Porto June 2sd 2023.
But life must go on.
So I did my best to make it to Porto.
I spend two days as a tourist. Porto is a nice city with great people. The Youth hostel is comfortable and the food reasonably good?.
My good friend found me a ticket so I didn't have to worry so much.
As expected a lot fans made it from all over the world for the first show of that Tour.
The venue is not that fantastic neither from out, neither from inside.
My seat is all 'view blocked' so I move to a better space where I stand and dance?
The security is pretty cool, though the mobiles have to be put away?
I do expect the same set list as Japan, maybe with a surprised song.
I'm all away up and the sound is not so good.
It is the set list as Osaka April 6th. With 'that old black magic'.
'My own version of you' as a new rhythm for me and I like it very much. I can't stop dancing.
'black rider' sounds pretty good too. And 'Jimmy Reed' rocks good.
As for the rest.... Nice to hear again.
A nice harp intro on 'Mother of muses' and at the end of 'every grain of sand '.
The introduction of the Band is early and minimalist.
A lot 'thank you' but no move in front except at the very end, for the standing ovation.
The stage light is ...even darker than before, and truly I couldn't see Bob's face at all.
I do believe he had his black suit with embroidery.
So all together I had a great time in Porto with a good unsurprising show.
Thanks to my good friends.
See you on the road.
Lisboa 1 June 3rd.
I had a nice trip on FLIXBUS. No worry
of driving.
Let the driver do the job. Seat back
and relax!
Arriving to ' Oriente ' huge bus
station in Lisboa early afternoon.
Easy ride on metro to downtown youth
hostel.
Not far from the sea. So first thing is
to see the sea.
A nice shower and a good night sleep.
And here is another show day!
June 4th.
Arriving at 'Campo pequeno' early in
the afternoon.
A beautiful arena with a huge Bob Dylan
poster.
Wish I could grab it to cover my
ceiling :)
"Beat the street" buses are
parked already and the Band will be dropped for sound check in a
small van.
Bobby arriving later by car.
Cool!
My good friend Hilda offers to pay for
me a ticket handed by Ian. Thank you so much!
So I'm secured for an entrance.
I spend time chatting with Fans here
and there and get inside the venue by 7.30 pm.
I'm surprised by the small size of the
inside venue. Nothing could be more intimate. A lot better than
Porto.
I'm on first balcony center with a
perfect view.
Bob's on I believe few minutes after 8
pm.
"Watching the river flow" is
not that great.
But it's the song to adjust the sound
and to give time for late folks to take their seats.
The sound will be perfect after that.
Bob's voice as clear as before.
The little grand piano more 'soft' ,
mixing well with the Band.
Bob's body more visible. Though with
the light still minimalist I can't see Bob's face :(
First few songs are good, as good as
they could be.
I realize Bob Britt probably blocking
the view of fans sited right and Doug Lancio blocking the view of
fans sited left. No need for bottles on the piano :). Tony disappears
behind Bob and Jerry being really tall is visible, his white glasses
flashing in the dark :). Donnie, well ...as usual, discreet and
efficient.
"I'll be your baby tonight"
has a long musical instrument in middle song, so will "To be
alone with you". Time for Bob to relax a bit his voice.
The Brand is tight. No remarks from
Bob, except a couple or three "thank you".
"Rubicon" is excellent so was
"Black rider". And the new "My own version of you"
swinging good.
My highlight for tonight.
"Gotta serve somebody"...
Well! I found it a bit erratic tonight, at the end. My opinion :)
The 14th will be "Not fade away"
with a big roar from the audience. An audience reacting pretty good.
A bunch on my right visibly knowing the set list.
No extravaganza but respect.
Intro of the Band after "Mother of
muses". Starting with Jerry Pentecost then Doug Lancio then Bob
Britt, Donnie Heron and Tony Garnier.
No jokes :(
"Jimmy Reed" coming oh! too
soon. With also a great instrumental with guitars.
Britt and Lancio are doing a great job
and Pentecost is wild ;holding his sticks in the air.
The inevitable "Every grain of
sand".
Bob picks up is harp but maybe out of
time(it seams). So he won't do any harp :(
Standing ovation. Really quickly they
turn the lights off.
Bye bye Bobby!
See you tomorrow.
Lisboa 2. June 5th.
Starts with a nice free breakfast.
Then a free tour of the city.
Lisboa is sure hot and crowded. Feel a
bit dizzy ?
Take a cold/warm shower and watch a
romantic Australian movie on my mobile :)
Then walk to the Campo Pequeno. This
time I know the way and don't get lost :)
Musicians arrived at 4.30pm. Tony
doesn't look too healthy. He's really scooped. His back must hurt him
:(
Bob's car drives in , in total
'security' by 4.50pm.
Will he join for the soundcheck???
I start looking for a ticket early.
I don't panic but I sure would like to
be in and not out :)
A young couple walks to me and they do
have an extra Tix. So I negotiate a free entrance.
They are Israeli from Tel Aviv and I
try to remember some of my Hebrew. Bevakasha! Toda raba!
Leitraot!
That will do the trick.
I chat with my good new friend from
Italy.
And in I go.
Same spot as yesterday. Not too bad.
By 7.55 pm many seats are still empty,
including on the floor. But there is no way for me to get down :(
Too bad because the stage rush would
have been easy.
Bob starts on time with venue filled
about 3/4.
Two rows totally empty in my back ???
'The river flow ' is flowing ok.
But it takes 'Black rider' to be really
into the mood.
'My own version of you' is again
fantastic.
And surprise harp on 'I'll be your baby
tonight'.
Then again on 'To be alone with you'.
That will make for the mistake of
yesterday.
'Rubicon' is a bit boring.
I see Bob drinking a lot from a cup.
There is no air conditioning. The
atmosphere is stuffing.
It's almost if I don't faint on 'Key
west'.
The public starts to be restless half
the song!
'Gotta serve somebody' needs a new
arrangement. More fluid. With more drumming.
Like a military march, maybe???
'I've made up my mind to give myself to
you' doesn't get much reaction from the audience.
Neither 'the size of your c**k will get
you no where'.
I see that half the floor folks are not
even moving...no applause :(
Except a nice reaction on 'My own
version of you' and 'Not fade away' and some clapping hands on my
section....public ?ﾟﾤﾫ
quiet.
Bob saying shyly 'Thank you'
after the big applause.
No harp on 'Every grain of sand'.
By now Bob and the Band should be all
sweaty.
I get out to see if Bob will be riding
his bus to Madrid or...flying.
He's leaving in a black car. So
definitively flying private jet to Madrid.
See you there.
Bye bye Portugal. Obrigado.
Madrid 1. June 7th.
