After the summer Tour in Europe all the Bob Dylan fans wait with impatience for the dates of the Fall Tour 2019,
It
takes a long time before they are officially out. They will be
released only one month before the fist show.
All
the fans are relieved as some rumors started to talk of the end of
the “never ending Tour”.
The
reason of the delay might be that George Recelli will not be on that
Tour. Bad news and maybe only rumors are spreading out, that George
might be sick. Hopefully not true and if so we all wish him a fast
recovery.
The
Tour will start in October from California and end in Washington D.C.
In December.
It
is a long run but with ten shows programmed at the Beacon Theater in
New York.
I
already dream of the California leg as I love Cali. Also the ten
shows at the Beacon within two weeks are tempting.
As
usual, I don't only travel for the Bob Dylan Tour but I also take a
chance to spend some 'free' time in the States and volunteer for
work.
I
contact my friend Dale in San Antonio but it is not useful for me to
be in Texas as most of the shows will be North or East. So I contact
my other friends in Philadelphia to see if they need my help for some
painting. And they do. They need to fix the old house in order to
rent it. They need the painting of all the ceilings and walls of six
rooms, including the windows seals and doors.
Great!
I
book my flights from September 20th to December 16th
just to be in the 90 days tourist visa given on arrival. I will have
to change my plan and book another flight on December 10th.
Steve
(the Man of the house) will pick me up at the Newark airport and I
will spend ten weeks working on the house, long hours everyday.
But
my purpose is to see Bob Dylan on stage.
So
with my friend Irene we plan to do the California leg of the Tour
together.
Irene
will rent a car and drive and I will be the co-driver.
It
sounds great.
PART
1
California.
October
11 Irvine
It
had been a long and narrow way before I finally arrived safe and
sound at the “Ben Events Center” at UCI.
After
a trip to Malibu, searching for the Xanadu(in vain)....this is time
for the first show of the Fall Tour.
I
know by now that my "little Georgie" won't be in the Band.
Sad news. Take care of yourself George Recelli. I miss you.
I
get a ticket and go inside the venue to check out the stage
situation.
Some
changes took place;
No
more Grand piano. But a straight up piano center stage. The back of
that piano is blocking the view of the seats on the right.
It
is now better to be center or on the left facing the stage.
Another
change is the presence of three full sized mannequins on the back of
the stage. Weird!
A
new drums set and drummer (Matt Chamberlain) and and new guitar
player (Bob Britt) between Donnie and Tony.
The
capacity of the venue is 5000 but not Sold out.
I
have a balcony seat that I will not use. I decide to be far back on
the floor, center, so I see the stage and all the musicians.
They
start 15 minutes late with a musical introduction and some sort of
tuning the instruments all together.
Bob
is dressed in black with white shoes and it seems to me that he had
been shrinking in his suit. Hat less and a fair amount of curly hair.
The
first song is one of my favorite ; "Beyond here lies nothing".
Same tune as before. Bob surprisingly is playing his electric guitar
center stage.
Then
a set list not so "new".
1
Beyond here lies nothing. Bob on guitar. Center stage.
2
It ain't me Babe. Bob on piano
3
Highway 61. Bob on piano
4
When I paint my master piece. Bob on piano. And on harp.
5
Can't wait. Bob center stage.
6
Simple twist of fate. Bob center stage.
7
Honest with me. Bob on piano.
8
Trying to get to heaven. Bob on piano. Donnie on violin.
9
Make me feel my love. Bob center stage. And harp.
10
Pay in blood. Bob center stage.
11
Lenny Bruce. Bob on piano. Donnie on violin.
12
Early Roman Kings. Bob center stage.
Presentation
of the Band
13
Girl of the north country. Bob on piano.
14
Not dark yet. Bob center stage.
15
Thunder on the mountain. Bob on piano.
16
Soon after midnight. Bob on piano.
17Gotta
serve somebody. Bob on piano.
Encore
Long
and wasted years. Bob center stage.
“It
takes a lot to laugh. It takes a train to cry”. Bob center stage.
Except
for "Lenny Bruce" I heard all the songs from that list. A
strange choice coming out of the third "gospel album" ;
"Shot of love".
Well
done by Bob with a lot of emotion.
Bob
was happy to be here tonight. He said "thank you" and
presented his Band. His voice was as clear as ever. He made the
effort to be a lot center stage, so to be seen by a maximum of Fans.
On
the negative side; I was not impressed by Britt's guitar playing. I
even feel it difficult to make the distinction between the two
guitars. It seems to me that they are just playing double. Maybe on
the exceptions of "Pay in blood" (My highlight for tonight)
and "The early Roman Kings". But Charlie was always
exceptional on that one.
As
for the "new" drummer. Well! He didn't impress me and was
copying George beats .... I wished they had not done "Thunder on
the mountain". For me it was George's moment of glory.
That
was a great introduction show. And hopefully the guitars will get
better.
Nothing
wrong with Bob. Though maybe he did lyrics mistakes here and there.
"Thunder" was a bit confused.
The
encore was perfect. Great choice. We finally got rid of BITW
(=”blowin' in the wind”.)
The
Band made his bow.
The
public was respectful.
I
was happy to be here.
Sacrifice
is the code of the road but with such a show it is worth the pain.
Thank
you Bobby.
Take
good care of yourself George. Hope to see you soon.
See
you all in Santa Barbara.
