PART
THIRTEEN
U.S.A.
Spring Tour 2013
I
4th
of April 2013
at
Penn Station N.Y.
Crowdy,
noisy, smelly...
On
the Road again for Bob Dylan.
The
last month had been crazy, so many things happened. So many changes,
so many feelings, turning me up and down.
This
Tour I will divide in two; first leg the North-East part with 13
shows, second leg from St Louis to St Augustine with 18 more shows.
I
first realized it was impossible for me to do the first 13th shows on
my own, the Greyhound buses are not going to some of the small
cities. I was focusing on the second leg but also hard to do for me
alone regarding the accommodations. Youth Hostels are not spread all
over the States like in Europe. So I was a little bit desperate. My
only chance was D. who was willing to do the whole Tour. I had
to argue and promised to be a good girl. D. said it could be okay.
Then with my head full of dreams ... I'm going.
The
train ride from Newark airport to Buffalo was long. The train was one
hour delayed. I called D. to see if he could pick me up and he did.
We drive to a Motel6 where R. is waiting for us. We three crash for
the rest of the night at 2 a.m.
II5th
of April. Buffalo
First
Bob Dylan show on that Tour. It's a General Admission show. D. and
myself pick up Matt at his hotel at 9:30 a.m. for he wants to be on
the line early. I prefer to spend the day with D., traveling in
Buffalo.
We're
supposed to go to the Niagara Falls but we won't make it and end up
in the Art Museum; Picasso, Dali, Cezanne, Soutine, Wharol, ...
GREAT!
At
6:00 p.m. D. drives R. and myself to the venue. There's already a
long line and as usual I don't have any ticket. Students with I.D.
will get in there for free and they are on the same line as regular
people.
It
takes for ever to get in. I find a ticket for 25$. I don't expect to
be close to the stage but who knows!
When
I finally get in the DAWES are on. I move to the right and slowly
squeeze close to the stage.
At
8:30 p.m. the Band takes position. Stu is here as expected. No
Charlie but Duke Robillard instead.
Tony
Garnier has moved to the left, next to Stu, then George then Duke and
Donny far back. The grand piano is at the same position with the
keyboard in front.
Then
Bobby moves center stage and starts "Things have changed"
then two more songs center mike.
Then
he moves to the piano and will either seat or stand for the next
songs with only two more songs center stage for "Beyond here
lies nothing" and "Blind Willy Mc Tell" .
I
can see him only from far so I don't know in which mood he is. He
seems okay and thinner than last tour, with a mustache?
The
sound is good, his voice audible but the electric guitar is lacking
of power. Unfortunately Stu is playing only acoustic guitar, and why?
His electric geek was so good on "Highway 61"! We hear a
lot his acoustic strumming but it's supposed to be Rock music.
Bob
will end with "Ballad of a thin man" without the echo
and on piano. I miss the old version.
No
introduction of the Band, no talk, and He alone for the final salute.
M.
moves to his own hotel. D. R. and myself go to a 'chicken wings'
restaurant and off to bed at Motel6.
I'm
so happy to be on the road with D.. It's like a dream. I can't
believe it!
A
good night sleep next to D.
III6th
of April Amherst
A
crazy morning. D.'s car has a transmission problem. He decides to
leave the car in Buffalo and rent a car. We are already in a rented
car! so...
get
the new car, download and reload, and move the broken car in a repair
shop.
It
took all morning and much stress but finally we are four of us; D.,
R., M. and myself on the road to Amherst. We reach the venue right on
time for the opening of the doors. I get a ticket for 20$ and one
more for D. for 20$. R. is first row. Whoa!
I
got in for it's cold outside. I seat at my seat all the way up on the
left of the stage. I don't want to fight for a front row or anything
on the floor. I'm tired.
The
DAWES are okay. I love the third song and two or more but it is no
'magic'.
The
crowd is polite.
Half
an hour later Stu moves to the stage strumming his acoustic guitar
and the Boys take their spot; Stu and Tony on the left, George on his
drum, Duke and Donnie then Bob moves straight to the mike for "Things
have changed".
Same
setlist as last night except that "All along the watch tower"
will take the place of "Highway 61".
With
Stu on acoustic guitar instead of electric it doesn't sound so
powerful.
The
public is more enthusiastic tonight. It suddenly wakes up after
"Beyond here lies nothing".
The
venue is located inside the University so some young guys are getting
a little bit exited next to me.