Get up
early. Get a cup of strong 'cafe con leche'. Walk all the way to the
Prado Museum.
Spend
about four hours in that special museum with mainly Spaniards
painters. My favorite would be El Greco (for the use of his colors)
and the Italians Tiepolo and Panini.
Walk
back to the Youth Hostel.
Eat
myself a salad and get ready for the first show in Madrid.
The
weather had been rainy all morning and I had to change all my wet
clothes.
By
chance I grab my rain poncho.
Catch
the metro to "Ciudad Universitaria".
Obviously
a show at University :)
It's an
.. outdoor show. Oh my! Never thought of it.
Start
looking for a Tix. Many folks are selling but no less than 100 euros.
Way too much :(
The show
will start at 9.30 pm.
By 8 pm
it starts raining like hell. A light uninterrupted rain. I'm rapidly
drenched to the bones. The file of fans is crunched in the entrance
of the venue for protection.
I take
it easy just trying not to drown.
I have
been talking to a seller for a while now. He bought 6 tickets, 250
euros each, he's trying to sell. Well! Good luck I said :)
By 9 pm.
He says he will give his personal ticket to me for 20 euros as he's
not willing to stand in the rain for the show.
The rain
was my miracle :)
I rush
to the entrance where nice people give for free some blue rain
ponchos. We all look like Smurfs :)
I bumped
into one of my follower on Boblinks: Toms from Riga Lettonie. We
laugh a lot in the rain before they finally let the fans inside the
arena.I decide
not to take my seat but stand on the left side of the stage where I
can see Bob at the piano pretty clearly.
I will
dance in the rain for the entire show. But it suddenly stops
raining....another miracle:)
Show
starts a 9.50 pm.
Bob and
the Band ...all dry :)
Of
course I enjoy that one show really much. I focus on Bob who will say
'thank you' maybe 6 times.
The
songs are all great.
Even
...'Mother of muses' :) :).
Bob
presents the Band before Jimmy Reed with
'Jerry
Pentecost on the drums. Doug Lancio on the blue guitar. Bob
Britt on the....well!other one. Donnie Heron on steel guitar and Tony
Garnier on bass'.
A short
standing ovation and off he goes.
Toms and
I catch the metro back home.
Thank
you my good friend Toms.
Conversation
much appreciated.
I do
believe Bob will play Lettonie just to please you :)
Tomorrow
is another Bobby day!
Madrid 2 June 8th.
June 9. I bused from Madrid to
Sevilla
and that was a nice trip.
Granada.
Arriving in the afternoon by Alsa bus.
Found my hostel after 45 minutes walk.
Nice and clean, close to Alhambra.
Which I will not visit, this time.
A relatively good night sleep with a
lot of noise from the street (construction).
June 13th.
A nice shower and off I walk the
streets around the Alhambra. Early walk in cool weather.
I walk all the way to the top of the
hill before I realize the show will be INSIDE the Alhambra ?
Found the buses and trucks on a parking
lot and figure out they are staying in the near by fancy Hotel ;
Aurea Washington Irving.
Well! Time for another walk around
Albaicin or Albayzin (in Arabic). Beautiful little area with narrow
stoned streets.
Bump into some Bobbycats and seat for a
'aqua con gaz' with view on Alhambra.
Time for a shower and change of close.
Show at 9.30 pm, outdoor.
I put my sign out. Some of my 'fans'
chatt with me , wishing me good luck but....in vain.
No Tix to get in.
From outside I can hear the beginning
of the show.
Walk all around the Alhambra to find a
good spot and finally I am right behind the stage with 15 other
unlucky fans.
It's dark and of course we don't see
any stage or public but the sound is perfect.
Finally I enjoy myself in that
unexpected situation.
Hear Bob talking some words.
Saying it's a beautiful spot and they
should be playing here every night. Why not???
I'd go for it ?
Somehow I don't find the show boring
even kind of short when he starts " Every grain of sand".
I move to the spot where the car and
van have to pass by to get out.
They must have been rushing in,
right after the last song, for they drive past me very shortly after
I took position.
Driving to the Airport? For
Bob...surely. The private jet is ready ????
I can't imagine him (anymore) in a bus
for 6 hours.
Well! That was an experience.
It sounded great. Believe Bob was in a
great mood.
Heard the enthusiastic public.
I had a good time in Granada.
Thanks to all the good people who had
been with me on that journey.
Next Alicante.
Another adventure begins :)
A short report about Sevilla 2 and Granada.
Sevilla 2 was harsh ; no any extra
ticket.
I heard he didn't even sing on
'Watching the river flow'. Waiting for me to get in ? :) :) :) LOL.
Granada was weird : though I didn't get
inside the Generalife I was able to hear from outside. I sat right
behind the stage, on the top of the hill. Of course I didn't see
anything but was able to hear ... everything.
That was an experience.
Busing to Alicante was easy and smooth.
Alicante is not my favorite city.
Extremely hot , busy and too much car traffic.
I spend the afternoon just resting and
planing for the leg between Alicante and Barcelona, up to
Carcassonne.
Alicante June 16th.
I check the Plaza del toros. Again an
outdoor show starting at 9.30 pm.
At the worst I could hear from outside.
But it's better to be inside :)
So. I patiently hold my sign for two
hours and a half.
It's crowdy and noisy. I'm sorry to say
the crowd looks 'old'. A lot of couples who seem retired :)
My chance would be an 'expat' .
And , yes, the guy offering me a Tix is
from Netherlands, living here , in Spain.
The seat is on the balcony. The floor
is far for being full. So is the plaza in general. Looks like only
half empty, half full.
The show starts right on time. A long
intro on "Watching the river flow" when Bob suddenly starts
singing.
The sound will be adjusted after the
second song.
"When I paint my masterpiece"
is strange. Bob trying to stretch the lyrics.
It starts to be more dynamic on "Black
rider".
I have to tell folks around me to shut
up. Obviously they're not interested in "Rough and rowdy ways"
:(
But Shane, my ticket angel, is into it.
We have a good time.
Bob is not so talkative: a couple of
"thank you" murmured in between his teeth :)
I'm impatient to heard the 14th song.
To my shame I don't know the song but Shane does. "Into the
mystic" by Van Morrison.
I had the feeling there would be
something new as Bob arrived at the same time at the Band and the
soundcheck was a long one.
The public doesn't react so much. Only
the followers would know about the surprise.
A great show, thanks to Shane.
But not the best for me.
Definitely didn't like the audience:(
See you next.....Huesca.
Huesca. June 17th.
After a night in Zaragoza I catch a
little train to Huesca.
Nice clean and pedestrian City center.
A change from the traffic in Zaragoza and other cities.
I check in my AirBandB and walk the
streets of Huesca.