Good
night Bobby!
From
Irvine to Santa Barbara.
We
hit the road early morning after a large breakfast.
We
decide to make a stopover at the Xanadu in point Dume.
This
time we find easily the entrance of the Dylan's property. We can tell
right away by the wilderness that spreads all the way on the
road;flowers bushes, high trees and the staunch of the horses running
wild inside in the distance. I picture the old cars graveyard right
across the security fence. A fence that has nothing of an offensive
security display. The cameras at the old gate don't even seem to
function. It looks like 45 years of neglect. From the roads it is
impossible to see the buildings but I can imagine the den of an old
rich "bear". We move on, following the coastal road.
October
12 Santa Barbara.
Santa
Barbara is not far from Malibu so we have time to reach the Bowl in
the afternoon, hear the sound check from the distance and relax with
a cup of tea and a snack.
The
show tonight will start at 7.30pm as we are out door.
The
bowl is facing the Ocean and from the top we can see the sunset and
the moon.
I
get a ticket from a friend and spend time hanging around. The Band
and crew people are dinning in a visible area; Tony is busy
'selfiing' with friends and Charlie is walking in a white hat. Matt
Chamberlain and Bob Britt are not familiar figures to me so I am not
sure to recognize them.
Barron
is on duty.
By
7pm I take my seat in the first upward section on the left of the
stage.
I
see now 3 mannequins on stage. Did they add one?
If
they add one every show that will be a crowd of people at the end of
the tour!
The
show starts the same as yesterday and Bob is wearing what looks like
a stripped dark gray suit, a white shirt and white shoes (I still
can't see if they are boots or not).
Same
show as yesterday at the exception of "Ballad of a thin man"
instead of " Long and wasted years".
Good
choice as it gives the possibility for Britt to make a little solo on
his guitar.
Bob
is doing well. The Band is professional. Some Bobcats who I
recognized have a good time in the front section.
But
me....I feel tired and cold. My mind is drifting away.
It
is only the second show but already it seems a routine.
After
the last beat I focus of the atmosphere around. The roadies are ready
to pack up the material as fast as possible. The crowd slowly moves
away.
Bob
is secured immediately inside his bus right back to the stage.
From
the bus to the stage. From the stage to the bus and off he goes for
the next one which will be .... The same.
My
memory of Santa Barbara is a lot more thrilling that my immediate
feelings.
Maybe
the group behind me incessantly talking didn't help.
"Thunder
on the mountain" put some Fans on fire but nothing like a Rock
and Roll atmosphere.
We'll
see what tomorrow brings.
Good
night Bobby. Good night the Band. I still have to get use to the
disappearing of Stu and George.
From
Santa Barbara to Palo Alto.
We
took highway 1, the coastal road to Monterey.
We
keep on H 1. ,a narrow and winding road between the red forest and
the Pacific Ocean for five hours. A little stop in Big Sur to feel
the fresh air and the fog. The last few miles put me in panic as the
gas gauge starts blinking red. We fill up with 40$ in Carmel and that
should take us a long way.
We
have dinner of fish and fries at the Fishhopper on Monterey Cannery
row street and go to sleep.
The
next 300 kilometers to Palo Alto are an easy ride.
October
14 Palo Alto.
The
show tonight at Stanford University is G.A. and open air. I don't
except any front row as I don't have a ticket yet and I don't want to
queue but enjoy the sunny afternoon on the campus. Walking around and
taking photos of the beautiful buildings is a pleasant occupation.
At
6pm. they open the doors and a crowd of few hundred fans starts
rushing in.
At
6.30pm. a nice Lady offers me to join her in the line for she has a
ticket on her telephone for me. This is more and more common to use a
mobile screen ticket.
Okay.
All good.
As
I walk in I realize people are spread out on the grass, more or less
picnicking. Nothing like the great enthusiasm we used to have at a
G.A. show. I find my way to the rail on the left side of the stage
and hold the spot for one hour.
I
will be able for the first time to see Bob's face.
The
Lady next to me is an Artist from Santa Cruz and we have a pleasant
chat for one hour.
It
is dark by now when Bob and his new Band take the stage.
"Beyond
here lies nothing" is remarkable with Bob on guitar.
As
he puts his guitar down, the electric cord touches the floor. Bob
first makes a move towards the piano but suddenly turns around ,
looks at the guitar cord, makes a gesture to pick it up, changes his
mind and moves again to the piano. Weird!
He
will pick up that cord after the song. Showing a sign of compulsion?
He
keeps on singing the set list with concentration, obviously focusing
on the lyrics.
I
focus on his outfit! A brand new suit with white flashing embroidery,
a white shirt and a little belly popping out of his tightly fitted
white belt, brand new shoes looking like sleepers(no more cowboy
boots). Hat-less, with hair dyed and combed as a balloon.
He
is wearing a ring on his right hand.
Alright.
All
his energy is on the expression of the lyrics. What ever the song,
the lyrics are clear and emotionally expressed. He is even using his
hands and body to add some drama.
He
is blowing his harp with energy on "It ain't me Babe" and
"Make you feel my Love" .
I
see Bob reading the lyrics of "Lenny Bruce" in front of
him, on the piano. Other songs he knows well.
I
am still not impress by the Band. Except a solo from Charlie or Bob
Britt, here and there. Donnie being mainly on the violin, with 3 or 4
pedal steal backing up Bob's still erratic piano playing.