The
show is good and Bobby is doing his best on the harmonica. But he
will play again only 16 songs and looks tired, not moving so easily.
I'm
happy to travel with nice Fans for being on the road is now part of
the Magic. I would not like to do it all by myself again on
Greyhound.
The
followers are less and less. The most 'nuts' are still fighting for
first row. We are a handful.
We
travel towards Kingston. Beautiful landscape but the trees are all
brown. The winter season had been long. In some area we can still see
some snow on the side of the road. I take thousands of photos as D.
likes to collect photos from his trips.
We
drop R. at a train station and on the way D., M. and I stop for a
little walk in a Natural Park. Some fresh air and physical exercise,
good! after all the junk food they eat.
III
7th
of April.
Day
off.
A
day of rest in a Holiday Inn Express in Kingston.
IV8th
of April Kingston
Kingston
being close to Newport D. is willing to have a trip there, checking
around where the Newport Folk Festival was happening. Bob Dylan had
play there in 63, 64 and the famous 65 where he 'turned electric'.
M.
wants to stay at the Hotel so that will be only D. and I, and I'm
already so happy.
Newport
is a nice harbor city definitively developed for tourism. We walk to
the Wharf and then to the city.
The
buildings are gorgeous in all king of style. We try to get inside an
old synagogue but it's closed. We have lunch in a nice healthy
restaurant. We take millions of photos. We get inside one of the
oldest public library of the country.
Back
to the car and a 25$ bill parking lot.
We
drive then to Fort Adams where we thought took place the Newport Folk
Festival. But we're told it's few miles away. Reaching it we find out
it's no field anymore but apartments buildings.
We
rush to the venue but going there D. has a problem with his IPhone
and get into a violent tantrum, banging the telephone on the
dashboard of the rented car. He scares me, showing a terrible part of
him that I didn't know. I will have some hard time to recover.
As
an apology he gives me 25$ on a 50$ ticket in the third row. I cry
and can hardly be happy for that seat.
Only
when I see how close I am from the stage do I start to relax. I focus
on Bob.
Here
he is, same suite as the first show, same hat. "Things have
changed" ... the exact same setlist as yesterday but the sounds
seems a lot more powerful. I can clearly hear Duke's guitar.
Bob
is happy, smiling a lot with Donnie.
The
MAGIC is back for me after one hour of terrible distress.
Bobby
is definitively thinner. His face as pale as a ghost with a goatee
around his mouth that I don't like so much.
I
can see him clearly on his piano standing or seating, playing often
with only his right hand.
I
dance on my seat since, again, the public is supposed to be seated.
What a drag!
Moving
out with mixed feeling, and still mad at D. I realize between tears
my luck to be here and to see Bob Dylan on stage life!
Thanks
Bobby! You're the only one to give me so much happiness!
We
move back to the room and I have a terrible night.
Next
morning I'm still pretty chocked and after a continental breakfast at
7:00 a.m. I go out for a walk and reading my book.
We
won't be leaving before 12:30 p.m. heading towards Lowell.
We
decide to visit Kerouac's tomb on the way and there we find a Dylan
Freak waiting for a Dylan's visit to the tomb. Good Luck!
V9th
of April Lowell
We
reach the venue slightly before 7:00 p.m. and I start searching for a
ticket.
The
luck is with me. A nice well dressed gentleman proposes me a first
row seat for 20$. I can't believe it is a real first row, maybe on
the balcony or who know where. I move to my seat and IT IS indeed a
first row seat slightly on the left side of the stage.
I
see that nice Lady we saw before at shows and she says she has a seat
next to her for D.
M.
calls D. and we are a bunch of Fans in the front of the stage,
holding the rail. I doubt we'll be able to stay right here, but again
it's my luck tonight and the first row people are all on the rail for
the entire show. WHOA!
Bob
moves right in front of me for "Things have changed", "Love
sick", "High water". I'm in heaven and wild; singing
and dancing. What a night!
Bobby
is doing his best. He's thin, pale and look tired. He will now stand
part of the time on the piano and part seated, moving front again for
"Beyond here lies nothing", "Blind Willy Mc Tell".
Two of my favorite songs. "All along the watch tower" and
it's already the end.
We
call him back loud and strong for "Ballad of a thin man"
and Bye, Bye Bobby, good night!
What
a day and what a night! the downs and the ups!
I
reconcile with D. and we all three with M. have a wonderful night.
