
I go to the back. It is a parking lot. Security plays its role and disperses the curious. I just have time to see Bob goes inside a van with the singers and a few guys in the entourage. They move away. Two ‘nuts’ run after the van and missed getting crushed.
I go to the back. It is a parking lot. Security plays its role and disperses the curious. I just have time to see Bob goes inside a van with the singers and a few guys in the entourage. They move away. Two ‘nuts’ run after the van and missed getting crushed.
Now
I must find a place to sleep. I am speaking to a girl who stands
there like me. She says she has met Bob the first time in 74. She had
the chance to shake his hand and it has impressed her. She comes from
Denver to see the concert. She invites me to share her hotel room but
had to go at six in the morning. That leaves us three hours of sleep.
I
walk the streets of Phoenix in search of the red bus, but nothing. It
is hot. My feet and my head hurt. At the bus station I hear it takes
32 hours to reach Houston. I phone the airport. There is a flight
that arrives at 12.40 living at 8.30 a.m. for $ 115. I do not have
much choice. I wonder what flight Bob is going to take. First
class of course. In retrospect, after the events of the tour, I
think he left right after the concert. The plane leaves at 8.30
without Dylan. Two hours later, one breakfast and two hours of
time change ... it is 12:40. I take the bus to the city. Walking
the streets, what is my surprise to see the red bus and another
'freak' bus named "Buffalo Springfield". I wonder if
it belongs to a musician who would join him on stage. They are parked
in front of an impressive hotel. I don't hesitate and go in. I ask
the receptionist the best way to go to the concert. He is nice and
gives me instructions. I swallow a burger and fries at a Mc Donald's
corner and will resume my position before the door. I'm waiting
several hours in the storm. Meyers get out. Joey salutes me. The
luggage piled in the bus under the direction of Meyers. So they
leave the city immediately after the concert. The bodyguard
calls me
-"what are you waiting for?"
-Dylan ","
-"don’t stop him, do not talk to him, we're late. "
He guides me at the door. 5 hours waiting for nothing!
-"what are you waiting for?"
-Dylan ","
-"don’t stop him, do not talk to him, we're late. "
He guides me at the door. 5 hours waiting for nothing!
I
hide in a corner and wait. A young woman flanked by a big dog gets
into the 'Buffalo Springfield'. I assumed later that it was Anna
Dylan(or Britta). Dylan comes wearing his sunglasses and stares at me
but I do not flinch. He proceeds to the back of the bus. Then returns
and talks to the driver, looking up waving at me. Thanks Bob, I feel
alive again.
I
take a bus to the amphitheater. It is located within an amusement
park. It is not complete but I get a standing seat. It is like in
Costa Mesa, on the lawn and far. The concerts in Europe was better
prepared. Patiently waiting for several hours it was possible to
be at the forefront, but here, no luck and the security is
'heavy'. The tickets are expensive, up to $ 20.
The
concert was good but nothing new and nothing very exciting for an
audience that is constantly chewing on hot dogs and drinking beers,
coming and going constantly and not very interested in what happens
on stage. I wonder why they pay 20 € to come eat hot dogs and drink
beer. We are far from the concerts of the 60's where one could hear a
pin drops when Dylan stopped blowing into his harmonica. What respect
then!
The
first rows nowadays is not a luxury!
No
way to find the stage door. I just hope the park does not close
to give me a chance to sleep there. But we are in the U.S., they
close at midnight and everyone must leave. I find myself in a parking
lot of Holiday Inn and go to bed under the bumper of a truck. I sleep
about two hours, it is not cold but I am eaten by ants. At 6 a.m. I
take a quick lunch at the cafeteria of the Inn and jump into a bus to
the Greyhound station. En route to Austin. I doze during three hours.
VII
Austin:
all scattered. It takes me an hour to reach the down town area
and buy a ticket. Even on a bad seat at the top. This is a
closed theater. The stage door is accessible. Some fans are waiting
for an autograph. I explain the ritual Petty comes around five for a
sound check with his Heartbreakers, then at 7 p.m. the red bus with
the singers and staff and not far the 'Buffalo Springfield' with
Dylan himself. We are ready. Everything happens as planned. Bob heads
to the door without acknowledging his Fans. Nobody moves. Then he
turns around and returns to the bus. He calls for his dog. At that
moment three girls ask him to sign an autograph, he obliges with
kindness.
He looks at me
-"You want an autograph?",
-"Thank you, I had one in Berkeley"
-"ah yes I saw you already,"
-you'll whisked away straight to Dallas?'
- Hm, Hm,
-"I’ll see you there ".
He asks the girls if they have a ticket.
-"No.
He looks at me
-"you have one?"
And disappears.
I whisper
-"yes, I bought one. Thanks anyway”.
His remark did not sound like a question but more like an affirmation: I HAD to have a ticket. What he wants most is that people go to his concerts. Autographs are only the icing on the cake. Does he really remember me? From 81?
He looks at me
-"You want an autograph?",
-"Thank you, I had one in Berkeley"
-"ah yes I saw you already,"
-you'll whisked away straight to Dallas?'
- Hm, Hm,
-"I’ll see you there ".
He asks the girls if they have a ticket.
-"No.
He looks at me
-"you have one?"
And disappears.
I whisper
-"yes, I bought one. Thanks anyway”.
His remark did not sound like a question but more like an affirmation: I HAD to have a ticket. What he wants most is that people go to his concerts. Autographs are only the icing on the cake. Does he really remember me? From 81?
I
take a position very far, almost behind the stage.
At 8:15 p.m.the room is full at 1 / 5 th. He enters at 8:30 p.m. and the crowd is still flowing. I try to approach in the delivery of Petty, but the soul is not there. The public is very cold. I did not like this concert: too far, the public bad and nothing new on stage.
I'm
heading back. Some people wait. The dog (a bull mastiff by the
name of Brutus) is waiting in the bus. They drive the buses
close to the doors and drive away the curious. No chance to see Bob.
He got into his bus. I'm moving to a grid where the bus must
mark a stop / Bob is in front and I waved. Bye! Bye! my
love!
I
stay on the parking lot until two in the morning. I begin
to panic as the trucks leave one by one. There is hardly anyone
around and the ants are too fond of my chair for me to sleep on the
lawn. I ask a guy who gets into his truck if he could drive me to the
Greyhound station. I tell him my story. This impressed him and
he invites me to his place. Bo and Janet are angels. She washes my
clothes, gives me sheets to settle on the couch, prepare a
little breakfast at morning. That night Bob is on TV.HBO at 4 in the
morning. I hear "A hard rain's a gonna fall" in my dreams,
unable to open my eyes.
Bo,
who works behind the scenes tells me that Willy Nelson was there but
he didn’t appear on stage.
8
a.m. Janet drives me to the bus station. I'm going to Dallas.
Dallas.
It's Sunday and everything is closed except the McDonalds where I get
a hamburger, fries and coke. I walk but the 'Buffalo Springfield'
does not materialize. I go to the theater. I wait four hours before
seeing the van spinning in front of me with Dylan on board. The
next concert in Indianapolis. It's too far for the 'Buffalo
Springfield' and the group will likely take the plane this evening.
My
seat is again very far. No way to move with such security. The
capacity is around 20,000 seats as in Austin, but the public is much
better.
Dylan
sings for the first time "One too many mornings" and its
full acoustic set with "To Ramona" and "The Lonesome
Death of Hattie Carol". I feel better because they are some
of my favorite songs. Petty takes it upon himself to make the
public sing with Bob but he is already struggling to remember the
lyrics and he is destabilized. He lost control of the scene.
This will never happen again.
They
leave half an hour after the end and probably run away to the
airport. A car pursuing.
I
have 23 hours on bus before reaching Indianapolis. I sleep most of
the time. Carole would like to join me in Washington DC with a camper
that needs repair.
For
the moment nothing extraordinary happened. I still have not
approached Bob.
VIII
Indianapolis
12.30.
I
await the sunrise and go out in the streets. What do I see? The
roadies bus outside a hotel. I phone and ask for Meyers. Bingo!
it is the hotel.
I
walk around in the city before returning to the hotel. I see the
guards and go away. Brutus is out with Anna (?) and another boy who
is obviously a Dylan. I thought Jesse. They walk the dog and
return. The theater is not far from the hotel so I decide to wait for
the Boss. At five I go for a coffee at the bar and I see Meyers at
six in the lobby very nervous. The Boss should be out soon. I am a
little too close to the doors and the guards inform the hotel
security. I have to go out and wait outside in the cold. At 7 p.m.
Brutus and Anna (?) get into a van. The young Dylan is down the
street camera in hands. Dylan finally gets out pursued by three girls
who ask for an autograph. Bob must stop to sign and remarks me. He
asks me again if I want an autograph but recognizes me. I give
him my gift.
It
is still a closed theater and I am very far. The room is not full but
the front row, yes. He has problems with his guitar and finalizes
"Like a rolling stone" on piano. He seems satisfied with
the public and launches his harmonica to a very enthusiastic guy. I
know the show by heart and have fun to recognize the songs right from
the intro. Some surprises slip « So long, good luck
and goodbye » will eventually be replaced by"
Shake your hands " by Ray Charles.
"Positively 4th Street" disappears for "All along the watchtower", "Clean cut kid" more rhythm and blues version than the album, "Lenny Bruce" will be replaced by "Shot of Love" or "Emotionally yours", " You and me We Had It All "or" lucky old sun "Masters of War" I and I ".