The
public is polite and one or two wild fans scream "yeas" and
"go on Bob" but nothing of the atmosphere of the past.
I
even feel bored on "Trying to get to heaven" and now
realize how cold I am. I am freezing.
Bob
has a heater on the side of his piano and steam is coming from his
mouth and the mouth of the guitar players.
"Ballad
of a thin man" is exceptional but.... This is the End.
Bob
presented rapidly the Band tonight.
Final
bow and all is done.
I
was happy to visit Stanford University, well known all around the
world.
The
buildings were exceptional.
I
am happy that I decided to skip the next few shows. I truly don't
believe there will be any improvement. It is possible that Bob will
feel more tired moving on.
California
was a pleasant journey.
Bye
bye Bobby. See you on the east coast.
With
Irene we will spend two days in San Francisco. The city I used to
like so much.
I
take Irene to Haight Ashbury, still colorful and hippystyle but no
more hippies are living there. We bump into a lot homeless Americans,
no more dreaming of a better society.
We
move to the Fisherman Wharf but here too the atmosphere is not the
one I used to know.
Except
some tourists the Wharf is dead!
Our
Motel, though really expensive, is not so much fancy. It is
surrounded by a plethora of homeless bumps ; The other side of the
American Dream.
I
leave San Francisco, next day, by the Oakland Airport. Oakland where
20 000 homeless Americans are trying to survive among the trash and
the rats!
The
weather is fine and this is their only consolation!
PART
2
I
will spend few more weeks in Philadelphia with my Family to help
again to fix the old house they are willing to rent.
Being
up at 6am every morning I like to go there, two blocks away, I do
what I like the most...paint. I paint the ceilings, the walls, the
doors, the windows... until I am so tired I go back home (the new
house), take a shower, eat a dinner and watch “NCSI” or “Law
and orders” on Netflix. I am part of the Family but also all
alone, dreaming about my next Bob Dylan shows.
I
decide to do another leg of that Tour. The one in the North.
4/11
Columbus, Ohio-
Wexner Center for the Arts - Mershon Auditorium
5/11
East Lansing, Michigan-
Michigan State University - Wharton Center for the Performing Arts
6/11
Ann Arbor, Michigan-
University of Michigan - Hill Auditorium
8/11
Highland Heights, Kentucky-
Northern Kentucky University - BB&T Arena
9/11
Akron, Ohio -
University of Akron - E J Thomas Hall
10/11
Moon Township, Pennsylvania-
Robert Morris University - UPMC Events Center
I
book on line all my travels by Greyhound bus. I request some hosts on
the couch surfing website and I find some. For other nights I will
book beds in Youth Hotels or I will simply sleep in the buses or bus
stations.
This
is only one week but it will be intense.
November
4 Columbus Ohio.
I
arrived late morning, tired of a Greyhound bus night and hungry.
I
take a walk straight to the “Mershon Auditorium” and stop for
breakfast in a nice Cafe.
This
is a University City. Young people are busy to and out large
buildings.
I
spend one hour charging my phone battery in one of those buildings.
Can't
wait to see Bob and the Band since Cali.
I'm
wondering if the mannequins are not too much tired of the trip.
Bobby
and the Band should be alright. They are used to life on the road.
Sound
check as usual and security as usual. I bump into a young Lady
watching Bob walking his few steps to the back entrance. She is 23,
studying medicine and sweet.
But
even Charlie won't stop for a chat!
By
6pm I am ready.
It
starts raining but that won't stop my good spirit. The Auditorium is
small , 2000 or so. Of course supposed to be sold out but tickets are
still available.
The
crowd gather out of the rain and into the venue.
This
is not a Campus crowd. More of my age and over ;60s / 70s. And
snobbish to my test! A bit harsh too.
I
still believe in my good star who will appear as a man who heard of
me. His wife couldn't make it to the show.
Section
A row 4 seat 3. On the left of the stage.
Good
seat.
I'm
ready for the set list that I know by heart.
Expecting
"beyond.." But no, the first notes are "Things Have
Change". The melody seems different from the Cali shows. Am I
dreaming?
Bob
is dressed in a suit I've seen before: black with flashing red
embroidery, a polka dot shirt and black shiny shoes (no boots).
His
hair is fluffy. No hat.
He
looks tired.
First
song on a guitar.
But
the sound is...bad. The bass is way too loud. Bob's voice is muffled.
That
will be better on two or three songs, particularly " Make you
feel my love" or "Girl from the north country" but the
Rock songs are way too loud on the bass.
Too
bad as Bob is making great efforts on his lyrics.
"Pay
in blood" is strong, with a solo from Bob Britt but I miss the:
"I
got something in my pocket make your eyeballs swim
I
got dogs could tear you limb from limb
I'm
circlin' around the southern zone
I
pay in blood, but not my own"
Did
Bob changed those lines?
"Make
you feel my Love" will be one of the highlight tonight.
I
pay attention to "Not dark yet" and feel a pang of sadness.
Bobby's
face looks old. And globally I see him moving less even center stage,
his body bending more than dancing. I don't see him smiling a bit,
not even at Donnie!
All
his power is now in expressing his songs vocally.
Two
songs will be half on the piano and half center stage with harp "When
I paint my masterpiece" and "Simple twist of fate".
Great
job on the harp. Bravo!
The
public is polite. Even the first row won't express too much
enthusiasm.