VI10th
of April Lewiston
I
don't know where is D. and M. was supposed to be down for breakfast.
Another
day begins.
The
Holiday Inn is a fancy hotel but the breakfast is provided only for
M.
We
check out late as usual and drive to Portsmouth for a meal in a
restaurant with two other Fans; R. and his girl friend.
We
reach the venue right on time for me to get a ticket for 25$ and one
for D. for 40$. D. doesn't want the ticket for it is not a floor
ticket! I make him pay anyway and swear to myself that I will not buy
him anymore cheap ticket. We get in and take seat on the floor. I
pick up an empty seat close to the sound board and with the
binoculars I can see Bob very well.
On
the song "Spirit on the water" I see his right hand making
movement towards Duke; the sign is like "Play louder".
Bob
is pissed! He's right for we don't hear Duke's guitar at all, compare
to the loud strumming of Stu's acoustic guitar.
The
setlist is exactly the same, no surprise and no magic!
The
only change is his hat; black with a red feather on the side.
Until
"All along the watch tower" I have the feeling that the
Band don't even play together.
For
me, the worst show so far and the venue is far away from being full.
Right
after the show we drive towards Boston and crash in a Motel6 at 2:00
in the morning.
D.
will go to Boston for three days. M. decides to follow the Tour all
by himself for now on with train to Newark next morning then with his
own car. He didn't invite me to join him. I will stay with D.
We
have a nice tourist day in Boston but in the evening D. informs me
that he's bored with the shows and that he will skip many shows
coming.
I'm
pissed off!
What
am I supposed to do?
No
way to travel Greyhound for the next 5 shows, no cheap Youth Hostel
to stay in.
I
HAVE to stick with D.
Two
more days in Boston, and then?
VII
12th
of April
I didn't sleep much in that Super8 motel room.
I didn't sleep much in that Super8 motel room.
We
drive to D.'s sister after checking out late. We will spend two days
there. I feel uncomfortable, I don't socialize easily. From St Louis
and on I can catch a Greyhound but then ... where to sleep?
There
is a show tonight but I won't be part of the fun.
VIII
12th
of April
Still
in Boston. Last night Randy, Asha, D. and myself went to some
lectures. Ten scientists from famous universities like the M.I.T. had
each one 5 minutes to present their last research on science matters;
astrology, biology, economy, communication...
Interesting
but I'm afraid I didn't understand all. I got the concept though.
In
Boston, here seats the prestigious M.I.T. and the HARVARD university.
I
feel like stupid!
Bob
played in Newark DE and didn't change his setlist. M. was there, I
missed the show.
I
don't feel comfortable in this family and D. is distant. He's nice
though; I felt asleep on a coach and he brought me a sleeping bag.
IX
13th
of April
A
new free day in Boston.
I
go to a dance class with Tria D.'s sister. They call it NINA - I
believe .It is a mix of Taichi, Capuera, African dance ... I do my
best to follow the steps.
Then
D. will accompany me to the Fine Art Museum. I stay there for four
hours while D. goes with his family. They have dinner out. I decide
to stay home.
X14th
of April Ithaca
Time
to be on the road again for Dylan.
D.
drives all the way to Ithaca. Six
hours drive, almost non stop.
We
reach Cornell University at 5:00 p.m. The show is General Admission,
the doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for the concert starts at 7:00
p.m. tonight with the DAWES.
Three
lines are formed and I pick up one at random.
M.
is nowhere to be seen. Jayne is here and Johanna and Jay and Sue.,
not so many!
My
door - by change - opens slightly before six and I run. I find myself
on the rail, right in front of the piano. D. is behind me, Jayne on
my left. We chat before the Dawes are on.
The
Dawes are okay. The music is not bad.
The
Band takes position after Stu.
Bob
moves to the front mike ... hat-less, dark/white hair floating on his
head, white boots in his feet.
The
setlist didn't change. Personally I don't mind for I love the songs,
some are my favorites at the moment.
"Things
have changed", "Love sick", "High water"
center stage, he will then move to the piano.
I
can see him well, using mainly his right hand, his left hand moving
loose on his side.
He
moves often to Donnie and they have a good laugh. I see Donnie giving
Bob an applause at the end of one song.
I
dance and sing. Not so wild as I would like for Jayne is the quiet
type.
The
public is young and enthusiastic - this is again a university campus
-. Good for Bob and the Band.
After
the show things start to be complicated; M. is somewhere and again
rented a Hotel room without consulting, way too much expensive for
me.