By chance I had a ticket for the show
tonight. Thanks to Graham, Petra and Hilda : a coordination of good
hearted people, all BD Fans :)
As I walk down to the ' Plaza del toros
', rain starts falling. I checked weather report in the afternoon and
they do expect heavy rain tonight. But that never stopped Bob for
playing, neither in Germany, few years ago, neither in Madrid , few
days ago. I do carry my blue Madrid rain poncho:)
Lucky me as the sky opens up and pours
rain like it's really angry and ? sad. Desperate, even?
I manage to get inside the Plaza with
25 other 'drenched to the bones' Fans. Then they...close the doors.
We are safe inside. The rain running
down the gutter. And , unfortunately, pouring on the stage.
The stage is not protected enough : a
metal roof and just curtains hanging around. The curtains are all wet
by now and I see BD staff sweeping water out. Of course the
instruments are under plastic covers but ...no way the musicians will
be able to play safely. As electricity and water are no good friends.
I chat with two Fans. One from South
Africa, one front Greece. He came specifically front Greece to see
that ONE show !
By 9.30 pm, the doors are still closed.
They don't allow anyone inside. We can hear the angry Fans outside
screaming from anger. They must be all drenched to the bones. And no
information:(
By 9.45 pm I see Jerry (Bob's
tour manager) in discussion with crew on stage. And shortly after,
they roll the material out.
That's it. SHOW CANCELED!
OH MY!
First time ever I have a canceled
show.
And I had a Ticket. :(?
Well! Things happen. Better safe than
sorry.
Next San Sebastian.
Closed doors:) :)
See you there.
San Sebastian June 20th.
Spend the gray rainy morning planning
my Tour from Carcassonne to Lucca. And then to see about the
last leg later.
I decided to skip Montreux. Too
difficult to reach and too much expensive.
Then I walk down the steep streets to
the beach.
No sun bath today because of....no sun.
Humidity should be 90%. Feels like in
the rain forest.
I just rest looking at the Ocean and by
4pm see the Band coming around the venue, either for soundcheck or
just because they checked out from the fancy hotel across the bridge.
They all look relaxed and casual, even
rolling their suitcases :)
An hyper security black fence is set up
to protect Bobby's bus.
I start looking for a ticket when a
couple of fans ask me if I'm the review's writer. They are from
Scandinavia and Martin hands me a ticket.
Zona A row 8 seat 5. It's an excellent
seat. I'm extremely happy for I can relax for the next hour.
Thanks good Samaritans. They are four
together.
At 7.20pm a black van will drop Bob
inside his bus. All I can see are....his white shoes :)
Of course too late for a soundcheck, so
I don't expect any surprise for the 14th song. One from the set list.
I take my seat rapidly to appreciate
even longer :)
Bob and the Band are right on time.
Bob wearing a flashy red shirt matching
the red curtains:). Black pants with white straps and ....white shoes
?
They look orthopedic shoes ?ﾟﾤﾣ?
"Watching the river flow" is
not too good. Neither
"Most likely you go your way".
Bob is fluffing his hair and sited for the first two songs.
I murmur : "stand up Bobby!"
And he will for "I contain
Multitudes" and on.
I particularly like "When I paint
my masterpiece".
The Band all tight and Donnie great on
his violin.
Bobby picks up his harp and the
audience is wild.
From then on the show is great. The
sound perfect. Bobby's voice all clear.
I didn't hear the usual echo on "Black
rider" .
I'm all attentive after "I've made
up my mind to give myself to you". Emotional. I feel like
crying.
And Tony starts "That old black
magic".
Martin, next to me is beating the
rhythm with his hands...so do I. Following Jerry's drums.
Each song perfectly executed.
Bob saying "Thank you" only
one time.
Presenting the Band early after
"Crossing the Rubicon".
A little joke about Tony who will
perform a bass solo....Bob smiling of content.
But then, no more talk.
I am close but still can't really see
his face in the dark. His hair cut looks funny. Fluffing it often.
I can see he's wearing...black socks.
Which certainly explain his good performance tonight ?
An emotional "Every grain of
sand'...
And the final salute.
My best show so far, as I was so close,
and it does make a difference.
The audience was respectful and
knowledgeable.
Thank you soooo much to my
'followers'.
All the Good Samaritans.
I had a great day and an excellent
night.
Good time in San Sebastian despite a
strange, unexpected rainy weather.
As I walk away to catch my city bus, I
see the Bobby's bus driving away.
Goodnight Bobby! See you in Logrono.
From San Sebastian to Logrono. June 21st.
No day off but Logrono is not that far
away ; three hours on the bus.
We are four Bobcats, with Graham,
Sarah(from Mexico) and Joseph (from UK) and I.
We all dispersed to check in different
accommodations.
Sarah and Joseph will join me later
around the venue. Well! Not the best ever. A sport arena in the
middle of nowhere.
The four buses are already parked.
I spot three young kids with a sign "I
love Bob Dylan". They are 15, musicians, and want to meet Bob. I
wish it could be possible. They have been spotted by security and I
believe not for the best. Too bad. I feel sad for the kids.
[Later on I find them in the queue.
They managed to get some cheap tickets.
Great! Happy for them!]
Bob and the Band will arrive later by
vans. We can hear the soundcheck. I Believe I hear some piano ??? And
Joseph believes he recognizes "Truckin' ". Not sure.
Anyway. The show tonight though indoors
will start at 9.30 pm.
I need a ticket. Rapidly a man comes to
me and gives me one. Just like that!?.
The ticket says " invitation "
and 0€.
Mauro will explain later : he saw me in
Alicante and promised himself to give me a ticket when possible. He
was in Huesca with a friend and the tickets were exchanged for
Logrono. His friend didn't want to come so he kept the promise to
give me that ticket.
Fine. It's on the floor. And it's lucky
for the venue is a stadium with terrible aspect :(
The seats are plastic and the ceiling
really high. I wonder about the sound. They had a long afternoon
soundcheck. Should be alright ?
They start 9.33pm.
First song sounds alright.
Bob sitting the two first songs.
Then up. He's wearing the black and
white polka dots shirt.
No harp on "Masterpiece".
I really like "My own
version of you". Great swing! Mauro also enjoys it.
"I'll be your Baby tonight"
moves the public. With some "yeah! Yeah!" and clapping
along.
From "Crossing the Rubicon"
and on Bob seems to lose his energy.
Mauro, next to me, is bored on "Key
west" and asks me the name of the song ????
Some movement from the crowd. Fans
leaving.
But then Bob spends time introducing
the Band with funny remarks for Doug, Bob (Britt), Donnie and Tony.
They all have a laugh.
"Gotta serve somebody" is
average.