I
was happy to be in Columbus.
I
had a nice afternoon. A great evening. Thanks to all good people :
the young waiter at the cafe, (who retrieved my earring), some
Bobcats for a nice conversation, the young lady Fan who wanted to say
hi to....Charlie , the Fan who gave me his wife's ticket.
Few
Fans pack up after the show to wave bye to the buses.
Good
night Bobby and the Band.
Now
a long night is waiting for me ...
November
5 East Lansing.
Arriving
late morning after a stopover in Detroit! I find a health food store
for a snack of bread and humus(it used to be bread and peanut butter)
and the needed shot of caffeine. I walk towards the “Wharton
auditorium”, passing through the campus (I will call that Tour: the
campus Tour).
It's
getting cold and my main concern is to stay warm.
I
check the parking lot where the buses are already parked. Early sound
check today. I spot Bob walking back to his bus , one hour
later....and this is it!
It
is too cold to enjoy the parks outside so I find refuge in one of the
buildings. My presence among the youngsters doesn't seem to have a
negative effect. Cool! I feel an outsider everywhere, anyway. The
worst are inside the casinos! Always feel like a zombie.
By
6.30pm I start the search for a ticket. I forgot this is a tiny
venue...too bad!
There
is only one security gate an I wonder how they will manage to get all
the folks in. But by 8pm they are all inside and I am...outside. No
luck.
The
public is again of a certain age but with some youngsters. Better
that Columbus.
I
am turning into a iceberg, so I walk inside the lobby of the
auditorium.
Zoe,
my CS host won't pick me up before 10pm.
I
hear the stage sound muffled and Bob's voice doesn't sound too good
from here.
Some
folks walk out but security won't let me in with their ticket stub.
Even when a nice Lady tries to negotiate for me. The rules are made
for the wise men and the fools!
I
have a nice chat with a gentleman also looking for a cheap ticket. He
is impressed by my determination!
Zoe
finally arrives and for my consolation I will have a warm bowl of
soup, a warm cup of tea and a warm shower followed by a warm sleep.
Lucie,
the dog, is warm too.
Goodnight
Bobby and the Band.
Stay
warm.
November
6 Ann Arbor.
part
1.
I
arrive late morning in a nice little city. University again. I walk
the way to the downtown area through a pleasant neighborhood. Nice
cozy houses.
As
I reach the more crowded streets I spot the trucks and roadie's
buses.
The
“Hill Auditorium” is a red bricks building without a parking lot.
I'm wondering where Bob's bus will park.
I
spend few hours drinking coffee and eating bagels in a Coffee shop
right across the “Hill Auditorium”. Nothing much is happening
until 3.30pm.
I
wrap myself in two layers of clothes and step outside in the cold.
I
check around how they will sneak Bob inside. By curiosity. I always
stay far away from the buses. I see the musicians walking down the
street towards the back stage door.
No
Bobby to be seen. I suppose they stop the bus by the entrance before
parking it on the street. Fine.
As
I walk away "Security Bob" (the tall guy with the white
hair) comes by me. I just wave hello. Then surprisingly he starts
talking to me.
"Tonight
you need to have a low profile. Keep your sign away from your mind"
. oops!
It
takes me a while to understand his words. I presume he is mentioning
my sign that says "I need a friendly ticket. Please".
So
what is the connection with security?
That
will disturb my mind all afternoon. Will he call the police on me as
he did against F.?
What
did I do wrong?
There
was nobody around those buses except me. What the fuzz all about?
Justifying the salary? Bullying a Fan? For some folks I am a
dedicated Fan, for some folks I am insane. That "Security Bob"
must be in the second category.
They
are more paranoid than Bob himself!
So
now I am a wreck. Thinking on how I'll be able to get a ticket to see
the show....
part
2.
I
go back to the coffee shop across the street for one hour or so. I
try to lift up my spirit.
By
7pm they open the doors and with caution I put my sign out.
Scalpers
are free to buy and sale, they are making business and it seems
better than "soliciting". I've been in that situation
before. Some folks are selling but my budget is limited. By 7.45pm a
young man approaches me and says ," yes I have an extra ticket.
"How much do you sell it for?" say I. He thinks and say
"20". Okay. It might be my only chance away from "security
Bob".
So
we walk in together. Balcony first row. The view is weird, plunging
on the stage.
Part
3.
The
show in itself.
I
will certainly appreciate this one. As I was uncertain to be in,
having been rebuffed in the afternoon by Dylan security... They
believe I'm a "freak"..What do they know?
I
relax.
Bob
is dressed with a suit I've seen before; black with embroidery, pink
shirt (it looks from far) and white shoes. His pants will stick in
his boots after few piano plays. Who cares?
The
first song and second are disturbed by folks taking their seats.
Bob
started right on time.
"Highway
61" is a must. My spirit finally getting high. I am here for the
show.
The
sound is good. His energy is high. I am back to my karaoke time.
Even
"Honest with me" captures my attention.
"Make
me feel my Love" reminds me why I am here for :
"
I've been to the end of the earth for you..."
Every
single song is great tonight.
The
public is into it.
I
hear some applause after the Bob Britt solo on "Pay in blood".
And
applause for "Thunder on the mountain".
The
first row will stand up for "Ballad of a thin man" but will
be asked to sit down. Can't be too much enthusiastic! That will
disturb security people! Ah ah.