Petty takes the stage for four songs. Dylan returns with three acoustic "A song to Woody" (the first two concerts) replaced by "Ramona" (he will never do it properly: he forgets the lyrics or mix them all) "The girl from the north country" that he will do only in L.A. I believe that Echo Elstrom lives in L.A. I saw her on a Bryan’s video when he made a party with friends. In its place it will be "One Too Many Mornings," "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carol" twice replaced by "It ain’t me babe" or "A hard rain's a gonna fall".
In duet with Petty "I forgot more Than you'll ever know" on Self Portrait "Band of the hand" or "Union sundown" "When the Night Comes Falling From the Sky" and after this comment, --"Ricky Nelson sang many of my songs I will make one of him "
”Lonesome Town," followed by "Ballad Of A Thin Man" or "I'll remember you."
Petty for four songs. Dylan returns for 'Rainy day women 12 and 35 "shortened and remixed," Real you at last', 'just Across The Borderline ", a song by Willie Nelson?
"Like a Rolling Stone", "In the garden. The encore with Petty "Blowing in the wind", "Rock me baby" a Chuck Berry? "Unchain my heart" by Ray Charles or "Money money." Twice "Just like a woman" "Trust Yourself", "House Of The Rising Sun" once "Lay Lady Lay," "I Want You" and the Final "knocking on heaven's door" just before "Like a Rolling Stone".
Dylan presents the musicians and says ironically
-"Of course, I have my own Heartbreakers”
The four singers Carole Dennis, Madeline Quebec, Queen Esther Marrow, Louise Bethune. On keyboard Benmont Tench joined in Costa Mesa by All Kooper for "Like a Rolling Stone" (see again in New Jersey). Electric guitar Mike Campbell joined in New York by Ron Wood, Stan Lynch on drums, bassist Howie Epstein and guitar sharing the microphone Tom Petty.
"Positively 4th Street" disappears for "All along the watchtower", "Clean cut kid" more rhythm and blues version than the album, "Lenny Bruce" will be replaced by "Shot of Love" or "Emotionally yours", " You and me We Had It All "or" lucky old sun "Masters of War" I and I ".
Petty takes the stage for four songs. Dylan returns with three acoustic "A song to Woody" (the first two concerts) replaced by "Ramona" (he will never do it properly: he forgets the lyrics or mix them all) "The girl from the north country" that he will do only in L.A. I believe that Echo Elstrom lives in L.A. I saw her on a Bryan’s video when he made a party with friends. In its place it will be "One Too Many Mornings," "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carol" twice replaced by "It ain’t me babe" or "A hard rain's a gonna fall".
In duet with Petty "I forgot more Than you'll ever know" on Self Portrait "Band of the hand" or "Union sundown" "When the Night Comes Falling From the Sky" and after this comment, --"Ricky Nelson sang many of my songs I will make one of him "
”Lonesome Town," followed by "Ballad Of A Thin Man" or "I'll remember you."
Petty for four songs. Dylan returns for 'Rainy day women 12 and 35 "shortened and remixed," Real you at last', 'just Across The Borderline ", a song by Willie Nelson?
"Like a Rolling Stone", "In the garden. The encore with Petty "Blowing in the wind", "Rock me baby" a Chuck Berry? "Unchain my heart" by Ray Charles or "Money money." Twice "Just like a woman" "Trust Yourself", "House Of The Rising Sun" once "Lay Lady Lay," "I Want You" and the Final "knocking on heaven's door" just before "Like a Rolling Stone".
Dylan presents the musicians and says ironically
-"Of course, I have my own Heartbreakers”
The four singers Carole Dennis, Madeline Quebec, Queen Esther Marrow, Louise Bethune. On keyboard Benmont Tench joined in Costa Mesa by All Kooper for "Like a Rolling Stone" (see again in New Jersey). Electric guitar Mike Campbell joined in New York by Ron Wood, Stan Lynch on drums, bassist Howie Epstein and guitar sharing the microphone Tom Petty.
The
group is well. As Dylan himself said
-"it's like talking to one man."
Better than the group of 84. I regret THE BAND that was the real band. The group of 78 was not bad in its own way. A bit sophisticated with violin and saxophone. This one is more Rock and Roll and even sweet songs like "Clean cut kid", “In the garden " are transformed into aggressive rock. More Rock More Blues More Rhythm and Blues even more rockabilly with "money money". Reminds me of Bill Haley & the comets a kind of Tutti Frutti. A selection of songs by Ray Charles and Budy Holly. This is probably why he chose Tom Petty who gave us a "Johnny be good" or "So You Want to Be a Rock and roll star” a song by Roger Mc Guinn.
-"it's like talking to one man."
Better than the group of 84. I regret THE BAND that was the real band. The group of 78 was not bad in its own way. A bit sophisticated with violin and saxophone. This one is more Rock and Roll and even sweet songs like "Clean cut kid", “In the garden " are transformed into aggressive rock. More Rock More Blues More Rhythm and Blues even more rockabilly with "money money". Reminds me of Bill Haley & the comets a kind of Tutti Frutti. A selection of songs by Ray Charles and Budy Holly. This is probably why he chose Tom Petty who gave us a "Johnny be good" or "So You Want to Be a Rock and roll star” a song by Roger Mc Guinn.
Dylan
quiet the rhythm with a brake of acoustic sound, a set of folk songs
and some country music of Willie Nelson and others. The highlight was
"Like a Rolling Stone" and "Rainy Day Women 12 and 35"
which makes the audience hysterical.
In
short, a program that covers his 25-year career. From "A
song to Woody" on his first album until several pieces of
"Empire Burlesque".
I
go straight to Minneapolis through Chicago. Then I can spend the rest
of the night in the bus.
IX
Chicago
2 a.m. I do not want to stay there because the atmosphere does not
reassure me.
I
arrive in Minneapolis around 5.30 p.m.. I take a room at the
Y.M.C.A. There is no concert tonight. I need a shower, a
comfortable bed, and a laundry before hitting the road again for a
month. I'll have to buy all my tickets. The meeting face to face with
Dylan was an illusion "just a dream, a vacuum, a scheme Babe!".
Looking
for the bus for a while but the city is large. I give up. I do
my laundry in the sink, made my hair blow dry and go into the arms of
Morpheus.
At
6 a.m. the doors begin to slam. Because the Y.M.C.A. is a cheap
hotel, a diverse form of wildlife is living there. The
"Subterraneans" of American society, those who are not
entitled to wealth. I am seeking the concert hall. I never know in
advance where it is and I try to get information from the newspapers.
I never have ticket in advance either. But the Tour announced the
'hottest' of summer is not so hot, the concerts are never ‘sold
out’. Nobody is fighting for a ticket. The year 74 is very far.
The
room called the Metrodome, a baseball field with a capacity of 80,000
people. There will be 5500 this evening. Tonight is announced ‘The
Grateful Dead’ and Bob Dylan and the Heartbreakers. I know the
Grateful Dead. I saw the group in San Francisco in 81 or 82 and Jerry
Garcia in a club. This group is a phenomenon formed at the beginnings
of the 60s, they were the leader of the Hippy. They have not changed
much, just older and still play the same kind of music, mainly
psychedelic. So they have their own kitchen with a particular
itinerant cook. The extraordinary thing is that they have a lot of
groupies: 3000-4000 'followers' in the country.
I knew but I was expecting some old bearded hippies with long hair and white beard. Imagining they were 15 years in the 60's they must be for the younger 36 years old and the majority about 40 years. what a surprise to see around the Metrodome youth dressed as hippies: long dresses, pants or shorts bleached, dyed T-Shirts, long hair and bare feet. Young and very young; 14,15,16 years: the children of hippies, none seem out of the 60's. I am confused because I thought that the old hippies lived in the hills of Santa Cruz, dreaming of the good old days, slowly disappearing or trying to reintegrate into the society of consuming. Where are all these 'freaks' coming from? They're called the 'dead heads', which suits them well. They are lying on the lawns or sell dyed T-shirt for 10, 20 to $ 30, or a dollar stickers "grateful dead," "love and peace '... woodstock's back!
They are everywhere: cars, couriers, buses, all colors, all shapes, most rusty, smoking and blowing lots of bric-setter: mattresses, blankets, clothes, pots, coolers , beer cans (empty or full), food, radios, cassettes, piled in and out of their vehicle.
I knew but I was expecting some old bearded hippies with long hair and white beard. Imagining they were 15 years in the 60's they must be for the younger 36 years old and the majority about 40 years. what a surprise to see around the Metrodome youth dressed as hippies: long dresses, pants or shorts bleached, dyed T-Shirts, long hair and bare feet. Young and very young; 14,15,16 years: the children of hippies, none seem out of the 60's. I am confused because I thought that the old hippies lived in the hills of Santa Cruz, dreaming of the good old days, slowly disappearing or trying to reintegrate into the society of consuming. Where are all these 'freaks' coming from? They're called the 'dead heads', which suits them well. They are lying on the lawns or sell dyed T-shirt for 10, 20 to $ 30, or a dollar stickers "grateful dead," "love and peace '... woodstock's back!
They are everywhere: cars, couriers, buses, all colors, all shapes, most rusty, smoking and blowing lots of bric-setter: mattresses, blankets, clothes, pots, coolers , beer cans (empty or full), food, radios, cassettes, piled in and out of their vehicle.
I
found a ticket and wait. I wonder where are the Dylan fans. It starts
raining and the idiots took the opportunity to take a shower.
I
know Dylan owns a farm nearby. I looked in vain for a way to access
it. I wonder if he is with his mother and his children or if he is
still in its sordid hotel room. Journalists announced that Bob’s
brother, David has booked all 200 seats for the concert tonight.