After "I've made up my mind to
give myself to you" I see Donnie picking up his violin and
without hesitation they swing into "Tweedle Dee and tweedle
dum". I love it (and I know that will trouble some folks :( ).
[As much as the fact that I never like "Key west".]
"Goodbye Jimmy Reed" is
always good.
And the final "Every grain of
sand" with a heart full harp at the end.
Not a bad show all together but not the
energy of San Sebastian 2.
During the entire show we could see
thunder lightnings through the ceiling windows.
Lucky the show was indoors.
I say thanks to Mauro and walk the half
hour under the rain to my crowded Hostel.
[We are on the path to Compostela.]
Thank you Joseph, Sarah, Graham for the
company. We had fun.
Thanks Mauro for the Tix.
Thanks Bobby and the Band and the crew.
See you next in Barcelona!
June 22sd. Day off to travel from Logrono to Barcelona.
The company bus is Alsa and the trip will take six hours and a half.
We start half hour late from Logrono but then all is fine with a lunch stop.
Barcelona is already crowded as we cross through. My hostel is right by the beach. A six female dorm :)
The first night is cold as the air conditioning is on Alaska time and we are not provided with blanket. It's 27°C outside and feel like 12°C inside :(
June 23th.
First thing in early morning 'Cafe con leche' and a warm sun bath and a swim.
Then relaxing walking around the area and walk towards the Rambla. As crowded and noisy as it could be.
The ' Gran theatre del Liceu ' is still....well! The same.
Beautiful theater. First one on that tour. Will be a change from the sport arena.
Capacity 2292. Expensive tickets. I truly need a miracle.
I remember from years before the trick of 'Security Bob' to snick Bob inside without being seen.
I position myself at the right time, right angle :)
A black van pulls inside the garage door by 6 pm. Bob's in for sure considering all the security people around :) :)
Time for my business now.
A queue starts to form all along the street and perpendicular street. I hold my sign. The folks seem amused :)
A guy wants to sell two for 100€ each. Another fan (from Germany) is bargaining.
And suddenly, from out nowhere and no reason, that guy hands me one ticket and the other one to F. She gives her ticket to my German friend/fan. We doubt about the validity of those Tix (black and white copies) but nonetheless we are inside.
The seats are ' blocked view '. We see absolutely nothing of the stage. So with two others, we move to a better spot. Still on 5th gallery but we see the stage and all the lyrics sheets on the piano ???!!!
Great! Good vibrations, anyway.
The theater is already a must to be in a good mood. Sure Bob can feel it too.
Bob's appearance provokes a standing ovation for a long moment. A loud clamor.
The audience is knowledgeable and enthusiastic from beginning to end.
'Watching the river flow' a bit weak but then the sound is perfect.
My highlight is "My own version of you".
Us, four Bobcats, on the top, are loud.
The Band is tight and Bob focused.
A couple of "thank you".
The 14th song will be "Tweedle Dee and tweedle dum" as Donnie picks up his violin.
Then... A musical rythm/intro I don't know. Definitely a new song. Instead of "Mother of muses" ????
It will be "Stella Blue" apparently for the birthday of Robert Hunter ;
[Robert C. Christie Hunter (born Robert Burns; June 23, 1941 – September 23, 2019) was an American lyricist, singer-songwriter, translator, and poet, best known for his work with the Grateful Dead.] Wikipedia source.
Emotionally done ! ?
Then "Mother of muses". Still on the list.
So we are Thanx with an extra song tonight.
The show Not to have missed :)
Great great show! Excellent for all reasons.
Thank you the Good Samaritans.
I chat with a BD follower after the show.
Thanks for the company.
Walk back to my hostel.
Trapped in fire works exploding all over the streets. Thousands of happy people celebrating
San Juan day.
I celebrate my good first day and show in Barcelona!
And....fall asleep!
See you all tomorrow.
Same place, same hour!
June 24th. Barcelona 2.
Things didn't happen as planned. When I
was ready for a swim I realized the weather was not as great as
yesterday. So I just took my 'cafe con leche' in a bar by the sea and
wrote my review for Boblinks. I then took a walk along the beach. No
swimming today.
Graham suggested to visit the Picasso
museum but...it was closed. So Graham, kindly, invited me for a lunch
in an Indian restaurant/fast food. An interested concept. The food
was excellent. My best meal on that Tour ?
I walk the Rambla about twenty times
before show time. At least time for the doors to open by 6.30 pm.
We are few looking for an extra ticket.
Not so easy!
But a lot of fans come talking to me;
my reviews' followers. Thanks folks. Much appreciated. I even managed
to sale some of my prints (not easy on that tour) to three Ladies
from Danemark. Much appreciated. Thanks ?ﾟﾙﾏ?.
For those two shows Fans came from
different European countries.
By 7 pm the black van cautiously and
'privately '? driving Bob Dylan is entering the parking garage under
the screaming 'Bobby! Bobby!' of about 15 fans. Did he like it
or not???? Mystery!
Hilda comes to me and proposes to buy
me a ticket. A beautiful Lady who already helped me with Tix. I go
immediately to a man selling for under price ticket. It's a second
balcony. Better than the night before.
Same beautiful theater. The Beacon, the
Rex, the Majestic (in San Antonio) are similar. I think Bob should do
his new set list only in those nice and intimate venues. No more
sport stadiums?
They start on time with an ovation from
the public.
The echo on "Black rider" is
more discreet than last night.
No harp on "Masterpiece".
14th song is "Not fade away".
And tonight no surprise song.
A long introduction of the Band. Bob
asks Bob Britt to play something on his guitar (a few notes) and asks
Donnie to play a bit of violin ?
He is talkative tonight.
The songs are all well executed (except
for a light mistake on "Every grain of sand") but for my
opinion it's lacking of yesterday's energy.
No harp at all.
At some point Bob is playing something
weird on the piano and I see Doug and Tony moving close and following
Bob's hands. I can't tell what was different ?
The kid next to me is from UK. First BD
show.
He is carefully noting the songs???
Should read the set list from Boblinks?
Still one of the best shows with an
enthusiastic and respectful audience.
Bob's voice and diction as clear as
ever.
The sound perfect.
Thanks to my good friends.
I had a nice stay in Barcelona!
From Barcelona to Carcassonne June 25th.
We are a group of Bobcats at the bus
station.
We start panicking when the Flixbus is
more than two hours delayed. But finally all is well. We can all fall
asleep on that bus ?.
I find my Couvent hostel... without any
nuns.
The dorm is 6 females only. Great.
Except one girl will get up every night at 2 am ?.
June 26th.
With Irene, we take a nice walk early
morning around the Medieval city (Beautiful place!),
where the show will take place tonight
at 9.30 pm.
Back for an afternoon rest, a lunch, a
change of clothes. And back to the Medieval city.