"Lenny
Bruce" will stir up some consciousness. Some folks shear at the
line "he was the brother that you never had"...
"
Ballad of a thin man" Is a must. Too bad it is almost over. I
started to be happy and warm (physically and spiritually).
I
don't know if Bob could do a lot longer, he still appears stiffed
body to me. A little bit static.
But
the voice was powerful.
The
harp was breath taking.
I
say thanks to my precious Angel. (who asked me if Bob would
do....Hurricane??).
I
am still mad at "Security Bob" and all those "clowns".
They
do a great job but a little bit of humanity would be appreciated.
Who
said the Fans are ennemies?
Thank
you Bobby.
November
8 Highlands heights. Cincinnati.
I
leave Ann Arbor at 5am after waiting in the cold for more than one
hour.
Fortunately
not alone. A group of three students are also unfortunate. The
Greyhound station is closed for the night.
I
arrive by Greyhound bus after a layover in Detroit in early
afternoon.
Cincinnati
looks like a pleasant city. The sun is shining. I managed few hours
of sleep on the bus. I'm feeling good.
I
decide to walk the distance to my AirBandB to discover some of the
city.
One
hour and a coffee later I check in. The house is huge, so are the two
dogs barking at me. One is about my size!
The
bed looks comfy but against all wisdom I will go straight to the
venue instead of taking a nap. I'll sleep when I'm dead!
The
city bus trip is one hour and 1.50$. Cool.
The
“BB&T Arena” is a sport arena, capacities 10000. I worry not
for a ticket.
The
buses are parked in the parking lot. Only one guardian is taking
security measure. I spot a man and a kid who carry a Bob Dylan album
and a pen. An autograph Mr. Dylan?
Nope.
"Security Bob" will talk to them and they will move away.
I'm sorry for the kid!
Barron
walks Bob to his bus after the sound check and that's it for the
afternoon. All the Dylan people disappeared in warm and comfort: food
and a nap.
I
find a warm building inside the campus. Unfortunately the restaurants
are close, so is the “Starbucks Coffee”. I will starve a little
bit longer!
By
6.30pm the doors open and the folks get in. I am confident.
Before
7pm a man walks to me and says " yes, I have an extra ticket but
on my telephone." He seems kind and pleasant so I go with him.
No
heavy security tonight : no metal detector and they don't even search
my bag.
We
take our seats all the way up, plunging again to the stage. Far far
away!
He
explains to me that he got two free tickets from the Veterans
association. They gave away 320 couples of tickets. Whoa! More than
600 comp tickets tonight. His girl friend is sick and couldn't make
it. So he decided to use the ticket for good. Me. Thanks Andrew.
The
show.
Right
on time...
Bob
is wearing is white/cream jacket and black pants. And this is all I
can see.
The
sound is good and right away "Things Have Change" is
powerful. The Band well together.
1.
Things Have Changed (Bob center stage on guitar, Donnie on violin)
2.
It Ain't Me, Babe (Bob on piano, Donnie on violin)
3.
Highway 61 Revisited (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel)
I
jump on my seat and dance.
4.
Simple Twist Of Fate (Bob on piano then center stage on harp, Donnie
on violin)
The
changing of the lyrics are not new to me.
5.
Can't Wait (Bob center stage, Donnie on lap steel)
Strong
tonight.
6.
When I Paint My Masterpiece (Bob on piano then center stage with
harp,
Donnie
on violin)
Always
beautiful. And if only I could paint my masterpiece and make things
beautiful!
7.
Honest With Me (Bob on piano, Donnie on violin)
I
start to appreciate the rhythm. The Band is good tonight (or is it
me?)
8.
Tryin' To Get To Heaven (Bob on piano, Donnie on violin,
Tony
on standup bass)
I
am in Heaven.
9.
Make You Feel My Love (Bob center stage, Donnie on violin)
Sweet
but never my favorite.
10.
Pay In Blood (Bob center stage, Donnie on pedal steel)
Oh
yeah! Strong. And I hear ;
"I
got dogs that could tear you limb to limb
I’m
circling around in the southern zone
I
pay in blood, but not my own"
11.
Lenny Bruce (Bob on piano, Donnie on violin)
Not
sure I will ever like it.
12.
Early Roman Kings (Bob center stage, Donnie on pedal steel,
Tony
on standup bass)
I'm
a little bit tired of it. What about " Mississippi "?
13.
Girl From the North Country (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel,
Bob
Britt guitar with bottleneck, Tony on standup bass)
Bob
Britt is doing a good job.
14.
Not Dark Yet (Bob center stage, Donnie on pedal steel)
Tonight
I hear some lyrics' echos bouncing on the top of the arena. Is this
new? It gives an even more sinister effect.
15.
Thunder On The Mountain (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel)
I
can't stop stamping my feet.
16.
Soon After Midnight (Bob on piano, Donnie on lap steel)
I
do my karaoke. That song is so sweet!
17.
Gotta Serve Somebody (Bob on piano, Donnie on pedal steel)
Might
be the Devil, it might be the Lord!
I
signal Andrew that I have to move down. My last bus is due at 22.15pm
I don't want to miss it.
I
go down the floor.
18.
Ballad of a Thin Man (Bob center stage with harp, Donnie on pedal
steel)
Incredible
version. He should do this one before in the set list.
19.
It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
(Bob
on piano, Donnie on pedal steel)
I
wait for the final bow and run out.