I
have an argument with D. about the budget, my budget
But
I love him and subdue; we'll go out for a pizza together. The
pizzeria offers an open-mike to musicians. We have a good time there.
XI
15th
of April Ithaca
We
have an argument again about a Hotel room. I do my best to find a
cheap Hotel but D. has some other priority. I, one more time, subdue
to his will and spend too much money just for a bed.
I
depend on D. now. A plan "B" is always in the back on my
mind, that would be to be stuck somewhere in a Youth Hostel waiting
for the 26th of April when I'll be able to join Stefano in Louisville
and rent a car with him.
In
the mid time I follow D. in a winery for some test of wine. We had a
pretty good day but without Bob I feel like just a tourist.
XII
16th
of April Ithaca
We'll
skip the Richmond show, so we have plenty of time left for the the
Bethlehem show.
We'll
be visiting more wineries and drinking more wines.
We'll
be hiking in a nice Park following a river, enjoying a day of nature
and nice talks. D. is beautiful when not under stress.
XIII
17th
of April Philadelphia
We
spend the evening in Downtown Philly., dining in an Italian
restaurant then taking a walk in the Historic area, taking night
photos.
- decides - surprising me - to sleep in the car for the rest of the night.
XIV18th
of April Bethlehem
We
drive around Philly Historic downtown and enter the Fine Art Museum
around 11:00 a.m.
I
will spend 4 hours 'drowned' in the Art of the 19th and 20th
centuries.
A
moment of WONDER!
We
then drive to Bethlehem.
M.
is there and other Fans. I get two tickets and sale one. The show is
free for me tonight.
I
move easily to the floor section.
Stu
is on and the Boys.
As
soon as Bobby appears Fans move to the front from behind. I take a
chance. I find myself right in front of the mike behind the two first
rows of Fans on the rail.
The
security guard on my left is lazy. He will not ask anybody to
retrieve their seats. I squeeze myself as close as possible to the
front row Freaks. I will stay there for the entire show! Standing and
dancing! Whoa!
And
what a show! Bob is at his best, so is Duke on his white guitar.
Stu
is dripping sweat, strumming so hard on his acoustic guitar.
The
MAGIC is back.
"Beyond
here lies nothing" rises the public to their feet.
I
will pay for a ticket just to hear that song. Wonder of wonder!
WHAT
a day for me. One of those unforgettable days on the road that makes
the trip worth the pain.
XV19th
of April to Akron
That
will be one of the most stressful days on the road.
D.
has to drive all the way to Buffalo - 6 hours drive - to pick up his
repaired car, return the rented car and drive 4 and a half more hours
to Akron. A challenge.
We
make it on time, thanks to the 'professional' driving of D. I just
have a profound admiration for his dexterity in manipulating a car
and the G.P.S.
I
buy myself a ticket - even two -.
The
venue is 'unfortunately' a theater, no way for me to get to the pit.
I
seat on the first balcony. I have a full up view of the stage.
I
see all members of the Band 'fighting' hard to make that show a good
one. The sound is perfect though Bob's voice is a little bit weak for
the first songs on the piano. That will get better.
Hatless
again, dressed in white and white boots. He looks so skinny from far
away!
The
public is waking up during "Beyond here lies nothing"
followed by "Blind Willy Mc Tell".
Nice
choices, some of my favorite songs.
He
will do "Summer's days' for a change.
Duke
was on the red guitar, but this time the sound was good. He even
started to move, not as Charlie but ...
We
meet with April after the show. She's so happy all the time!
D.
drives me to a Motel6. He's moody and angry. At what? At me. For
what?
It's
time for us to split.
That
will be Kalamazoo ...
XVI20th
of April Kalamazoo
We
get up at the Motel6 in the snow after a 'burned out'
sleeping night. D. is still sleeping and I get some coffee - he will
not drink-
We
check out late as usual. without telling me he will stop on the way
at the "Original pancakes house".
Nice surprise,
if only he had told me. D. drives fast to reach the venue at 7:00
p.m. He's acting nice with me since I told him we're splitting and
I'm going to Bowling Green with April and Chris.
I
can't figure him out.
At
the venue I get a ticket and go strait to the front row. I meet with
a Fan and talk to him. He agrees to drive me to the next few shows.
Great!
for
now I'm next to Alrik and Dan just arriving from Germany. We are
BobCats packed in the front row.