I bumped into many Dylan crew people or
even the musicians. Jerry Pentecost is a great guy!
They will do a long soundcheck..after
all!
So...we wait for a stretched afternoon
?
I go inside by 9 pm.
I chat a little bit with my good
friends/fans from ..... Australia. Nice to meet them again?
I've got a ticket from Irene and we
both sit on the upper section. Show starts on time but too many folks
are still moving around. The first song is ruined ?.
It's getting better on "I contain
Multitudes".
The public is not polite, moving a lot
for drinks!
I try to enjoy myself and focus on
Jerry on the drums.
An echo on "Black rider".
Long harp solo on "When I paint my
masterpiece".
But his voice is weak on "Mother
of muses".
Tired???
He said something like "I hope
we'll be good, it's past our bed time" ????
Then a murmured "Baby, ce soir"
but after the song. No reaction from the audience ?
Two or three "Thank you".
A minimalist introduction of the Band
with a little something about Tony, before "Jimmy Reed".
The public is the worst since the
beginning of the Tour. Talking (I had to ask twice to shut up ?),
going out for drinks, taking photos ( I saw security taking out a
fan) or even throughing things on stage. Bad manners, the Frenchies!
"Jimmy Reed" wakes up some
Fans in the back, clapping along.
"Every grain of sand" is
good. Bob blows his harp, puts it down, and picks it up again.
A beautiful venue decor, surrounding.
An average show. A terrible audience ?.
But all together my stay in Carcassonne
had been pleasant.
Let expect a better public in
Aix-en-Provence.
A suggestion for the Bob Dylan
organization.
1) Ask fans to be sited on time. Maybe ring a bell 10 minutes then 5 minutes before the time due for the show.
2) Ask fans to be respectful and NOT move or TALK during a song.
3) Make sure the first song is... audible. Why should " watching the river flow " be ruined every night?
On the train to Aix-en-Provence.
See you there!
And be your Baby ...ce soir?
Aix-en-Provence June 27th.
The city of Paul Cézanne ( one of the
favorite painters of Bob Dylan...for what I know).
And where his " Trail car "
is exhibited somewhere North. Château La Coste.
For me that will be 'training' from
Carcassonne to Aix-en-Provence via Marseille. A nice trip with other
Bobcats.
I check in my AirBandB and take Irene
to her BB.
Then join Svein for a bus ride to the
Arena.
8 km away from town ?
In the middle of.... nowhere.
A large space ship ready to take of to
the moon. But absolutely nothing else. Fields with cows???
Luckily I bump into Fans I know to chat
a while and rapidly find a ticket. And ... walk inside more
than one hour before show time.
I chat again with fans (my good friends
from Sydney) and finally take my seat ; row 15 on the floor. Not too
bad but it's an arena truly ugly. All black inside ?. Huge ; 7000
seats. They closed some sections. To tell you the truth...I was
in a negative mood. I didn't believe there would be so many
folks.(ready to space to the moon)?
But what do I know? A Bob Dylan show is
always surprising!
So tonight they start at 8.33pm for
unknown reason. Show was programmed at 8.30 pm.
The sound is loud. 'Watching the river
flow' correctly done.
Bob is in a a good mood! Didn't mind
the fields and the cows???!!?. Or is it his red shirt matching the
curtains?
The audience is polite (a lot more than
Carcassonne). Respectful and reacting with emotion.
Bob will say a shy "merci"
after 'Masterpiece' ( I believe). But no 'Baby ce soir' though this
song brings the most enthusiasm from the public. Another reaction on
"you may be an ambassador to England or France' ( yeah! Yeah!
Yeah!).
Then Bob says "I will present my
Band now though it's not easy after that song but it must be done"
( or something of that spirit). A remark about Tony Garnier. And
during the show a couple of "Thank you".
His singing with energy, even screaming
at some point.
A slight mistake on the lyrics of "Key
west" and again on "Every grain of sand" where he will
blow some harp.
But the most unexpected is the 14th
song.
I was betting on " tweedle Dee and
tweedle dum".
But they start a swinging
Rock-and-roll. Obviously a Greatful Dead song. I don't know the song
but recognize the style. 'West L.A. fadeaway'.
The public reaction is not as wild as
expected.
Dead heads might not be so numerous
tonight ?. This is , Aix-en-Provence, not San Francisco ?
But nonetheless this is the highlight
of the show.
The BAND nailed it! Fantastic!
Maybe Bob should do a Dead show?ﾟﾘﾂ
To my astonishment that show was far
better than Carcassonne.
Bob and the Band in a remarkable energy
and a great audience. Even a stage rush at the end. A longer stay for
the final bow center stage.
Merci Bobby !
I bump into a French Fan, Evelyn,
who will give me a ride back to downtown. And with her I finally meet
Nancy from Austin Texas.
Unfortunately I won't be able to go to
' Château La Coste '. Unreachable by train or bus. Maybe on another
trip to visit Museums : Cézanne (et la montagne Sainte Victoire),
Chagall, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso...loved that region.
Should be my next vacation time after
the BD Tour?
So ... Thanks to all good people!
See you next in Lyon!
Wear a Tie Dye shirt!
From Aix-en-Provence to Lyon.
The Flixbus left on time and arrived on
time. A nice trip with a break near Montélimar where I had a treat
of nougat.
I walk 40 minutes along the Saône to
my youth hostel. I have bunk in a 18 bunks mixed door.
But to my surprise it's quiet.
June 30th.
I walk a long walk to the botanical
garden and back to my room for a change of clothes and charging my
phone. Then walk again the long tunnel under the city to the venue.
I meet with Ben and Guillaume just on
time to see the Band arriving for soundcheck.
We three chat a while around drinks and
it's time to look for a ticket. Finally I get one from Ben and we
walk inside. The venue is an amphitheater.
Smaller than Aix-en-Provence but not
totally full.
Many seats are empty and I grab one,
fifth row totally on the left. I see Bob clearly on the piano.
They start a little late and people are
taking their seats on " watching the river flow ".
I found his voice a bit weak and I
found his energy down until " West LA fadeaway ". Where I
stand up and dance and truly enjoy myself at that specific moment !
The public is cold. Except a reaction
on " I'll be your Baby tonight". The clapping don't last to
long on each song.
No "ce soir" and no "merci"
from Bob.
Maybe a couple of " thank you".
A remark on 'how difficult those songs are' after "Serve
somebody".
I'm surprised about the audience being
so quiet when about 20 Bobcats are in the public tonight.
The show is a lot better after the
Greatful Dead song. Even "Every grain of sand" will be my
highlight.
A rapid salute where he asked Tony to
join him.