Waiting
with me at the bus stop is a young Mexican student. This was his
first Dylan show and he is satisfied.
(The
two Dylan buses are passing by us. I wave bye to the drivers. Dylan's
driver answers by blinking his lights! Cool!)
We
talk more on the bus ride. Axel is studying philosophy. I recommend
him to focus of the Bob Dylan songs from the 60's and he recommends
me to read Hume(the philosopher).That bus takes me right to my home
and I go straight to bed with.....a satisfied mind.(but an empty
stomach).
Cincinnati
was a pleasant trip. I met great people. The weather was agreeable.
Bobby
is still in full capacity.
So
see you in Akron.
This
morning I had a conversation with Ben about Art and Business.
He
mentioned to me that song by Joni Mitchell. And I was thinking how
far Bob Dylan had gone from rags to riches, from humanity to glory.
Wondering
when
"his
sense of humanity had gone down the drain"
How?
why?
At
what point an Artist will decide between creativity and money?
And
what Glory will bring at the end,
when
you refuse even to see the ones who glorify you,
when
you feel the need to be protected from the ones who make you who you
are.
A
hotel luxury bus, two Bodyguards and a bunch of jewels...
Others
play their guitar for free....
"I
slept last night in a good hotel
I
went shopping today for jewels
The
wind rushed around in the dirty town
And
the children let out from the schools
I
was standing on a noisy corner
Waiting
for the walking green
Across
the street he stood
And
he played real good
On
his clarinet for free
[Verse
2]
Now
me I play for fortunes
And
those velvet curtain calls
I
got a black Limousine and two gentlemen
Escorting
me to the halls
And
I'll play if you have the money
Or
if you're a friend to me
But
the one man band
By
the quick lunch stand
He
was playing real good for free
[Verse
3]
Nobody
stopped to hear him
Though
he played so sweet and high
They
knew he had never been on their TV
So
they passed his music by
I
meant to go over and ask for a song
Maybe
put on a harmony
I
heard his refrain
As
the signal changed
He
was playing real good for free" Jonny Mitchelle
November
9 Akron.
Arriving
on time at 5.55pm.
I
walk the 20 minutes to the “E.J. Thomas Auditorium”, again on a
campus.
The
buses are parked on the streets but no guardians are watching them. I
spot Charlie outside and later Tony.
The
capacity is 3000 and so. I am hoping for the best. The crowd is
middle age. Nothing like a campus audience!
By
7.30pm a gentleman just hands me a ticket. No question, no answer. I
walk in and take my seat on row H seat 35 ( Later I will realized I
had two tickets). Actually really good seat. No one will claim the
seat on my right (it was the second ticket).
I
am ready for a good comfy show.
On
time they play the intro music they used to.
Bob
picks up his guitar and start THC (=”Things have changed”).
His
suit his black with white embroidery. White shirt. White shoes.
The
set list will be the same.
The
sound is perfect, clear and loud.
Bob
gets some drinks between the songs. Maybe he has a cold but his voice
is powerful.
He
picks up the wrong harmonica for MYFML(=”Make you feel my love”)
but changes it without freaking out.
I
love every single song.
That
show is the best for me so far.
The
public is reacting greatly.
Bob
is ready for “Ballad of a thin man” and I watch him with surprise
and delight picking up his guitar. Yea!
He
will do “Ballad of a thin man” on guitar. Whoa!
I
almost cry.
Thank
you Bobby for the effort!
It
takes me a while to get out when I realize there is no WIFI in the
area. I can't get UBER. So I call Julie who will rescue me. She is a
friend of my CS host in Ann Arbor. So nice!
I
stay at her house with three cats and three kittens.
I'm
happy to see that the show didn't lose its power.
Thanks
for all, good people.
Next
one is Pittsburgh.
November
10 Moon township. Pittsburgh.
I
arrive at 2.50pm on a Sunday.
I
catch a city bus and then UBER.
The
venue is a sport arena, away from all civilization!
Bob's
bus is parked in the street with no security. I'm pretty sure Bob is
not inside that bus.
I
bump into Kevin, a young guy of 21, who came all the way from New
Orleans on....Greyhound buses! And I thought I was crazy!
We
chat for a while.
Barron
is out talking on his telephone.
I
say hi and he greats me with a sweet smile.
Cool
Barron!
By
7pm the folks arrive and pile up in front the metal security gates.
A
gentleman with a cowboy hat says he has an extra ticket. He asks me
if I am a Fan...half hour later and many of my stories about
Dylan...he gives me his ticket.
We
walk in and I find Kevin next to where I am seated. Weird situation:
on the very right side of the stage. The view is from Donnie to
Charlie, way in the back. The sound board guy right in front of us.
Bob
on piano will be facing us. When he is center stage we see him on the
side. Not too bad though! Pretty close.
The
seats next to me are empty. The entire row is empty and lot more. I
will enjoy the show as a private person.
Barron
is down below, observing the first row.
I
focus on Bob.
His
suit is plain, kind of purple light color. Not sure if I like this
one. It looks two sizes too big. Maybe Bobby shrieked?
His
hair is weird. Like mine today. The conditioner didn't work to well.
All fluffy in all direction.
His
face is pale.
He
drinks between some songs. His cold didn't cure?
Other
than that...the show is again breath taking.
I
see Barron swaying on "Soon after midnight". Ah ah. I
caught you enjoying the song!