Waiting at the stage door to see what vehicle will come. The
'Grateful Dead' starts at 6 p.m.
It
is 7 p.m., nothing happens and I enter the hall. The Show has
begun, and what a show! On stage, but especially outside of the
scene. The stadium is huge, but they had the bad idea to
put chairs in the pit. The 'dead heads' do not like it at all. There
are all up dancing. Security is overwhelmed and trying to
contain with force. I slipped into my seat. I am standing as the
others but the music leaves me cold. I recognize one or two
songs from blues-rock but they are lost in the tide of
psychedelia. One should probably take substances to appreciate
this kind of music. It seems that it's more the substances than the
music that make them move. Two kids under ten years are standing on
chairs dancing and singing, well brain-washed! When they stop it is
already 7 p.m.. It takes one hour to change the
instruments. When Dylan appears it is already 10 p.m. The Hippies are
disappearing or at least calm down. The new public seems more
civilized. I approach the scene without difficulty. Security has
been exhausted by the "dead". It's my turn to sing and
dance. Dylan mumbles something about Minnesota, his country of birth,
something on First Avenue where he used to play in bars. He mentioned
that his mother is somewhere in the audience
-"somewhere up there, if not gone already."
-"somewhere up there, if not gone already."
It
is very good, the best concert of all time. Is it because his family
is there? He is happy. For the encore I am at the fifth row. Madness
takes me: I put myself standing on a chair and sing. What up!
I
go watch the parking lot. No bus. Already gone? I walk to the
station of greyhound but I get lost on the way. A nice guy
accompany me and we find the door closed. I ask to recover my
bag from a security guy and he invites me to sleep at his apartment.
He is a "dead head" and a photographer. The first bus to
Milwaukee is at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning. He puts his alarm clock for
6 a.m., smokes and sleeps ... I wake up at 6:30. The radio is
blasting, he sleeps ... I rush to the station happy to remember the
way and it is not very far. I jump on the bus and sleep for eight
hours.
X
I
am happy to have arrived in Minnesota. Although I have not had
time to visit Duluth or Hibbing. I 'feel' the birthplace of
Dylan and capture some of that wind. I realize at that moment
the meaning of "Girl from the north country." 'The
wind hits heavy on the borderline is not a poetic phrase, it's
reality. The winds blow REALLY hard at the border. If the summer
is nice I guess the winters bitterly cold and the people living
inside. I can imagine that there was no place for a teenager who
wanted to become as big that of Elvis. Bob listened to the radio
broadcasts of blues rock late at night. These were his first
heroes (except for Hank Williams) ; starts from the Rock and
Blues. His first band was a rock band, loud and wild. Woody
Guthry, Jimmy Rogers, the world of folk came later as a way for Bob
to speak intelligently with words more consistent than the 'wailing'
Blues.
And
we know that Dylan changed everything. Its electrical performance in
New Port in 65 was not a betrayal, it was a natural evolution for
someone who was influenced by Chuck Berry, Buddie Holly, Fats Domino,
Ledbelly ... and Presley. The young Zimmerman, who came to Greenwich
Village in '61 was smart enough to realize that this was not the time
for Rock and Roll, but he adapted to the Folk atmosphere (with
Woody’s help?) Until he decided he was strong enough to take the
turn and return to his first love: the world of Rock and Roll. Thanks
to his humor and his unending need for change.
I
know that the concert tonight is not in Milwaukee, but far in the
country, a place called "Alpine Valley". The bus does
not go, the coach does not go, there is no train. I just pray
... and hitchhike. I'm stuck in the middle of "six crooked
highways" ("Oh, Where Have You Been my blue-eyed son").
I wait half an hour and a guy picked me. I explained the situation
and he brings me nicely to the concert. An hour drive in the middle
of cornfields. I do not know what a concert hall is doing so far from
life. Do cows like the Rock?
The
place is like in Costa Mesa: half covered, half outdoors. Covered
for the lucky, open to the unfortunate. I am one of those. Stanley is
somewhere around. The sound is rotten. I know the repertoire by
heart, except for a new one, a sort of rockabilly, rock twist, a
Dylanesque Tutti-Frutti probably called "money, money" or
"do not step on my black leather boots."
The
public is half to Petty, becoming wild on “like a refugee”. Dylan
seems happy, he launched his harmonica in the public, the fourth
since the start of the Tour. He must have a stock of those low
price harmonicas that never works. The one he used for "Knocking
on heaven's door" promptly disappears into his pocket. It
reminds me of Elvis and his scarves. The parking is huge. I am
unable to see a bus. I ask for a return to Milwaukee. Four young guys
take me. They were all about 20 years and are all brothers in a
family of eight. They let me sleep in the bed of the youngest
who is not there. We eat pizza, talk a little and go to bed. In
the morning I take a shower and relax a little. There is no concert
tonight. Dylan must be in Chicago. Chicago is too big to look for him
up in the streets. I decide not to leave until the next day at 8:30.
I can spend day and night in this big house for me. I put my notes up
to date. I wonder why these young guys are not fans of Petty but
Dylan. They are Christians. The Bob 'conversion' has not disturbed
them. John is studying to become an English teacher, he loves the Bob
Dylan poetry.
XI
Chicago
June 29th, Sunday.
The
streets are deserted except for a few drunkards and color people. The
concert is not in Chicago but about 75km away, a place called "Poplar
Creek". They toss me from one place to another to finally
indicate me the train. The closest stop is Schaumberg then ...
an hour by train and then the middle of nowhere, a car park. I
ask my way to a wealthy bourgeois in Cadillac. He takes pity and
drives me to the next intersection. I want to open the door but
... "the vandals Took the handle”. He manipulates a
button and the door opens. Thank you! The Cadillac is almost as
large as the caravan in which I live. I come back to reality by being
propelled in the middle of a fine traffic. I 'inch'. Three cars and a
few kilometers later I arrive at 'Poplar Creek, 2:30 p.m.. They sold
me a ticket to the pit as in Costa Mesa, as in Houston, as in Alpine
Valley. The lowest price is $ 12.50 for lawn. I talk with girls. One
is the mother of three daughters (one under the name of Sarah). She
has the air of a middle-aged hippy. The other is younger. A
little hit. She is proud to be from Minnesota. The Hippy wants to
marry Dylan. Good luck!
I
go to the stage door. Another parking lot. The two buses arrived but
two girls who hang there say that nobody has yet emerged. Waiting. A
red limo arrives on the side with Dylan, Madeline Quebec and some of
the entourage. Stanley runs to get the bodyguard. Dylan gets out. I
do not understand because there's nobody around, no danger. The
Limo is inside the park surrounded by fence. Why did he need a
bodyguard? He boards the bus for a few minutes and then walks,
dressed in black. I have seen neither dog nor child.
I'm
on the lawn with the girls, very far from the stage. Security is
worse than ever: four guards for each wing checking ticket
numbers. I'm beginning to think that Dylan's manager, requested
such security to prevent panic on the front of the stage. I have
never seen such a restriction. But I doubt that Dylan's entourage is
very concerned: the first bodyguard simply monitor the first rank and
Stanley is too busy with his girlfriends. Meyers did not show up. He
is only the 'luggage man’ and tickets 'holder'? He must have
fun counting the notes of the bills.
XII
Dylan
is in a hurry. He goes one song after another without stopping,
like a robot. No surprise. He does "The band of the hand”.
I keep myself moving to see something. The people circulate with
Pop Corn, Beer, Hot Dogs. I do not know why they pay $ 20 for a
seat when they are never sitted. I do not understand why they
sell beer inside the stadium. Some are already 'gone' before the
concert began, others do not stop to shout loudly 'Lay Lady Lay' and
'Maggie's Farm'. I slip through the guards and reach the 20th row.
It's the end of the concert, the last chords, and they ask the ticket
stub!
I
ran outside just to see the bus leaves. I make a sign to JPY, whom
responds by honking. Bye !Bye ! He was in a
hurry, the concert lasted only two hours.
I
caught my breath and look for a way to return to Chicago. This
is not simple. It seems they all go in the opposite direction. Two
girls stop and ask me what country I am. France. I tell my
new adventure. They invite me to spend the night in the apartment of
one of them. The other will leave the next morning with me to the bus
station. We go to dinner, spaghetti for me. Thank you. I fall asleep
at three in the morning in warm sheets. At 4a.m. the rain wakes me
up. It falls cats and dogs! The concert in Detroit is open! At
6 o'clock the rain has not abated. We cover ourselves with plastic
garbage bag to protect us. I snooze during the 7 hours trip. I
question the sky. Very grey.
DETROIT:
Like all big American cities, large, dirty, polluted. Obviously
nobody knows where "Pine knob” is. No train, no bus. Someone
shows me the way to "highway 75" (I’d liked "highway
61"). I raise my thumb. Three cars and 75km later, I am there.
This reminds me of something - "Seems like I've been down this
way before"-. A 'con man' gives me a ticket for $ 20. I take it.
I'm tired of lawns and at least I could see the scene.
The
concert starts as usual "So long, goodbye and good luck"
new Dylan?, Very nervous. "Positively 4th Street" " you
and me had it all" " Masters of War". Tom
Petty received a beautiful ovation.
Dylan's acoustic "To Ramona" "One Too Many Mornings "A hard rain's a-gonna fall" "Band of hand" "I and I" (not "eye and eye 'as I saw written by a stupid critic) "When the Night Comes Falling From the Sky" "I'll remember you". Petty again for four songs.