I had great expectations to meet some
people I knew for that show in Lyon, but finally my best encounter
was after the show when I had a long conversation with three
beautiful people :
A couple from Brésil (the man being
originally French) and their friend from Auvergne.
They will give me a lift to my hostel
as it starts raining. Thank you?
Life is full of surprise. Definitively
not my best show. And it is my opinion ?
But of course I have many to compare
to.
Tomorrow I will focus only on the show.
Some days with and some days without.
Not Bobby's fault.
From Aix-en-Provence to Lyon.
The Flixbus left on time and arrived on
time. A nice trip with a break near Montélimar where I had a treat
of nougat.
I walk 40 minutes along the Saône to
my youth hostel. I have bunk in a 18 bunks mixed door.
But to my surprise it's quiet.
Lyon 2. June 30th.
A disturbed night in my 18 bunks room.
A guy speaks in his sleep and I don't understand what he says because
it's probably in Polish or something like this. ?
So get up early and take a walk
in Lyon. To give me a purpose I choose to go to Lyon 'China town'.
Took me two hours to find the street with three Asian restaurants,
two Asian shops ?ﾟﾘﾂ?
and that's it for 'China town'.
I'll wait next year to be in Beijing to
eat good Chinese food.
Walk back to the hostel, take a shower,
change my clothes and walk for the third time the tunnel under ground
Lyon to reach again the venue.
Nothing is happening Mr Jones.
I meet a nice Lady waiting for Bob ?.
She finally decides to have a cup of tea with...me.
By 7 pm. I start my search for a
ticket.
Not as easy as last night. When I start
to be desperate, Victor offers me his extra ticket. Thanks a lot. I
feel a lot better ?. Really kind ?of you Viktor.
I find myself sited between two Bobcats
(Nancy and Angus) in the first upper ring. The view is perfect though
a little far to see Bob's face.
As soon as they take their position on
stage the public is up and shouting. Good! I feel it's better than
yesterday already.
"Watching the river flow" and
"Most likely you go your way" are great. Bob doing a long
piano solo before starting "River flow".
"False prophet" is strong.
"When I paint my masterpiece"
creates reaction from the audience. And though there is no harp, the
piano is fluent and Donnie on the violin adds a sweet sound and
swing.
"Black rider" puts the
audience in total silence. The echo reasons as a shadow.
I don't remember exactly when but Bob
says clearly "Merci, les amis" ..and a roar from the
public!
He's obviously happy of the Frenchies
tonight?
"My own version of you" is
usually my favorite but tonight all songs are exceptional.
"I'll be your baby tonight"
always moves the public. I'm happy for the warm reception.
"You've got to serve somebody"
is strong. It will start after the Band introduction and a long and
loud applause for Tony Garnier, who seams to be moved.?
If I have a highlight for tonight could
be "Crossing the Rubicon" and "I've made up my mind to
give myself to you". Bob really insists and even points at the
public (Irene told me)
on the "you" which seams to
be personal.
We wait few seconds for the 14th song.
Again Tony, Donnie and Bob Britt close up on Bob to know which song
he's in the mood for.
Again "West L.A. fadeaway".
With the audience getting wild Bob will probably keep this one on the
list ?
He starts "Mother of muses"
with a broken voice . "West L.A." took all his strength ???
But it's an emotional version.
A swinging "Goodbye Jimmy Reed"
and a great "Every grain of sand" with applause from the
audience.
For the very end there is a stage rush.
Bob seams to like it. Fans in the front saw him smiling and looking
straight in the eyes of Fans.
I didn't mention "Key west" ?
Well! I found myself doing a Karaoke on
"Key west". ?
So....
Great show. Great public.
I finish the night with some good
friends/fans : Darren, Mameselle Lili, Ben, Dave, a woman
from...Tibet , a man from...India.
Dave and Ben will give me a ride to my
hostel.
Thank to all the help : Viktor, Ben,
Dave, Mameselle Lili, Darren, Nancy, Angus, Petra, Misha,
Irene....and all the rest.
Thank you Bobby and the Band.
See you next in....Milano.
Milano 1.
I reach Milano two days
before the first show as I skipped Montreux show.
I check in the
cheapest hostel I could for I have to pay for four nights. Bad
mistake.
I am in a room of twelve people and...bed bugs. The first
night I'm literally eaten by bugs and mosquitoes. My body is a rash.
I won't be able to sleep for three nights.
Nonetheless because I
can't afford another room I stay.?.
I don't have the energy to
visit Milano. But I've been here already before.
The day of the
show I hope for a better spirit. I usually don't like the pre-show
meeting but this time that would have been welcome. I meet only Ulie
and Monika at a cafe. Thanks for the company and the drink.
I made
a mistake on the show time. Tonight it will start at 9pm. Not 8pm.
Why? Who knows ?
Then I have to look for my ticket. My itching
body doesn't help to look happy. I also remember than last time in
Milano at Arcimboldi theater I didn't get in.
The people are
indifferent. I'm just invisible. Except for curious journalist and
folks who find my situation amusing if not ridiculous. " You
want a free ticket, really?".
It takes a lot to laugh,
By
9.10pm I'm the only one out.
it takes a train to cry.
When a
Lady arrives running and saying she has an extra ticket but she's
waiting for her boy friend. Who will arrive running. They want money
for that ticket and the scalper next to me doesn't help. I propose
20€ but it doesn't work. I'm afraid they will go in with that
ticket that ,by now, I'm desperate to have. He says 50. And I find my
last 50€ bill. It takes forever for the ushers to write the seats
numbers on the paper , secure the phones and ...ask us to wait the
end of the song on. I hear "I contain multitudes".
Then
I rush in. There is a problem with the seats being taken by other
folks. I see an empty seat right in front of me and I
just...seat.
Last seat on the right of the first quarter.
Bob
is already fully into "False prophet" .
His voice
doesn't appear so clear. The BAND is loud.
I try to enjoy myself
but I have to spray some cream all over my arms in between the
songs.
The audience is reacting politely. Some folks in the back
obviously knowing the set list and songs.
"Not fade away"
is ending then they start a song I don't know. It sounds Rock and
Roll.
I will need to ask few fans to figure out it's "Bad
Actor" by Merle Haggard.
Someone told me that Bob and the
Band rehearsed 100 songs before taking the road.
So we're ready
for more surprises.
Would be great to change some of the Dylan
songs too. As Bob has no problem of memory on new songs ?
Before
the show I spotted Scarlet Rivera walking in.
After the show a
group forms around her for a chat. That group moves to the backstage
door where the musicians are waiting to leave.
Tony Garnier joins
the group for a talk.
We all say "good night Tony"
before walking to a nearby pizzeria.
Thank you Nancy for sharing
your pizza.?
I have to walk 40 minutes, back to my crummy
hostel, past one o' clock.