As
soon as Stu is on, I grab the rail. Here I am on the left of the
stage with Bob so close.
Bob
take the mike with a look of surprise on his face. Then he LOOKS at
the public. At some point I believe he looks strait at me. Delusion!
What
a show. It seems like in Europe.
The
best show for me so far. With the same set list? So what! I
LOVE it!
Bob
is happy, the public is wild.
"Ballad
of a thin man" and the lights are on. We all comment. D. was
also on the rail.
I
look for April and Chris by the merchandise stand. I do the transfer
of my luggage from one car to the other. I have an argument with D.
I'm relief to be FREE at last.
Chris
drives us to a nice Hotel with a Jacuzzi in the room. We talk until
2:00 a.m. I'm happy to have a two ways conversation, someone to talk
WITH. I'm not so nuts after all. Those bachelors boys have something
going on.
XVII21th
of April Bowling Green
Only
three hours of driving and we are in Bowling Green. We
breakfast/lunch in a Ihop. We check in a fancy Hotel.
We
move to the venue at 7:00 p.m. and I start my search for a ticket.
It's tough tonight, people prefer to get in with their extra tickets
instead of selling it for 10$1 Weird! I finally get one for 20$
April
doesn't want her seat on the floor, so I borrow her ticket.
Alrik,
Dan and myself try to get to the rail but the security is strict
tonight - I never fight the security -.
I
end up on the left side of the stage, kind of 4th row. Not bad. I see
the head of Bob on his piano.
The
set list is the same with "Summer's days", the only song
that Bob will switch for "Thunder on the mountain".
Duke
is good on his red guitar. Bobby is okay but never smiling or
exchanging looks with Donnie. the public will be asked to be seated.
We don't have the wilderness of yesterday.
I
made it to "Bowling Green" unexpectedly so I'm happy.
We
all meet at the merchandise Stand and Dan agrees to drive me to
Chicago where he lives for tonight and tomorrow night - day off -
joined by Charles.
We
hit the road as soon as my luggage is in the car. Dan drives 4 hours
and I crash on an air mattress in Dan's apartment at 3:30 a.m. We
gained one hour by the time zone.
I'm
happy and confused ; happy for I'll be able to see more shows,
confused for I miss D. already. Or the "ghost" of D.
The
news of the day was the release of the summer dates, the U.S.A.
again. Dan and Charles are already planning their summer trip. Most
of the show will be G.A. but it's some kind of festival on the road
so Dylan is not the only performer. It seems complicated.
XVIII
22sd
of April
A
day off in Chicago.
We
get up late. After a nice lunch with decide, three of us - Charles
and Cody (Dan's room-mate) - to go to the Art Institute. I want to
see the "White crucifixion" by Chagall. They present a
Picasso exhibit. I have a great time.
We
have a quiet evening when D. calls. He feels lonely in Chicago and
proposes to come with a pizza.
He
surprisingly forgot the bottle of wine.
He's
kind and sweet with me. Somebody says he came for me. Flirting. Whoa!
How
do I have to feel and what do I have to think?
I
say bye to D., hoping to see him in Champaign. I love him and don't
understand why for what I know he's got no feelings for me.
XIX23
rd of April St Louis
We
get up at 8:30 a.m. and leave at 9:30 a.m. Driving towards St Louis.
Dan
is driving nicely and he's quiet. We eat at a BBQ with two other
Fans. We then check in at the HYATT while Bob is at the RITZ.
The
St Louis show is inside a small Theater; capacity 3.000.
I
see some scalpers out and it's pouring rain. For the first time I ask
at the Box Office for a ticket. They pull out a 5th row on the right.
Someone encourage me to buy it. OKAY!
We
all seat with a good ticket. Julia - from Austria - just joined the
group with the Germans.
I
take my seat for the Dawes and fall asleep. I hear them in a dream.
It takes me 20 minutes to revive myself. I'm fully awake when Stu
strums his guitar.
Bobby
appears dressed in black with red straps on the sleeves of his
jacket, white hat on.
Right
away I know the sound will be perfect. The Band in their full energy,
well together and loud. Bob's voice is good, incredible after so many
shows.
I
just drift away on "Scarlet town", suddenly thinking of D.
The
highlight is always "Beyond here lies nothing". The public
react wild. Followed by "Blind Willy Mc Tell".
Duke
is wild on "All along the watch tower". Bob looks at him
and seems to mention that he's happy with his performance.