Dylan's acoustic "To Ramona" "One Too Many Mornings "A hard rain's a-gonna fall" "Band of hand" "I and I" (not "eye and eye 'as I saw written by a stupid critic) "When the Night Comes Falling From the Sky" "I'll remember you". Petty again for four songs.
Everyone
stands for 'Like a refugee', and Dylan has to come back strong. He
forgets most of the lyrics and says" everybody must
.... Everybody must … everybody must get
stooooooned”. Everybody must ... everybody must get
stooooooned." The crowd is hysterical. He goes to the piano and
whispers something to Tench Benmont. He starts a song that nobody
seems to know, a sort of Broadway blues. This is not really the place
for this kind of song and the reaction is not what you expect. But
Dylan does not care. He's tired of the routine and tonight it is his
night. The public is rather ‘yuppy’ as in Chicago as in
Milwaukee. Ironically young enough.. They are here for
Petty.
For this reason Dylan chose a well known repertoire "Like a rolling stone" "Ballad Of A Thin "" It ain't babe" and songs from the new album (before" Knocked out loaded ")" Empire Burlesque ". Dylan is bored. So am I.
Yesterday he whispered into the microphone
-"what time is it? Someone knows what time it is? "
He announced suddenly,
-" it is the anniversary of Susie now, we are going to sing her happy birthday."
He ran on stage
-"where is the cake?".
The musicians are in a state of panic and the troops behind the stage in revolution. Dylan looks for Susie. He waits. Someone finally understands who is Susie and leads her to the front of the stage.
Dylan is thrilled
-"Here she is, here she is. She is a good person who knows how to show love. "
I do not know who is Susie, the public neither, for that matter. Without doubt the person who brings drinks backstage when Dylan paused. He continues with "Ballad Of A Thin Man" “Lonesome Town "" Like a Rolling Stone "" Across the Borderline "" In The Garden "(the only reference to his gospel period). To recall "Blowing in the Wind" in duet with Petty "Enchained my heart" and the finale "Knowing on heaven's door". Bob Seeger shows his nose in the back of the stage. Bob turns and they embrace. Seeger claps his hands and someone gives him a tambourine. The three scoundrels sing in unison "Knocking on heaven's door". Dylan is closer to the first rank. The crowd turns hysterical. He points to some fans. Picks a rose from the left to give to the right. He shrugs in all directions like a madman. I wonder if he has not drunk too much before the concert! He gets close to Mike Campbell and I realize how small and fragile he is. Without his boots and his hair he reaches just Campbell's shoulder and should be the third of its width. I turn back to the 20,000 people near delirium. All this for such a little guy! What world? And what danger! I can not help but make the connection with another little guy, much less peaceful. But no, there it is Dylan. Thank you my God! Dylan takes a look at his audience, makes a hello with the head and runs backstage where Stanley was waiting with a towel that he throws on his shoulders. The fight is over. The public is 'KO'.
For this reason Dylan chose a well known repertoire "Like a rolling stone" "Ballad Of A Thin "" It ain't babe" and songs from the new album (before" Knocked out loaded ")" Empire Burlesque ". Dylan is bored. So am I.
Yesterday he whispered into the microphone
-"what time is it? Someone knows what time it is? "
He announced suddenly,
-" it is the anniversary of Susie now, we are going to sing her happy birthday."
He ran on stage
-"where is the cake?".
The musicians are in a state of panic and the troops behind the stage in revolution. Dylan looks for Susie. He waits. Someone finally understands who is Susie and leads her to the front of the stage.
Dylan is thrilled
-"Here she is, here she is. She is a good person who knows how to show love. "
I do not know who is Susie, the public neither, for that matter. Without doubt the person who brings drinks backstage when Dylan paused. He continues with "Ballad Of A Thin Man" “Lonesome Town "" Like a Rolling Stone "" Across the Borderline "" In The Garden "(the only reference to his gospel period). To recall "Blowing in the Wind" in duet with Petty "Enchained my heart" and the finale "Knowing on heaven's door". Bob Seeger shows his nose in the back of the stage. Bob turns and they embrace. Seeger claps his hands and someone gives him a tambourine. The three scoundrels sing in unison "Knocking on heaven's door". Dylan is closer to the first rank. The crowd turns hysterical. He points to some fans. Picks a rose from the left to give to the right. He shrugs in all directions like a madman. I wonder if he has not drunk too much before the concert! He gets close to Mike Campbell and I realize how small and fragile he is. Without his boots and his hair he reaches just Campbell's shoulder and should be the third of its width. I turn back to the 20,000 people near delirium. All this for such a little guy! What world? And what danger! I can not help but make the connection with another little guy, much less peaceful. But no, there it is Dylan. Thank you my God! Dylan takes a look at his audience, makes a hello with the head and runs backstage where Stanley was waiting with a towel that he throws on his shoulders. The fight is over. The public is 'KO'.
XIII
I
go out. Not too pleased with myself. The concert was fantastic, but
with three performances in the middle of nowhere I have no way of
knowing where he is, no way of approach. I spend my time on the road,
a bus station to another bus station, a concert hall to another
hall. However, I had the chance to see all the concerts so
far. I realize that’s a lot. I see the buses away flanked by
two policemen.
There
will be another concert tomorrow at the same place and I am going to
sleep somewhere around on the lawn. Fortunately the rain stopped.
A
young guy came up to me very blond and tanned. He speaks of the Peace
March that began March 15. It brings together 600 people who walk 35
km every day. By the way they collect signatures for a total nuclear
disarmament. It will end on November 15 in Washington DC
Approximately nine months walking across the U.S.. What courage! I
thought there was no pacifist (except Madonna). Marc is open,
intelligent, handsome and he who does not claim Hippy, has the spirit
of the 60's. He invites me to the house of his brother. He will
return to the concert tomorrow. He, his two brothers and cousin
live in a big house. Three musicians are trying to do shows in
clubs in the region. They start and are already realizing that if
they want to make money they will have to compromise, become
commercial. They think that then (when they become famous) they can
do what they want. I think that unfortunately it does not work that
way and they may be trapped by their image.
I
spend my day doing my laundry, cooking, update my notes and listen to
... Bob Dylan. I realize how lucky I am to see him so often, even if
only on stage because this man is a legend, a myth. He means so much
to so many people. And even if I go alone (as Carole told me that
finally she could not come to Washington) I would go through. As long
as I could, I would go see him. Even if he's not the one that I hope
he is and will remain a legend, and now a living legend.
We
start at 6:30.p.m. The concert starts at 7:30. I know that we are
already late. But the boys are back at work and need to rest and get
in condition (with joint). They stop to stock up on whiskey and
beer and soda. For them to go see Dylan is like going to a
party. He picks up another guy and put themselves in condition
in the truck. I wonder if we'll get there in one piece!
25km
from "Pine Knob" the old truck starts smoking. They slow
down. At 2km from the destination. The smoke becomes too
intense and he stops at a station for pouring water on the engine
which suddenly flooded. It is 8:15 p.m. when we hit the road. Time to
park and buy tickets and we missed the first two songs. I am a
bit pissed off but fortunately we have good seats. The security
is horrible. I'm moving from left to right to get closer. The concert
was good and also the public. For the first time "The Times They
Are a-changing." Dylan made me lie because I assured that he
does not do this one. Petty has also changed a few songs. To the
encore I slipped in the front row on an empty chair. I tremble with
emotion because since the start of the Tour I've never found myself
that close..
Bob
does not wear his glasses, so he sees nothing. He looks old
and angry. But with Bobby, I sing and dance "Blowing in the
wind" rock baby ... "Knocking on heaven's door". If
only I could be as close every night. What fun! I feel very good, a
sort of euphoria we call happiness.
I
join with the guys on the parking. They are all excited. This is
the first time they have so much fun. Slip between the guards, it is
a challenge. They also liked the music. They want me to come
back with them for the next tour. They start a party on the
parking: whiskey and joints. For me the party is not over. I need a
car to reach the bus station. Gotta keep your head on your
shoulders: no alcohol, no drugs. The parking lot is empty.
I'm staying with Mark ; pacifist walker. Two people accept to
drive us. The driver drives a little faster and forced to stop
suddenly struck by a car behind us. Nobody was injured but the police
involved. Fortunately they seek neither alcohol nor drugs, and
let us go. All ends well but I will have the neck blocked for
two days. Another bad news: the next bus to leave for Akron is
tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock. We spend the night sitting on chairs.
I'm tired. With Mark, we sleep four hours in the bus and then we
change to Cleveland.
XIV
AKRON
1 p.m..
With
two "dead heads" we share a taxi to the stadium. This
is again a concert with the "grateful dead”. The "dead
heads" are already there: cars, buses, tents, barbecues ... I
buy a ticket and get in the queue with a burger-fries-Cola they ask
me to eat outside! They open at 3 a.m. for a concert at 5 a.m.. I
hope starting with Dylan. They open doors and to my surprise there
are no chairs on the front of the stage. I run in front, I've never
run so fast. I cling to the fence in front of the microphone. Two
hours of waiting. The Dylan equipment is on stage. ! Stanley
hellos me by my first name!
It
starts at 5:30. p.m. "Shake Your Hands," "Positively
4th Street", "Shot of Love", "Clean cut kid".
Petty. “To Ramona”, “It ain't me babe”, “A hard rain's
a-gonna fall”,”Band of the hand” “I and I”, “Ballad of a
thin man” “When the night comes falling from the sky”. Nothing
new. Dylan wears a colorful patchwork jacket, style HIPPY, in the
spirit tonight.