I will have to take three warm showers
during the night to relieve my body pain.
The show might have been
terrific...but truly I have hard time to be happy.
Tomorrow is
another day!
Milano 2.
I woke up with a good
news; booking.com
sent me a credit. I will use it to book my last night in Milano in
another hostel. I choose one with positive reviews and check in
early. I can then relax and take a nap in the afternoon.
By 4.30pm
I'm bored and decide to go to the venue , see if I can meet people
there who I know.
I see the two same Italian fans who want
autographs, mainly from the Band.
Band arrives by 5.30pm ,
stepping out of their bus.
I 'stalk' the parking lot for a while.
Bob's bus is not protected. No way he will come close to it.
A
garage door slightly opens and two security guys take position in
front. Bob should be arriving soon. A black car, with Bob's security
man in front, passes in front of me and drives inside the garage
door. Bob is inside.
Noway the two fans will get any autographs.
Not even from the Band.
This is the way it goes, nowadays ?
It
doesn't matter. The most important is to see Dylan and his Band on
stage.
[And those two guys didn't go to the show ???!!!?].
So
after a chat with a nice follower Stijn (thanks for the coffee?), I
search for a ticket.
Not easy.
But Ulie and Ulie's wife will
offer me their extra Tix for that show tonight.
Great. No worry
anymore.
Thank you soooo much.
I walk in and take my seat, all
the way in the top. Under the roof?
Five seats around me are empty
but will fill up later.
Nice fans on that section of Arcimboldi
theater.
Nice reaction, cheering and applauding.
I see the
stage remotely far but plainly visible.
See Bob shuffling his
paper lyrics.
For me, where I seat( in middle ) the sound is
perfect. I can hear Bob's voice clearly.
"Watching the river
flow" is perfect. So is "Most likely...". Bob sitting
and almost invisible.
Then standing for "Multitudes". I
find "Black rider" particularly great tonight. Specifically
the guitars and the echo. The audience is quiet. It's a moment of
Magic. My highlight for tonight.
At some point Bob will say
clearly "Grazie, Grazie, Grazie mille".
And "Baby
tonight" is moving the public.
"My own version of you"
(new version) always so good. "Serve somebody" powerful.
A
big applause from the public that will cover Bob presenting Jerry
Pentecost as the drummer, twice. Before Doug Lancio 'on
guitar', Bob Britt 'also on guitar', Donnie Heron 'on steel guitar '
and 'on bass Tony Garnier ( Big applause from the fans of ...Tony?).
Then Bob presents again Jerry Pentecost on drums. To make sure he
will get applause too. And I believe he was specifically good on
"Serve somebody".
The show goes on without mistake or
hesitation.
The BAND really really professional by now.
Bob not
erratic on piano which makes the music clear, loud and fluent.
A
couple of 'grazie' and 'thank you'.
The 14th song is "That
old black magic" and....
They start ,as an extra, a song I
don't know.
"Broke down palace" another Grateful Dead
song.
Absolutely faultless ?
Then "Mother of muses".
We
have on that 4th of July an extra song?
A long appreciated harp
solo at the end of "Every grain of sand".
The show was
another great show.
The audience is happy going out.
My day
had been a good day and a great night.
Thanks Ulie and wife.
A
group of 30 or so Fans follow Michele, the Italian ' leader ', to a
nearby Pizzeria where we finish the night and drink to....Bob!
I
have a ride with Nancy to home by 1 am.
And fall asleep right
away.
Finally a great day in Milano.
Next Lucca and " I'm
travelin' light and I'm a-slow coming home "?
Thanks
all good people ?
Lucca July 6th.
I decided for a night bus. Maybe a
mistake.
As we have a stop over in the middle of
the night. In the middle of nowhere (in Genoa). All is dark and dead
on that outside parking lot. To be positive...it's not raining or
cold?
Second bus 20 minutes delayed after two
hours of waiting.
Can't even sleep. Too afraid to miss
the stop in Lucca at 3.30 AM.
I'm the only one stepping out.
Either I'm the only crazy Dylan fan either someone is... sleeping ?
I take a walk in beautiful Lucca
intercity. Under the full moon and...empty arms.
The stage is already setup.
My AirBandB hosts agree to let me in at
6am.
That's a relief. I can take a shower,
buy food in the close by supermarket and...take a nap.( From 10 to
1.) Then relax until 4pm when I start walking to the Piazza
Napoleone.
This time the streets are full of
tourists. Not so nice?
Meet with Irene then Svein and Monika.
We wave hi! to Tony passing by?
Thanks to Evelyn for the ticket. I
don't have to worry.
The seat is strange. And the setup even
stranger ; first rows(front stage), a construction with high
seats in middle of the Piazza. More rows of seats around, behind they
put more rows of non-numeric seats(one of mine) and finally a tribune
with high seats.
I can't decently seat. I decide to
stand on the side. The view of the stage is partially obstructed( by
the middle construction). I can see Bob Britt, Donnie and Tony. I
have hard time seeing Bob. Only at times, when he stands behind his
piano. So...I focus on the sound.
Of course, behind, the fans are not the
most attentive; drinking and talking.
I have to shush a kid totally drunk few
times.
Bob starts the few first songs in a
rush. He will start "Baby tonight" before the Band is fully
ready. And sung it in an "angry voice".
Nonetheless he will try a 'mille
grazie" and few "thank you".
In front and here and there fans are
responding gracefully. But the music is lost in the dark staring sky.
I enjoy myself as I can dance and
karaoke.
Not a song will truly impresses me.
Maybe "West LA fadeaway"..…
He's again losing his voice on "Mother
of muses". A bit hard after the Dead song.
As he is playing his harp on "Every
grain of sand" there is a stage rush. So he'll pick up the harp
again and makes a great solo.
I push (a little bit) security control
to arrive five rows in front of the stage for the final salute.
Bob looks happy but....tired.
I watch him as he leaves the stage.
Bent and slow. He must be exhausted by now. As we are all , the
followers ?
It was a great experience (again) in
Lucca.
But as for the show itself...not the
best.
I say thanks to Jason who doesn't seem
happy. Maybe it was difficult to adjust the sound in those
conditions.
My fancy home permitted me to rest and
recover for the final two shows.
So.
Thanks to Evelyn and all good people.
See you in Perugia.
Another adventure ?
Happy birthday Bob Russell ?
Perugia July 7th.
The only way from Lucca to Perugia is
by train via Firenze.
So be it!
The first train is packed and slightly
delayed. But I manage to catch the second train also packed.
Traveling with Svein with a pleasure!
In Perugia my only option was to stay
in a hotel.
So be it!
Check in and rest. Don't feel like
visiting. I start feeling exhausted.