I
feel like Bob is playing in my living room and I am observing the
audience through a window.
The
first row stands for the encore as Bob will again plays his guitar on
“Ballad of a thin man”.
I
have a lot of fun all by myself, singing along.
This
was my last show of this leg of the Tour.
So
I say bye to Barron passing bye.
With
Kevin we take a UBER to the airport, where he will be staying. I
catch a city bus to downtown Pittsburgh. My bus to Philly is due at
1.35am.
PART
3
Back
to Philly where I start again my work routine. I want to finish
painting the entire house as I will not be coming back to work here.
I
also have the idea of painting some canvases of Bob Dylan portraits
to see if I could exchange a painting for a ticket or maybe just
sell.
I
enjoy myself and the family really like what I do. Fine!
I
prepare the last leg of my trip:
19/11
Lowell, Massachusetts-
UMass Lowell - Tsongas Center
20/11
Providence, Rhode Island-
Providence Performing Arts Center
21/11
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-
The Met Philadelphia
23/11
to 6/12 New York, New York-
Beacon Theatre
08/12
Washington D.C.-
The Anthem
November
19 Lowell.
I
took the 'Megabus' to Boston and the train to Lowell. It is raining
at 9am on the 19th of November 2019.
Luckily
my friend Ben (from France) is sharing his AirBandB with me and I am
able to stay dry.
I
check the venue, take a quick breakfast and after a little nap I walk
again the 30 minutes walk to the “Tsonga's Arena”.
I
arrive at the same time as the buses and spot Bob (all wrapped in a
warm gray winter jacket) walks the small distance to the back stage
door all by himself. Even Barron is surprised! Bob seems talkative
with his entourage.
Nothing
more for one hour sound check.
He
will walk again, this time with his Bodyguard back to his bus.
And
for my ego I have the feeling Bob and Barron are looking at me,
standing far away in the distance on the parking lot, facing the bus!
At
the front door of the venue I am waiting for Ben to join me. We are
both looking for tickets when a man who introduced himself as Jack
walks from the Box Office and asks if we need tickets."yes, two"
and Jack hands us two complimentary tickets from his company. Cool!
I
still want to try another tactic: I did some small Bob Dylan portrait
paintings and I want to see if I could sell or exchange for a ticket.
I
spend one more hour outside, exchange a painting for a ticket, sell
the ticket for few bucks. Cool! I made some cash for the road. New
Work will be expensive.
I
walk in, all frozen by now.
I
persuade Ben to stand on the left side of the stage, all the way up.
At least we will be able to dance without disturbing the public.
Bob
is dressed with his black (with white stripes) pants , the
white/cream jacket and his white "brand new" shoes.
He
will perform all very well with a special version of "It ain't
me Babe".
He
is smiling at Tony at the end. That was probably an improvisation.
He
will be talkative with each one of the musicians and even will
present the Band. Whoa!
I
spot my friend N. in the front row. She is dressed sexy and dancing
up on "The early Roman Kings " and I swear Bob was focusing
on her while performing the song. I never saw him so "attracted"
to the first row! Ah ah!
Ben
is enthusiastic and so will be some fans joining us on our row,
dancing and shouting but polite.
The
sound is not the best but Charlie's guitar is clear.
Bobby
was in a good mood tonight. Maybe he visited Jack Kerouac's tombs?
But no one saw him there.
Lowell
was a strange town : a little bit on the side of a depression? Some
red bricks buildings are impressive but in bad shape.
That
day was a new adventure for me.
Bobby
didn't lose his strength and spirit.
That
show still brings me a lot happiness. So see you all in Providence.
Waving
bye at the buses leaving the parking lot was the cherry on the cake!
November
20 Providence.
We
arrived by car and we (Ben and I) have a lunch by the waterfront.
Ben
drops me center town by the "Providence theater" and he
goes for a nap.
I
feel like checking around the downtown area.
By
four the buses pull in the street and Bob and the Band start working
on the sound check.
By
now I wonder why they need a rehearsal as they will certainly do the
same songs, they know by heart.
It's
raining now and Ben join me for a cup of tea.
By
7 pm I step out expecting a miracle ticket.
Again
tonight, a man has two extra tickets to give away, one for me and one
for another poor Fan.
I
walk inside with Ben as it is cold outside.
The
theater is magnificent. Christmas decorated.
My
seat is on the balcony but the capacity is 3000, so the view on the
stage is great, anyway.
At
8pm they take the stage. Bob with the same black with white stripes
pants but a silver/ gray jacket.
The
sound is bad for the first two songs and Bobs voice is rough.
After
"highway 61" that will be better.
This
time he is doing a modulation of the melody on "Simple twist of
fate". Playing with his voice!
Other
than that the show is equal to Lowell.
The
public is nicely reacting.
"Trying
to get to heaven" sounds again boring and "Gotta serve
somebody" is lacking of energy.
Ben
is out before the end and I join him with few others for a "goodbye"
departure to the buses. Of course far away from any disturbance as
Barron keeps vigilance!
We
had a nice day and a pleasant evening but the night will be short as
Ben needs to drop the car at JFK Airport and we'll catch a bus to
Philly.
Good
night Bobby. See you there.
November
21 Philadelphia.
Back
to where I started beginning of September this year but this time a
Bob Dylan show is programmed at the 'MET' again, the same as last
year.