Plus
Bob had a good laugh with Donnie in the dark - I can see them - it
makes me think Bob is happy tonight.
I
focus on his legs and just before "Ballad of a thin man" I
see him lifting his right leg to the piano and banging twice on a
key! funny! Crazy Bobby!
The
show is great. The best sound so far.
We
slowly move out. I rush to the Merchandise Stand. D. is not there.
A
good night sleep at the Hyatt.
XX24th
of April Springfield
We
get up early so the boys will be able to get on the Internet and buy
tickets on line for the summer Tour.
I
get myself a coffee at Starbucks downstairs and search in vain for a
computer.
We
check out at noon. Dan wants to take me to visit the Arch of St
Louis.
We
have a good time inside the Museum then up the Arch. High, so high!
The sky is blue so we have a great view on the Mississippi river. Bob
didn't play Mississippi, too bad!
We
hit the road towards Springfield and stop at a road restaurant for
lunch.
We
reach Springfield MI at 6:30 p.m. I get rapidly a free ticket.
We
meet with the German group and right away I find my way down, on the
floor by the rail.
I
don't know if I'll be able to stand there the whole show but I take
my chance. I stand right in front of the piano, to be able to see
Bob's hands, a great spot.
Stu strums on
his acoustic guitar and here is Bob with the same suite as in Buffalo
with the white hat. The triangle mirror is blocking my view when Bob
steps back on center mike.
He
seems to acknowledge the three of us on his left side and he steps
forward as if he wants us to see him. Delusion or reality?
The
three first songs are miraculous ; Bob is singing for us. He's
looking strait at us on his left side. Whoa!
At
the piano I can clearly see his hands and fingers. He's using his
left hand tonight, more than usual.
The
setlist doesn't change, I know exactly what he gonna be playing next.
So
close to the stage that I feel like part of the Band. I don't know
what's going on behind me. I don't want to know.
I
hope Bobby enjoy himself as much as myself.
Dan
is driving us to a Days Inn, cheap hotel.
I
try to sleep but I have to share with C. and have some hard time
falling asleep. C. is not D.!
C.
is in a bad mood as soon as he's up. He'll be mad at me all day long
and I don't know why.
We
reach Champaign in
the afternoon after six hours drive - by Dan -.
The
arena appears huge, someone talks of 17000 people but in fact only
few thousands.
I
pull up my sign "I need a ticket, please" and some guys
give me two comp tickets. At the same time C. find me a good seat
ticket for free and want me to go with him. I sell the two comp
tickets for a good price and decide to wait for D..
We
have a conversation. He'll leave the Tour after Louisville to go back
to Oregon where he wants to buy himself a property. The same dream as
last Tour. The same nightmare for me. I'm losing a driver and a good
friend.
I
take my seat after trying in vain to sneak close to the stage.
I
enjoy myself anyway. I'm a spectator tonight.
Bob
will play " Workingman's blues #2" as a surprise. Thanks
Bobby! Other than that he will do his job.
I
don't feel the Magic tonight. I'm nonetheless happy to be here.
We
move out. I want to go back to Chicago with D. and his friend J. But
it's clear with C. ; if I go back with D. I can't travel with him
anymore. Those BobCats are crazy NUTS ; jealousy and fear!
Dan
is a nice young man but C. is the Boss with a disturbed mind.
I
feel the tension in the car. For a little incident in the morning I
start to argue with C. He immediately call D. on his phone and
asks him to take me to Chicago. D. and J. are on their way. C. and
Dan will drive me to D's condo in Chicago.
Poor
D. he has to rescue me one more time.
I
will spend three days there and miss the Murray show for D. is not
going.
XXI
26th
of April day off
I'm
at D. condo. He's sleeping. I'm writing and reading. I had a good
night sleep in full security. I trust D. 100%.
D.
is dealing on the phone with TicketMaster to get a refund on the
tickets he's not gonna use after Louisville.
He's
arguing for more than one hour. That's exactly why I never buy my
tickets in advance. Many times I had the rail for free!
I
read a book on Keith Richards and in the evening watch T.V. with D.
We drink white wine and we have a nice time just relaxing.
I
sleep like a baby, ready for a new start. That will be a new
adventure without D. but with Stefano from Louisville and on.
I
skip Murray, first because I want to stay with D. , second because J.
- my plan 'B' is not going to Murray -.
Hopefully
Bobby won't do "Duquesne Whistle".