By 5pm I join Irene to catch a little
train to up in the mountain of Perugia. Then we have the weirdest
walk I ever had, through the underground city of Perugia. That would
be interesting to have more time here to know about history. But I
just walk to the venue , a huge outdoor plaza with a huge stage set
in.
Capacity 6 thousands with plastic seats
and a stone tribune in the back for poor fans. No number seats
attributed.
I hold my sign up for two hours with a
poor result : only folks who want to sell for 100€ or so.
Other than that?....total ignorance and
scorn.
I shut of my feelings and tell myself I
don't even want to go inside with such an audience ?
After all I could hear from outside ?
I'm waiting for ,maybe, some of my
readers. Fans who know me.
Hardly any one here speaks or
understand English. At a Bob Dylan show???? The Nobel for
Literature.???
That always struck my mind.
Some fans who know me say hello and
that feel good.
When I feel totally blocked out...four
young people come to me. They know me for my reviews and they have a
ticket for me.
Among thousands of Fans , only a
handful are great good heart-ed Fans.
I start feeling that the world is truly
going WRONG!
OrI'm not at the right place, at the
right time.
Bob Dylan doesn't mean anything in
terms of humanity. He's just a Legend?ﾟﾘﾞ
From rags to riches!!!
I decide not to seat among the crowd.
To stand somewhere in a corner and
dance. To remember the good old days. When it was fun to be at a Bob
Dylan concert.
I stand by a rail. Stopped by security
'cause I don't have the gold ticket to be close. Security even asks
me to take my seat.
"Mr. Dylan doesn't like people to
stand up" he says.
How does he know that ....????
Can't believe how many folks talk in
the name of Mr. Dylan.
The world has gone wrong!
I finally move to the top of the hill.
I see the stage clearly though far away
but the sound is loud.
To my extreme surprise....the six
thousands people are quiet. Too Quiet ?
I look at the hands hardly clapping. No
one dare to stand and dance....just crazy me!
It feels we are in a preacher sermon.
Except no hallelujah! Silence!
The show is the same as the last few
ones.
Professional but , for me, the charm is
gone.
Bob said "Grazie Grazie mille
grazie" twice and some "thank you". Repeat again
"those songs are difficult to play...".
"That old black magic" and a
comment from Bob. "That song is called That old black magic, if
someone wonders" ?
Then will notice before Jimmy Reed.
"We've played that one before, we'll play it again" or
something of the kind.
Great harp solo on "Every grain of
sand".
And truly this is the only time we have
a wild reaction from the crowd. And as it's the opening of the Red
sea....a fantastic stage rush!?
They want to SEE Bob Dylan
close...and that must be the only reason they bought an expensive
ticket....
Well!
At least I hope Bob Dylan had a great
time, looking from the stage.
Me,....not so much.
Thanks beautiful young people who gave
me that ticket. That will be another one experience to write in my
book : search for the good hearted 'fans' in the thousands anonymous
folks?
Back to my hotel room... wishing to
paint my Masterpiece.
Feel like I want to be in another
Universe.Rome will be next and last....
Rome final destination.
It was a nice ride on FLIXBUS from
Perugia to Rome. My AirBandB is on the other side of Rome. I pay
1.50€ for a 'tourist tour'.
Rome is heavy of traffic and heat.
My booking is a mixed of Airbnb and
hostel.
I share a room with the owner then with
other guests. The apartment is next to a large traffic road. The
noise is intolerable. And probably the pollution. The Italians have
few notions of ecology. Hardly ride a bike. The planet is in danger!
Anyway I decide to stay home and relax.
July 9th.
The temperature will reach 37°C. I
won't visit Rome. I've been here many times.
I need a ticket for the show. It
doesn't seem easy. The venue is small and when I checked the
website...sold out.
I checked again early afternoon and two
sections on left and right of the stage are open.
I don't know about the visibility but I
buy myself a ticket and then another one for a fan I know.
By 3pm I take a metro then walk to the
venue.
The structure is weird , so the area.
Nothing is happening. I walk around and find an ice cream parlor. My
first real Italian ice cream.
Later on I meet with Uli and we have a
drink in a cool AC bar.
The show tonight will be at 7.30pm.
Don't know why!
Many Bobcats gathered for that last
show but I want to focus on the show( could be the last ...at least
for me) and avoid the confusion of too many crazy behaviors from
people I know or believe I know.
Just say goodbye to my good friends
from Australia. Dedicated but discreet ?
The seat is incredibly located. Up on a
gallery, far left of the stage. Uli and I have a clear view on the
piano. So close! It's even closer than the first row on the floor.
I stand up by the rail. I want to enjoy
myself. Forget about the public ?
I see the Band and Bob walking to the
stage from behind. Bob last.
I see his hands on the piano for the
first two songs when he sits and plays.
Drinking from a cup between the songs.
The sound is great.
The view perfect.
I see Bob's face.... Getting old!
His back is bent in a black embroidered
suit. Black pants with white straps.
White flat shoes.
His hands moving diligently on the
keys.
At times only his right hand playing,
the left hand on the top of the piano.
He's shifting his paper lyrics in
between the songs. I don't see him actually reading much.
I karaoke each song. No one in front of
me and no one behind. By a miracle, that seat is perfect!
Bob says "thank you Ladies and
gentlemen" but nothing in Italian.
Public is warm. But truly I feel like
Bob and the Band are playing for me, even though they NEVER look at
me.
After "I've made up my mind to
give myself to you" I see Bob turning to Tony, then Doug moving
to Tony. That will be "That old black magic".
Then they start a new song. I hear
shanandoah shanandoah...but the name is "Only a river" by
Bob Weir. Another reference to Dead heads.
As I'm ready for "Mother of muses"
I see Bob turning to Tony who rapidly scrolls a prop-tor in front of
him.
They jump in a long and heavy Rock and
Roll tune.
"Truckin'" another Dead song.
I'm on fire , so is the audience.
They Rock the casbah!?
Two extra songs. No error?ﾟﾤﾣ?
They could have been Dylan songs. But
he decided to cover...the Dead???
"Mother of muses" cool of the
atmosphere before "Jimmy reed".
And the permanent "Grain of sand"
I can see a box of 5 harps on the right
side of Bob on the piano. He will pick one. And....
The entire floor is moving towards the
stage. A stage rush that will make Eric panics. I see him pushing
back a young kid trying to move on to the stage.
But Bob and the Band are happy. Tony
can't stop smiling. As he looks up at me for the salute...I wave my
hands!
I see now that Bob is wearing a yellow
shirt ?
He joins his hands in a "thankful"
salute!
It will take so long to have the lights
on that we believe he will come back. But they already pack the
guitars and all....
Bye bye Bobby ?
That was my best show of the Tour.
A great final!