He
began to change his clothes two or three times a night. He
changed his hippie jacket for a red silk shirt, then a red shirt and
white T-shirt and a black leather jacket. Always his black leather
pants, his black boots, black finger less gloves, a scarf around his
neck as well as a necklace with two medals, I do not know the
meaning, and in left ear earring which has toured the world. I can
watch him carefully. He looks at the audience but do not see. He
plays for an invisible audience, an imaginary audience. His grimaces
are marking his face. His bushy hair turns grey. But he is
shaved and his skin is translucent. He often looks at Petty who feels
compelled to respond with a smile, the same for the singers. He seems
a lost kid asking for affection. When he sings "I need a shot of
love", I believe him. He grunts
-"thank you for coming to the festival.
He must address the thousands of fans of "The grateful dead”. A street Woodstock. Him who said about Woodstock
-"it was a colorful T-shirt fair."
Tonight gives him right.
-"thank you for coming to the festival.
He must address the thousands of fans of "The grateful dead”. A street Woodstock. Him who said about Woodstock
-"it was a colorful T-shirt fair."
Tonight gives him right.
I
hold my breath and throw myself between the arms and legs. I
climb on top of the 'bowl' to observe the 3500 spectators. I
fall asleep in my chair. Fatigue is here after one month on the road.
I listen to two songs from the Dead and I'm leaving. The crowd of
freaks do not inspire me.
I
found my eternal burger-fries-Coke, me usually a vegetarian,
I'm sure to be sick but I hope it will be after the Tour. I am
so tired that I lose my judgment: twice I’m boarded by ‘nuts’.
I must take a bus back to the concert. I found three guys I've seen
before. We chat a little bit. When it starts raining I hide in
their Cadillac. We eat somewhere and I fall asleep in the
Cadillac. At 5 a.m. we finally take a hotel room, the four of
us. Two follow the ‘grateful dead’, one follows Dylan and one
both.
Rob, the Dylan fan is a collector. He records the concert and says that Dylan has made two songs with the Dead "It's all over now baby blue" and "Don't think twice it's alright." But neither the video nor the newspapers tell me that I missed something big. Dylan is not at his best. Rob has followed part of 74, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80 and 81 Tour. What he has raised: a harmonica, a guitar pick, a dedicated song , a few words. It reassures me. He is far from being stupid, he is preparing a PhD on the history of music. He teaches the history of pop music. An educated Canadian. Besides talking about Dylan, we discuss the lives in the United States. They are all three Canadians and regret as well as myself, the lack of American culture, violence, corruption, the pursuit of individual or collective power.
Rob, the Dylan fan is a collector. He records the concert and says that Dylan has made two songs with the Dead "It's all over now baby blue" and "Don't think twice it's alright." But neither the video nor the newspapers tell me that I missed something big. Dylan is not at his best. Rob has followed part of 74, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80 and 81 Tour. What he has raised: a harmonica, a guitar pick, a dedicated song , a few words. It reassures me. He is far from being stupid, he is preparing a PhD on the history of music. He teaches the history of pop music. An educated Canadian. Besides talking about Dylan, we discuss the lives in the United States. They are all three Canadians and regret as well as myself, the lack of American culture, violence, corruption, the pursuit of individual or collective power.
XV
BUFFALO
4:30.
I
slept four hours in the bus. At the bus station the 'Dead
Heads' are still there. We share a taxi that brings us to the
concert. I saw the buses in front of the Hilton. But the stadium is
far as Akron: the first there will be in top position. I have a
choice between seeing Bob few seconds very closely or to see him
close throughout the concert. I choose the latter option, thinking
that this is the one that HE would like me to take.
From
7 p.m. the queue started to form. It is very cold. I do not have
time to eat just go to the toilet. Doors should open at noon and
the concert started at 2 p.m. I fall asleep on myself a few
minutes. The guards are still idiots, they ask us to walk and not
run. In vain. It is a real marathon, a madness of which I am one. I
manage not to reach the microphone, but not far. Two hours wait.
Unfortunately the Grateful Dead material is on stage. They start at
2h23 p.m. for 45 minutes, take a half hour brake and again for 45
minutes. I do not understand it and fall asleep on the fence. The
sun is now burning. Stanley hellos me from the scene. Dylan
finally appears. It is ... 6.30. p.m. Twelve hours of waiting. I'm
really mad! But when I see him trotting to the microphone my fatigue,
my hunger, my anger fly away. Suddenly it seems that even the
temperature is cooler. I cheer as if I had just gotten up and I
had a good meal. He wears his red shirt and silk scarf around his
neck. The temperature should be 35°C (95° F!)!
He
starts as usual. A frisbee landed on the scene. Bob returns it.
Another touches his hair. He dives to avoid it. A girl feinted in
front. He observes. He does not say much between songs. He hurries
up. So much that the concert is two hours long instead of two
and a half. When he left the stage I feel that he points at me
and says something. What my dear? Did he recognize me? I doubt
because he does not have his glasses on. Lenses? I also doubt.
I
go to see the bus and Bob disappearing into the night. To
Washington D.C. or the airport?
I
jump into a bus bringing me back home: the Greyhound bus station. I
run at the Hilton. They are gone. I would leave the city at 3:40 in
the morning. Another very long night. I ate the usual. I have 12
concerts and three weeks to try an approach. A talk? A smile?
XVI
WASHINGTON,
D.C. The station is in the black neighborhood. I was hoping to see
everything in white! Tonight there is no concert. I would like a
hotel room but hotels are full. Yesterday was July 4th, the
celebration of the statue. After two hours of search I find a Quaker
home : a bed in the living room! take a shower, make my laundry, grab
a drink and fall asleep at one o'clock in the morning. At 8 a.m. :
breakfast. I leave my bag and walked to the R.F.K. stadium,
fortunately very close. The place is transformed into a campsite. The
few shops and restaurants flooded. The neighbors do not panic, from
their daily routine, stoic. I am in front of the microphone and
collapse. The thermometer shows 35°C degrees (95°F). I believe
it. The public is similar to that of Akron and Buffalo. Half must be
the same as the "dead heads" follow. I'm getting used
to. We are one big family.
2h30. p.m. Dylan starts. Black leather pants, boots, blue shirt and black leather calico. He must be hot. Sweat drips from his face. After the first song his shirt is soaked. He wears sunglasses with the sign of "hell's angels”. No way to know where he looks, and I am at his feet. His skin is translucent but still he seems younger tonight. In the middle of the concert security sends us water. Phew! Bob grimaces :
-"Water is precious, it's a shame to spoil it. It does not seem to be hot? I love the heat”.
No kidding! Where I stand it must be 40 °C (104°F).
2h30. p.m. Dylan starts. Black leather pants, boots, blue shirt and black leather calico. He must be hot. Sweat drips from his face. After the first song his shirt is soaked. He wears sunglasses with the sign of "hell's angels”. No way to know where he looks, and I am at his feet. His skin is translucent but still he seems younger tonight. In the middle of the concert security sends us water. Phew! Bob grimaces :
-"Water is precious, it's a shame to spoil it. It does not seem to be hot? I love the heat”.
No kidding! Where I stand it must be 40 °C (104°F).
People
melt behind me. Stanley has fun sprinkling the audience. There
is a macho attitude there. (Freud believed that a garden hose is
a symbol of the phallus). Now that I'm wet I feel better. Bob
himself does not seem happy. Even when he removes his glasses he does
not see me. When he left the stage again he points the finger at
someone. I go out. I leave my place to a 'Dead Head'. I'm happy.
The concert was very good. I was at my favorite spot : at the feet of
my idol. It's another feeling. It's like being part of the show,
probably because I know every song by heart.
I
go out and wait beside the "Buffalo Springfield". No
parking inside. A girl wants an autograph, another wants to give him
a book and a cassette. We wait 45 minutes and suddenly a van
pulls up near the bus. When we move it is too late, Bob is
inside. The girl gives the book and cassette to Stanley who
passed it to Bob. The bus leaves. Bye sweety!
I'll
sleep outside. I walked to a parking lot turned into camping site. I
talk with two guys (Dead Head) and we spend an hour looking for beer.
The bars are closed. We go to sleep with the sky as a canopy.
XVII
Monday,
July 7 8 a.m.
I
buy a large cup of coffee, fruit, cookies for my breakfast and the
wait begins again. The concert today is rumored to start at 4 p.m.
and with “Greateful Dead” dead first. They try to follow a
certain logic. First ‘The Dead’ in Minneapolis, Dylan Akron, the
‘Dead’ Buffalo, Dylan yesterday, the “Dead” today, nothing is
certain. I know that Dylan should play in Boston tomorrow. Boston is
far and Dylan is the priority. I think he is the one to start. I
would do it if I were him because I'd have to leave early towards
Boston.
So
I get in line early. I try to exchange my ticket because mine is a
sited seat and here this is not the best place. The security is so
tough it will not let me get close with this ticket. I exchange with
a ‘Dead Head’. I ran as fast as my little legs can carry me and
find myself in front as yesterday with the same girl next to me.
The
temperature is around 40 degrees (104F), we bake. In addition to the
heat and thirst, I have a headache. Yesterday we were 60,000, now
over 40,000. Security takes all the batteries and film cameras and
some substances ...
I
guessed right: Dylan begins at 2:30 p.m.. Still a half hour late. He
changed his shirt for a sleeveless, its calico is red. He sweats
like crazy. He plays "Just like a woman" instead of
"It ain't me babe". The only change. He must have
known that the public is virtually the same as yesterday evening. A
good half for the "greateful Dead”, a quarter for Petty and a
quarter for Dylan. Dylan fans are not the most enthusiastic,
lost between the hysterical screams of Petty’s fans and the
'disturbed Deads’. He cares less. He does his show. It's so
hot. Security tried watering but Dylan approach the guys and makes
them sign to stop. No water today. He did not appreciate the
diversion of attention!