XXII28th
of April Louisville
I
went to sleep last night completely drunk just to be able to fall
asleep.
D.
dragged me to a restaurant with one of his ant and two cousins and
went all by himself to some friend's house.
I
wake up early trying to control my anxiety for I know D. will be
playing with my nerves.
We're
supposed to be leaving Chicago at 11:00 a.m. It's almost 1:30 p.m.
and D. is playing with his equipment; recordings, computers,
photos...
We
leave the condo at 2:00 p.m. I'm on the verge of a breakdown.
D.
is in a bad mood, driving fast. We don't talk for miles on until he
puts a Bob Dylan album on. We sing along and the atmosphere relaxes a
notch.
He
suddenly tales me we are losing one hour crossing the state. I won't
get upset but worried for I need a ticket for the show.
He
puts me on his telephone to deal with some tickets waiting at the
will call. I can't handle the situation and feel frustrated and
stupid. D. is mad at me. On the back of my mind I know that will be
our last trip together. Too much tension!
We
pull up at the venue at 7:30 p.m. Luckily and surprisingly the show
is at 8:00 p.m. on a Sunday.
I
meet with Stefano who arrived from Italy.
A
Lady proposes me a ticket. I see it is a 'pit row C', an excellent
seat. She asks just for 30$. My luck after a morning nightmare.
I
immediately take my seat. I've got an excellent view on the piano.
The
show is of course fantastic for me. I focus on Bob and the music,
oblivious of anything else.
The
show is not long enough though to pay back for the trouble and the
pain. The hurt is deep.
We
- R., Stefano and myself - have a last meal with D. D. will say
goodbye -farewell? -and drives back to Chicago. He'll go on with his
crazy life.
The
rest of us check in a cheap hotel for a shower and a good night
sleep. I now share a bed with R. He's no D.
XXIII
29th
of April
We
rent a car for the rest of the trip. Stefano and I will pay, R. will
be the driver.
XXIV30th
of April Ashville
We
reach Asheville in early afternoon. Stefano will keep a spot on the
line. It is general admission.
I
switch position with Stefano for him to visit the city. I feel tired
and depressed waiting in the sun. Few BobCats are queuing, it's not
fun anymore. Luckily Joachim is entertaining by playing Bob Dylan
songs on his guitar.
Around
5:00 p.m. I take a walk and bump on Bob Dylan's bus pulling in the
parking lot. I play 'cat and mouse' with Barron. I just can have a
glimpse of Bobby getting outside of his bus - all hooded - for
his sound check. A new song tonight?
We
run for the rail at 6:35 p.m. I find myself at the usual spot;in
front of the piano.
The
show is good. Duke is making an effort to be wild. "Beyond here
lies nothing " is the highlight.
For
a moment it feels a little bit like Europe. For a moment it feels
like a routine; we know what gonna be next.
We
move out. I'm counting another show on the board.
We
have a bite in a pub and retrieve to sleep. Our group of three is
calm and quiet.
I
miss D. and his outgoing, I miss our fights, I miss the whole of him.
I'm
sick of love, I wish I'd never met you
I'm sick of love, I'm tryin' to forget you. Just don't know what to do
I'd give anything to
Be with you.
I'm sick of love, I'm tryin' to forget you. Just don't know what to do
I'd give anything to
Be with you.
1st of May Charlotte
I
don't know why but
I thought Charlotte was a nice little town. Wrong; it's depressing
and raining.
With
Stefano we take a walk in downtown area while R. meets with a friend
at the motel. We go to the wrong venue and we don't have R. phone
number. D. - one more time - will rescue me on the telephone.
It
will come out alright and
we all meet at the
"TWC
uptown amphitheater".
We
all buy cheap tickets. The show is outdoor. It's cold and rainy. The
crowd is drunk already. I'm 4th row center, up and dancing. The
public is not respectful, chatting too much. Not the best show ever.
We
retrieve to the room and try to sleep. I start to be tired of the
road. I have to put D. out of my mind. So hard!
XXV2sd
of May Raleigh
We
check out quickly from that crappy hotel. We get some kind of
breakfast at a Starbucks Cafe and hit the road to Raleigh, strait on
highway 85 East.
We
rest a bit in the afternoon. Fool around trying to find the "Rolling
Stone" magazine with 40 years of Bob Dylan interviews.
We
reach the venue at 6:30 p.m. Same kind as yesterday; open air,
amphitheater with lawn.