On
the side of the stage I spot two young boys, one is the one I saw
walking the dog in Indianapolis. Tonight he films Dylan. The other is
similar but is thinner. I think these are two Dylans.
I
release myself a path among the beer cans and boxes of Pop Corn.
Waiting near the “Buffalo Springfield”. A few people around: the
young Dylans, roadies, security ... I say hello to Stanley who seems
(suddenly!) unfriendly. He takes out a bottle of whiskey from
the bus. The driver gets impatient. I hear a voice coming from
the stage "It's all over now baby blue", presumably the
voice of Bob. He sings with the “Dead”. And ironically
(since this is my favorite song) "Desolation Row". 15
minutes after the last guitar stroke , a group of people dash out
from the door of artists. Dylan among them. To the surprise of all he
does not move toward the bus, but to the lawn below, and sat down. He
talks to a guy who is part of the tour. Everybody panics. The
security stops fans who are trying to move towards Bob. I sit on the
lawn few meters away. Bob motioned to his son Samuel to bring him the
dog Brutus. The boy obeyed and returned with his brother. The two
there have little regard for fans. A girl who tries in vain to
approach Bob goes around the gate and calls out behind the fence. A
guard immediately moves :
-"is that girl bothering you?"
Dylan
-"not yet".
A conversation is established. Bob asks Stanley to find him something. Stanley literally runs and brings a box full of T-shirt. Dylan displaces the T-Shirts available on the lawn one after the other and selects three he launches to the girl. It's like a movie except that Bob is there, for real. Stanley scribbles something on a piece paper and passes it to the girl. In all this had taken half-hour. A half-hour tension for security, a half-hour of emotion for me: so near and yet so far!
-"is that girl bothering you?"
Dylan
-"not yet".
A conversation is established. Bob asks Stanley to find him something. Stanley literally runs and brings a box full of T-shirt. Dylan displaces the T-Shirts available on the lawn one after the other and selects three he launches to the girl. It's like a movie except that Bob is there, for real. Stanley scribbles something on a piece paper and passes it to the girl. In all this had taken half-hour. A half-hour tension for security, a half-hour of emotion for me: so near and yet so far!
The
break is over, he heads for the bus. I get up and approach him. I
whisper that I too would like a T-shirt but he doesn’t hear and
moves on. Safety beckons me to go away. I watch through the window.
The young Dylan starts a video in the bus. Bob never stops moving. At
one moment he points a finger at me.
The
girl is always close to the grid. I want to know what has so captured
the attention of Dylan. She’s nice. She is still under the
influence of emotion. She speaks of her work: leather crafts. Bob
asked if she made the earrings he wore. The T shirts were specially
designed and she should use them to make some art-craft. I ask if Bob
gave an address or phone number. She says no. I pick up the glass in
which Bob has been drinking. I still have it. It smells like whiskey.
I still wonder why he has ‘uncovered’ to drink a glass of whiskey
with his friend with so many fans around?
XVIII
I
get my bag at the Quakers home and hitchhiked to the bus station.
Ten-hour drive to Boston. I'm sick. The heat from Washington killed
me. The concerts are not in Boston. Nobody knows where
Mansfield is located. They take me back and forth to North Station to
South Station. A train leaves at 2.30. It is noon. I drink coca to
wake me up.
Mansfield
is a small cute town. I eat a pizza. I go to the theater. A nice guy
picks me and guides me. This is my chance because it's very
far. For the first time the cash computer sorts out for me a
very good ticket, someone has canceled his reservation. Looking of
course for the stage door. Indoor parking. I still pray that Bob is
at the front of the bus so that I can see him. A guy also is
waiting. Usually they are girls. But he is a poet and he wants to
give his poetry to Bob. I explain that the situation is not the best.
But who knows? One must have faith. The red bus arrives.
I signal to Joey. He returns my hello and Meyers and the bodyguard who drives a camper that I've seen in Washington D.C., rented in Texas. The “Buffalo Springfield” is there but only the young Dylan is in front.
I signal to Joey. He returns my hello and Meyers and the bodyguard who drives a camper that I've seen in Washington D.C., rented in Texas. The “Buffalo Springfield” is there but only the young Dylan is in front.
We
enter. My seat is perfect. No guard at the stage. I can also see
the backstage. Bob is behind a black curtain. He drinks in a
paper cup. He speaks to a roadie. Boxes of equipment in the back
do not suit him. They move them. Usually when Petty's on stage
with Heartbreakers Dylan is hidden behind a black tent they mount
directly on the scene. He sits and drinks and talks with his singers.
Here there is no tent. Does he hide behind the boxes?
The
sound is loud. It starts as usual but the sound becomes wild. He
exaggerates his playing, almost a caricature: Dylan imitating Dylan.
He is drunk? What was in his paper cup? The audience loves it. People
likes ridicule. He begins "Rainy day women 12 and 35" on
harmonica, without guitar, followed by drums. "Like a Rolling
Stone" and everyone is standing, rushing to the stage. I
find myself in front of the stage, so close I can touch his
boots. Bob returns to the encore, fans closer, almost ON the
stage.
The lights are on and Bob scowls, he recoils. We're TOO close. He is afraid and remains on the defensive. He's right. Two fans jump on the stage. Another by me attempts to do the same. I stop her. Bob is embarrassed, I'm just under his nose. He has to see me but do not seem to watch. He could have given me his harmonica. So near and yet so far!
The lights are on and Bob scowls, he recoils. We're TOO close. He is afraid and remains on the defensive. He's right. Two fans jump on the stage. Another by me attempts to do the same. I stop her. Bob is embarrassed, I'm just under his nose. He has to see me but do not seem to watch. He could have given me his harmonica. So near and yet so far!
I
run behind to see the buses leave. The poet is already there. He's
out before (or never came in?). He is angry because he could not give
his book. He wanted Bob to use it as inspiration. I've seen many like
him, usually musicians who want to share their composition. I show
him some of my drawings. He wants to introduce me to his father who
is an artist. I spend part of the night and part of the day
discussing painting with Mr. Bernstein. He is intelligent, open, with
a broad culture. It also has a lot of talent. It is one of those
Americans that I would like to meet more often.
I
sleep a few hours on the couch, grab a quick lunch, take a shower,
and the poet brings me back to the stadium. I'm sure tonight
there will be no one so close to the stage.
I
do not feel the soul of being close to the scene. The situation seems
ridiculous. But is not that the whole thing is ridiculous? I
move. As I thought security hampers the approach of the scene. They
clean the hallways. Or at least try. I'm close enough to enjoy
all the benefits. I sing and dance. I leave before the last
notes of "Knocking on heaven's door." Five minutes
later the bus escapes by moving dust. Nothing to see. Bye ! Bye
Bobby! Joey honking.
XIX
HARTFORD
July 10th.
No
concert tonight. The city is clean and pretty. I leave my bag in
a locker in order to have my hands free. I walk the streets. The
two buses are at a luxury hotel. Here they Are!
It is a strange place, the parking and entrance are at street level but there is another entrance to the rooms and the restaurant, one level above.
It is a strange place, the parking and entrance are at street level but there is another entrance to the rooms and the restaurant, one level above.
On
both sides of the hotel at this level there is a bridge overlooking
the street. I walk over to one of these bridges and look at the main
entrance. I see, at that moment, Bob coming out with the dog Brutus
for his 6 p.m. walk.
I
run, but they are gone. Going back again I see them on the other
side of the road. When I get down I have to walk a few meters in
his direction. I walk slowly so that he has time to recognize me. He
wears his corrective sunglasses allowing him to recognize me. He
signs an autograph for a taxi driver when I approach him. He
looks at me and smiles.
-"How did you find the concert?"
-“Good ".
I hand him a book I just bought "Bringing it all back home".
-"I've read it. It’s a good one. Did you read it as well? ".
I hand him a pen
-"would you like to sign it for me?".
He takes the pen from his left hand and writes
"Bob Dylan 11/07/1989 Hartford Connecticut.”
Today is the 10th. I wonder if he did it on purpose because tomorrow is the day of the concert. I whisper a thank you and I feel that I should leave but I am still there.
I'm shy and Dylan also, but I ask him what he thinks of the tour.
-"It’s ok"
-"Are you going to tour Europe?"
-May be ".
-"How did you find the concert?"
-“Good ".
I hand him a book I just bought "Bringing it all back home".
-"I've read it. It’s a good one. Did you read it as well? ".
I hand him a pen
-"would you like to sign it for me?".
He takes the pen from his left hand and writes
"Bob Dylan 11/07/1989 Hartford Connecticut.”
Today is the 10th. I wonder if he did it on purpose because tomorrow is the day of the concert. I whisper a thank you and I feel that I should leave but I am still there.
I'm shy and Dylan also, but I ask him what he thinks of the tour.
-"It’s ok"
-"Are you going to tour Europe?"
-May be ".
He
sits on his dog, ordering him to sit. The
Bull Mastiff does not flinch. I caress the dog and take a look at the
master's clothes. He wears a sort of long shirt, a little dirty, a
calico and a green shirt tied around the waist, black jeans, boots,
gloves without fingers. He is not shaved. Suddenly
he says
- "I prefer 81".
The situation becomes embarrassing when Jakob arrives. He takes the dog and the father by hand and they cross the street. Dylan turns and shouts -"see you in a while "
and disappears at the corner of the street. A bodyguard has materialized behind me and asks where is Bob?? I tell him that he walks his dog and the guy starts asking me questions: Where I am from, what I do, who gave the address of the hotel. It bothers me and I reply that it is difficult not to see the buses parked in front of luxury hotels. He insists on knowing ho gives me the info and I reply person. The guy is an idiot. Anyone with a car can follow the buses and find them. I ask myself why Bob has mentioned the year 81. Was this a way to tell me he remembered me from 81? I lost in my thoughts when Jakob returns flanked by the dog, Bob following at distance.
- "I prefer 81".
The situation becomes embarrassing when Jakob arrives. He takes the dog and the father by hand and they cross the street. Dylan turns and shouts -"see you in a while "
and disappears at the corner of the street. A bodyguard has materialized behind me and asks where is Bob?? I tell him that he walks his dog and the guy starts asking me questions: Where I am from, what I do, who gave the address of the hotel. It bothers me and I reply that it is difficult not to see the buses parked in front of luxury hotels. He insists on knowing ho gives me the info and I reply person. The guy is an idiot. Anyone with a car can follow the buses and find them. I ask myself why Bob has mentioned the year 81. Was this a way to tell me he remembered me from 81? I lost in my thoughts when Jakob returns flanked by the dog, Bob following at distance.
I
stay where I am, at the corner of the street. Bob turns around three
times to watch me. The fourth time I hello him, he does the same with
the wooden stick he carries to play with his dog. Does he want to
talk to me?
Is
he surprised that I'm still here? Is he impressed that I did not
follow? I'll never know.
Bobby can you tell me today?
Bobby can you tell me today?
I
return to the bridge and look down. Bob and his guard are there. Bob
looks up and smiles at me. That smile that I love: soft and
warm. I feel him embarrassed, but I remain. He looks again
and smiles again. I feel like in a dream. But he is increasingly
embarrassed and eventually escapes. A few minutes later I see
Bob, two sons and a guard in a limo. It is about 7:00 p.m. I'm
thrilled. He was happy, not at all angry at me to see me in his way.
Shy and sweet. So sweet! I found nothing intelligent to say. But
there was nothing to say, just to enjoy some moments of pure
happiness side by side, away from the limelight, away from the
glitter and fireworks. A legend returned man.
I
spend a good part of the night outside. I go back to his hotel the
next day at 6 p.m.. Bob is out with Jakob, takes his guitar from the
bus and a bag of dirty laundry (!) and goes with Brutus in a van.
Three people also get in and all depart. I stay behind. Bob sees me,
but from afar.
I walk to the “Civic Center” near by. Behind me Meyers and the young Dylans. I change my sidewalk.
I walk to the “Civic Center” near by. Behind me Meyers and the young Dylans. I change my sidewalk.
At
the stadium I met five people that I have already crossed over on the
road for Dylan. Marilyn is a woman of about forty years from
Minnesota who went to the same school as Bob and who knows him
personally(!?).
She
is traveling with four young people including three children of her
own, the fourth is a cousin. They are all very Jewish. When I ask if
Bob is back to Judaism they say in unison,
- "Yes, of course."
They were in California for the start of the tour and they have taken up in Minnesota. They rented a Cadillac and as often stayed in the same hotel as Dylan. They saw Bob often to ask him for tickets he never refused. She says that the two boys with Bob are Jakob and Samuel, and that Jesse lives in New York.
- "Yes, of course."
They were in California for the start of the tour and they have taken up in Minnesota. They rented a Cadillac and as often stayed in the same hotel as Dylan. They saw Bob often to ask him for tickets he never refused. She says that the two boys with Bob are Jakob and Samuel, and that Jesse lives in New York.
I'm
behind the stage, really behind. I see Bob climbing up the stairs
leading to the scene, supporting his guitar and go! When
Petty makes his show Bob is behind
the black tent. Jakob and Samuel are there too. Womack, the
bodyguard, makes his rounds.
Bob
tries to recall a "Lay Lady Lay" which does not seem to
have been rehearsed. The singers are lost. Dylan directs them by
finger. It's a bit messy but fun. "Knocking on heaven's door".
It's over. I run to the hotel. The buses and camper left. To Saratoga
Springs.
I
find two guys who claim to have seen me in Washington D.C. They
invite me to their camp. It is an hour away. I sleep in the car. It's
raining in the morning. I am glad not to be outside. We
leave at noon for a quick lunch. What follows is a journey that never
ends. I collapse on a sofa when we arrive in Long Island. 8 a.m. I
wake to take a bus to New York then to Saratoga Springs.
XX
SARATOGA
SPRINGS 14h
I
eat a sandwich and an ice-cream and walk to the amphitheater. It
is not far. I spot the Tom Petty bus in front of a hotel but no
“Buffalo Springfield”. It is still one of those amphitheaters! I
am on the lawn. It's raining! it's raining! the poor are wet. The
concert is not the best, probably because of the weather. The
public is doubly cold. Dylan plays "The Times They Are
a-changing" and surprise, an incredible version of "The
House Of The Rising Sun". I left a few minutes before the
end. I'm sure that the buses will dart outside. The Petty bus
goes first but “BS” is still there. Security plays the game:
"They are all gone." But I know more than that. We are only
four fans to wait, but yet they ask us to move. Bob is in no
hurry. I'm leaving because I have my bus at 0.30.
XXI
NEW
YORK CITY: the big apple! 5 p.m.
I
have an address where to stay. Carole 's Friend has a store where I
can sleep. I phone at 7 a.m.
-"I do not get up before 9 am"
is the answer.
OK.
-"I do not get up before 9 am"
is the answer.
OK.
I
lie on the ground at the Greyhound station. At 9, I leave my bag at
Mark’s and head to “Greenwich Village”. My first stop is at
92/94 Mc Dougal Street. There is no indication that he still
lives here.
I
walk on the path of the 'good old days', "the bitter end,"
the kettle of fish "," the speakeasy” are still active on
Mc Dougal and Bleeker Street. I drink a cappuccino in the " café
Figaro” . The "Bitter end" hosts Mimi Farina (Joan
Baez's sister) on July 27th. The "speak easy" presents the
6th contest of the imitators of Bob Dylan on July 17th. The choice of
the date on July 17th questions me : the real Dylan will play at
Madison Square Garden.
There
is no concert tonight and the newspapers report "the Fabulous
Thunderbirds" at Felt Forum. A group of blues that Dylan
likes. I am almost sure he will be there.
After
some shopping on Broadway I return to the “Felt Forum”. I
thought it was a small cafe but it is a dance club. Even
though if Bob is in I’d not be able to see him. Three groups of
Rock open before the "Fabulous Thunderbirds". It is
midnight when I go out and I do not know if Mark is still awake to
open the door. He is angry and wants me to always be home before 11
p.m.. Could not. I sleep on the floor. I'll see tomorrow. In the
morning I'm back in the Village. Nothing happens. The
"subterreneans" are asleep. No Dylan. The year 75
was... 11 years ago.
I'm
sure to see him on stage tonight.
I
am very far. The sound is bad. He does not change his habit. He
mentions that we're in New York and points to the press. Ron Wood
joined on stage. The concert ends at 11:30. For me it was the worst,
I was too far.
It's too late to go to Mark’s. I phone other Carol’s friend who lives in Soho. I get lost in the N.Y. metro I fall asleep at 1a.m.
It's too late to go to Mark’s. I phone other Carol’s friend who lives in Soho. I get lost in the N.Y. metro I fall asleep at 1a.m.
At
4 a.m. I emerge from the fog in a concert of honking and bins noise.
I remember that I'm in N.Y. I still do not know where the Dylan
lives. I was hoping to see Bob in the Village. The Big
Apple is Big!
I
go to the Metropolitan Museum.
At
6 p.m. I join with Marilyn and her children in front of the
“Madison Square Garden”. She sells me a ticket to $ 10. She tells
me that Bob is at the “Plaza Hotel”.
I'm
just behind the stage, much better than yesterday. Marilyn has a
seat in the forefront. She paid a lot. The scammers are the
worst in N.Y.
Dylan
is here. He starts strong with "Shake Your Hands", "Clean
cut kid," aggressively "All Along the Watch Tower",
“Emotionally yours "," Shot of Love ",” Lucky old
sun", "Masters of War" "I forgot more Than you'll
ever know" a song by Cecil A. Null which included Dylan on Self
Portrait, "Band Of The Hand", "When the Night Comes
Falling From the Sky," "Lonesome Town", "The
ballad of a Thin Man," "Rainy Day Women 12 and 35".
He
changed his shirt for a leather calico and Ron Wood joined him.
" Seeing the real you at last '," Across the
Borderline. "
At
this moment someone is still looking for his seat. A security guy
asks him to leave. While singing Dylan says
-"let him here, it’s ok."
But the guard pushes him. "I and I". Two guys jump on the stage behind. Womack is fighting to make them leave. Bob has seen nothing. He continues with "Like a Rolling Stone" and turns the Garden into hell. 30,000 people rose to a hysterical ovation.
-"let him here, it’s ok."
But the guard pushes him. "I and I". Two guys jump on the stage behind. Womack is fighting to make them leave. Bob has seen nothing. He continues with "Like a Rolling Stone" and turns the Garden into hell. 30,000 people rose to a hysterical ovation.
"In
The Garden" (the only reference to the biblical period) calms
the atmosphere. They return for "Blowing in the wind," The
house of the rising sun ", and the eternal" Knocking on
heaven's door ".