The
boys bought some rain ponchos, I have a large plastic bag - gift from
United Airlines -.
The
scalpers are all around, that will make it tricky to get a good cheap
ticket. We hear the Dawes from out. So maybe I don't even have to get
in. R. gets a ticket for 10$. At the last moment someone gives me a
comp ticket for free. We get in. I buy posters for D.. Should I?
I
move to the rail where R. finds an empty seat. He'll be on the rail,
center mike for the whole show. Good for him! I play 'cat and mouse'
with the security and manage to stand on the aisle 20 rows back. Not
so bad! The public is drunk and noisy but I enjoy myself with some
good humored freaks. We have fun.
Same
setlist with "Thunder on the mountain". Bobby without a
hat.
XXVI
3rd of May
Riding
along the East coast, looking for something nice to see. The Ocean is
far away from the road. We take our chance in Myrtle Beach but it's a
crappy place. We have a look at the Ocean. Rough waters. We decide to
move on Charleston and check in at the Airport Inn. for 2 nights.
D.
is somewhere in California trying to buy a property for winery.
Bobby
is somewhere in Charleston.
But
me, I'm still on the road
Trying
to stay out of the joint
XXVII4th
of May Charleston
The
'airport Inn.' is over the bridge. High water everywhere!
We
decide to have a look at downtown Charleston. R. goes on his path.
Stefano and I take a walk.
The
plantation houses are huge and reflect the luxury of the city. They
made good money on slavery time!
The
jasmine perfume is floating in the air. We have a pretty good time!
We
ride to the venue at 4:30 p.m. This is G.A. but only the hard core
fans are queuing; Joachim - forever playing Bob Dylan songs - ,
Alrick, Daniel, Julia, Denise, Row ...John is here too. We exchange
few words. I buy his extra ticket.
R.
is in a state of panic; he locked the car keys inside the truck of
the rented car. Whoa!
Surprisingly
I'm not worried. I focus on the show tonight. It has to
be one without pain and grief.
We
all run to the rail. I take my usual spot, by the piano. On my left
John on my right Stefano. Can't be better.
The
weather had been stormy all afternoon, we'll get rain and wind.
We
kind of appreciate the DAWES... for half an hour.- longer would be a
sacrifice -.
Stu
is moving on and the Band.
Bobby
appears with ... a hat. Oh my! Crazy Bobby, for the wind will play
funny tricks with that hat! Trying to blow it away. Bob doesn't lose
his composure, holding that hat with his left hand, grabbing the mike
with his right hand.
The
rain will not disturb my good humor. R. recovers the keys right
before
the Dylan set. Great!
The
show is excellent. Good sound in spite of the wind.
The
best so far for me. Duke is getting better and better on his white or
red guitars. Stu, Tony, George and Donnie giving the most they
can to highlight this crazy Artist who strikes on his piano with
all his soul and the rest of his physical abilities - his left hand
floating often in the air -.His gaze lost in a distant
universe, inaccessible to my mind. Ignoring the enthusiastic
crowd
and oblivious of the first row which worships him so much. So close
and so far! I LOVE you Bobby!
We
all move out slowly. Happy to have been part of some 'historic'
moment. For sure Bob Dylan will be in the "Book of Artistry",
among the Best.
I
give John the posters I bought for D.
We
return to our hotel for a good night sleep, all happy. No
party, no over excitation, just Peace in mind.
XXVIII5th
of May St Augustine
We
reach St Augustine - final destination of that Tour - in the
afternoon. We check in a motel by the beach.
Stefano
and I take a walk on a white sand. R. is resting in the room.
We
all jump in the car when we realize the show will start at 7:00 p.m.
on that Sunday evening.
The
venue is again open air. It had been raining crazy for 3 or 4 days in
a row, but no rain tonight.
The
G.A. is difficult to access, no way I'll be able to reach the rail. I
chose to stand up above the stage.
I
meet with my good friend Oscar - from Mexico city - Joachim is in and
John. Alrik, Daniel, Julia are on the rail. R. is down on my right,
left of the stage. No one else I know.
We
expect a little surprise for the last show ... no surprise. Even the
break is shorter than usual. The Bob Dylan bus is ready to pull out
half an hour before the end. Bobby is going back home!
This
show is the most broken hearted. I feel so sad! The end of a big
adventure, the end of a dream which came true.
I
see the bus pulling off.
Bye,
bye Bobby! Have a nice trip back.
Thanks for all!
Thanks for all!
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