I
do not wait for the end. I rush outside. Stop a taxi and rush to the
Plaza. I wait half an hour but do not see anyone. On leaving in
another cab I see a second entrance. Did they enter or are they
gone to party?
The
next day in N.Y., I'm at the Guggenheim museum.
Second
night at “Madison Square Garden”.
«
So long, good luck and good bye », "Positively 4th
street », « Clean cut kid, « Shot of love », « You and
me we had it all », « Union sundown ».
A
new one (?) "My echo, my shadow and me", "Mr.
Tambourine Man," "One Too Many Mornings" in acoustic,
a surprising "I Want You", "Band Of The Hand",
"When the Night Comes falling from The Sky, ""
Lonesome Town "," The ballad of a thin man, ""
"Rainy Day Women 12 and 35" "Seeing the real you at
last", "Across the Borderline," "Like a rollin'
stone", "I and I", "In The Garden", "Blowing
in the wind," "Shake Your Hands", "the House Of
The Rising Sun "(revisited).
He
goes to the back of the stage and talks to someone
-"we would like to do another but we do not have time."
-"we would like to do another but we do not have time."
Ron
Wood presents an ecstatic Dylan ;
-“Bob introduces everyone but no-one presents Bob Dylan, then here: BOB DYLAN "
and everyone to become hysterical for over five minutes.
-“Bob introduces everyone but no-one presents Bob Dylan, then here: BOB DYLAN "
and everyone to become hysterical for over five minutes.
I
take the subway to the Village and get lost. I'm walking in N.Y., at
night, for 20 'blocks'. I arrive at the Speak Easy when the contest
ends. I spot at the door a big man, dressed like Dylan, wearing Dylan
glasses, the Dylan earing… Completely disgusted I go to bed.
XXII
I
go to Philadelphia the next morning. I know there's no concert today,
but I heard they were already gone from the Plaza. They must already
be in Philadelphia. The Y.M.C.A. is full so I will take a nap at the
Greyhound station.
I
go early to the Spectrum to buy two tickets from the ‘scammers’.
I see again the girl who gave Bob the book and the cassette in
Washington D.C. This time she wants to give raspberries (?). The
buses arrive at 5:30 (which makes me think they were still in
N.Y.C.). I run to the parking ramp. The first bus down. The “Buffalo
Springfield "stops. I
acknowledge Jakob, Samuel, Jesse and Anna(?) out with Brutus. A
few minutes later Meyers next to Bob also descends. They walk toward
the stage door. None of these 10 fans around do a movement. I head to
Bob.
-« Bobby ? »
- "Oh you're still here?"
- "Good luck".
He disappears. I can’t believe my ears! He knew me?
-« Bobby ? »
- "Oh you're still here?"
- "Good luck".
He disappears. I can’t believe my ears! He knew me?
I
see Marilyn and her children. I listen to a cassette of "Knocked
out loaded" on the new album. I don’t really go for this song.
We
enter. My seat is not the best. I'm moving around Marilyn. I
see Jesse trying to find a place for his grandmother and her husband
(she remarried after the death of the Bob’s father). I see
Jakob and Sam.
"Shake
your hands”. Bob is very good. He moves a lot on his legs draped in
black leather. He mixes the words of " It ain't me babe".
He plays long solos of electric guitar. He is happy and also the
public. This is one of the best concert I've ever seen.
I
rush outside. The buses are ready to go. The Raspberry girl is still
there with her boyfriend. They think of following the bus. I climb
into the car with them and the pursuit begins. They arrive in a
street of hotels and pause before a modest hotel. I go out just in
time to see Jesse, Brutus, Sam, Anna and Jakob left. Then Meyers and
Bob. He wears a red shirt open. He looks at me and makes a
motion to close his shirt (?). Jakob awaits his father. I do not
move. The girl still wants to find him raspberries. The two
scoundrels are trying a whole bunch of stuff to get into the hotel.
They are being real ‘nuts’. I wait because I think Bob is going
out. Meyers, Joey, Womack all go. But not Dylan. He must be with his
children. At 3 a.m. I leave and go to sleep at the
Greyhound station.
The
next day at 6:30. I take a quick lunch at the cafeteria.
At
5.30 p.m. I'm wandering and finds Jesse and Jakob in a
bookstore. Outside the hotel the red bus and “Buffalo
Springfield "await. Jesse gets on the bus with Brutus. Then
quickly Bob surrounded by Sam and Jakob. He seems angry. I do not
move or say anything. He focuses his eyes on the shoes of the
son before him. Anna runs after him and another young woman. A
rumor speaks of Carole Childs. I thought Maria.
I
take the metro to the Spectrum and join Marilyn and children.
During
the Petty show I approach the stage. Dylan Boys are stacked on the
side. Jakob seems most concerned.
The
bus takes off after the concert for New Jersey or New York.
XXIII
An
hour of sleep and I'm leaving for New York at 8 a.m. I take a nap in
the afternoon and take a bus to Rutherford, New Jersey. This is my
last concert. I wait at my usual spot. One guy passes me, he seems
familiar. He looks at me (sited on the ground) and hellos me.
It's nice because nobody would pay any attention to me. I cook in the
sun, am half asleep. He was Al Kooper who was going to play the
keyboard with Benmont Tench. He was in Costa Mesa. Buses enter
directly into the parking lot. Bob does not want to see his fans
today. I see Meyers that promised to give me the address
of the Bob studio in New York: a post office box. I phone Meyers
in the afternoon to see if I could have an interview with Dylan for
the eventual publication of my book. Meyers rejects me :
-"Dylan does not give interviews “
-" but I am not a journalist "
-" you want to write a book .. ".
So too bad for the permission.
-"Dylan does not give interviews “
-" but I am not a journalist "
-" you want to write a book .. ".
So too bad for the permission.
I
pay $ 30 for my ticket. I want a good seat. Bob talks a
lot
-"this is the country of the BOSS (Bruce Springsteen).
The audience boo.
-"This is the land of the BOSS".
re-boo.
-"There are a lot of bosses here."
-"this is the country of the BOSS (Bruce Springsteen).
The audience boo.
-"This is the land of the BOSS".
re-boo.
-"There are a lot of bosses here."
A
few minutes later he sees some fans standing on the side
-"these people may take those seats right there"
and points to four empty seats in the front row.
The security stops them.
Dylan, angry stops singing
- "I will not sing as long as these seats are not occupied; Rich people buy an entire row and do not mind what they can see."
I warmly applause.
He begins to sing then halt
- "I must say something, I must say something ; tomorrow you will read in the newspapers about what you're doing tonight. There are always people who want free tickets, the critics.». You paid for your tickets, you should write in the newspapers. "
Thank you Bobby.
-"these people may take those seats right there"
and points to four empty seats in the front row.
The security stops them.
Dylan, angry stops singing
- "I will not sing as long as these seats are not occupied; Rich people buy an entire row and do not mind what they can see."
I warmly applause.
He begins to sing then halt
- "I must say something, I must say something ; tomorrow you will read in the newspapers about what you're doing tonight. There are always people who want free tickets, the critics.». You paid for your tickets, you should write in the newspapers. "
Thank you Bobby.
He
sings a little and then again
- "you know what time it is, anyone knows what time it is? Do not look at your watches because they do not give you the time, these are just numbers. I'll tell you what time it is. "
And starts "Band of the hands". It's something he does often; request the time. And also pointing to his right and say ;
- "it's the best audience, they are the best."
And the right to shout.
But yesterday it did not work because on his right there was ... nobody. The seats were not sold. He has another song
-“ It is a song for people wrongfully imprisoned, I am not talking about people who have committed a crime... I mean people who do good and who are imprisoned for that. "I can not remember the song, perhaps "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine" a copy of "I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill." The speech is not finished ;
- "It is the anniversary of someone”,
(the third on this tour). And everybody upfront "Happy birthday" to Howie Epstein. A roadie brought a birthday cake and Howie blows out the candles. They go on with "Like a rolling stone”.
If someone in the audience had never seen Dylan before he could say "This guy talks a lot" and he would never have the back of his image. Words today there have been many. Words of truth. A real SHOW, and my last.
- "you know what time it is, anyone knows what time it is? Do not look at your watches because they do not give you the time, these are just numbers. I'll tell you what time it is. "
And starts "Band of the hands". It's something he does often; request the time. And also pointing to his right and say ;
- "it's the best audience, they are the best."
And the right to shout.
But yesterday it did not work because on his right there was ... nobody. The seats were not sold. He has another song
-“ It is a song for people wrongfully imprisoned, I am not talking about people who have committed a crime... I mean people who do good and who are imprisoned for that. "I can not remember the song, perhaps "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine" a copy of "I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill." The speech is not finished ;
- "It is the anniversary of someone”,
(the third on this tour). And everybody upfront "Happy birthday" to Howie Epstein. A roadie brought a birthday cake and Howie blows out the candles. They go on with "Like a rolling stone”.
If someone in the audience had never seen Dylan before he could say "This guy talks a lot" and he would never have the back of his image. Words today there have been many. Words of truth. A real SHOW, and my last.
I
go to see the bus one last time. I wait half an hour. A girl here,
‘nuts’, really wants to see Dylan. She says she was a girlfriend
of Bob. But which one?
Meyers
gets out. Jesse gets out. A photographer pursues and asks for an
autograph in place of his father
- "I can not do this."
Anna goes.
- "I can not do this."
Anna goes.
And
now the Buffalo Springfield with Jakob in front. I wave him goodbye.
He replies.
Thank
you! bye! and take care of yourself.
Bye
Bobby, to the next Tour!