Ben
and I managed to drop the rented car at JFK Airport just on time and
full of gas, a miracle by itself as the traffic jam started 50 miles
ahead of New York NY crossing The Bronx and The Queens.
We
have few hours to kill before our bus to Philly so we seat outside on
the stairs of 'Penn Station',(with a crowd of pigeons) facing the
'Madison Square Garden'. We share memories of the "Hurricane
Tour".
We
split arriving in Philly; Ben goes to his hostel, I walk straight to
the 'MET'. Just on time to see the buses pulling in for the
soundcheck. Cool! They are all here.
I
spend time recharging my phone batteries in a Cafe and walk back to
the 'MET'.
Ben
and I need tickets (again!). We are confident. The crowd is friendly
and relatively young, younger than the "campus" crowds(?!).
I
manage to sell one of my little paintings.
A
couple of nice friendly Fans, Josh and Michelle, offer Ben and I two
tickets side by side. I immediately propose one of my paintings as an
exchange and we are all walking inside happy and joyfully. The spirit
I like! No struggle today. “Security Bob” and Barron, I saw them,
in a good mood too!
The
theater is nice and comfy and we have seats on the first row of the
balcony. All the best as the pit seems to be low in front of the high
stage.
On
time, they take the stage.
A
roar from the entire theater makes me feel that will be a tremendous
show.
"Things
have changed" is opening as brand new to me. The Fans on the
floor are standing up the entire song. The applause is deafening (for
good).
"It
ain't me Babe" is clear and loud.
"Highway
61" put the theater on fire. Many youngsters are dancing and
bouncing even on the aisle, on the floor, showing that security is
relaxed and cool.
Bob
is torching the night.
The
Band is tight. Even if Donnie at some point had a problem with his
violin and Britt made a slight mistake at the beginning of "Honest
with you" (Bob didn't start singing on time, the Band was ready
for another intro). The same on " You've gotta serve somebody ".
Bob missed a couple of words.
But
that just show the spontaneity of the performance.
With
Ben we accompany Bob on some lyrics. Specifically screaming out
"
I ain't dead yet. My bell still rings..."
The
echoes of "Not dark yet" are more subtle tonight, giving a
nice resonance to the words and making the atmosphere even more
sepulchral.
"Thunder
on the mountain" puts the public on its feet.
The
solos of Charlie and Britt are appreciated and applauded. And of
course the Bob's harmonicas solos.
This
is the best public for a long time.
That
show is definitively set for a small theater connoisseurs public.
They
know what to expect and they like it.
It
is over way too soon.
An
immense roar accompanies Bob back to the curtains.
He
knew and spent few more seconds on his bow.
He
doesn't want to leave US neither!
What
a show! What a public! What a day!
My
good Friend David already wrote a review.
Yes.
We had a great time.
Thank
you so much Bobby. Thank you the Band.
Thank
you all the good people of Philly.
See
you next year at the MET?
Excellent
show. Great public.
One
of the best.
Thanx
to Josh and Michelle for the tickets.
Thanx
to Ben for the company.
PART
4.
November
23 NEW YORK Beacon 1.
Mixed
feelings....
I
arrived in NY just on time for the sound check.
Nothing
extraordinary. Of course impossible to approach Bob. He was sneaked
in....incognito!
I
saw all the musicians though.
Also
kind of incognito except Charlie who seems to like a little bit of
notoriety.
I
run to check in in my Hostel in Brooklyn. It looks like a "colorful"
area. A lot of animation.
But
the hostel is clean and for now I do have a private room.
Back
to the Beacon with the underground M line and then any of the red
line ; 1 2 or 3. Easy.
I
try my chance with my paintings to exchange for a ticket. They
attract the eyes of some Fans but not as much as expected. The folks
just want to get in to see Bob Dylan and His Band.
Nonetheless
a kind gentleman just hands me a ticket. At first he doesn't want my
painting but then changed his mind and take the young Dylan I painted
yesterday. Cool!
My
seat is orchestra 'row w'. A little on the back of the theater but
the Beacon is small so my view is good. The stage is set far back.
Bob will be away from the first row.
They
start fifteen minutes late.
Where
I am the sound is not so good. Bob's voice is muffled. All my friends
Bobcats said the show was great.
Well!
Compare to Philadelphia...the public was mellow. Though polite and
knowing what was going on.
So...it
was probably my mood, not too high.
No
change in the setlist. That might be 10 shows alike.
"Pay
in blood" was the highlight (for me).
No
echo on "Not dark yet".
A
good show but the atmosphere today was not my cup of tea.
I
check the backstage door right after the end. Some fans are piling up
by the bus. I know Bob will not get out this way. Too obvious and not
secured enough. I see no car waiting for him. No Barron.
Some
Bobcats came from all over the world but it is "hello and bye"
except my good friends from Australia.
Each
and every one is dreaming his own dream or am I being "ostracized"?
Or "paranoid" today.
Tomorrow
is Sunday. We'll see what it brings.
Good
night from New York NY.
November
24 NEW YORK Beacon 2.
My
day starts in the rain. The streets of Williamsburg are flooded.
I
walk one hour through the Hassidic area of Brooklyn looking for the
Art supplies store.
Even
the 'Lubavich' are covering their hats with plastic.
I
buy some canvases and paints to do more Bob Dylan portraits. It is
now my way to get tickets.
After
a moment of rest I decide to go to Manhattan, where the fun is.
By
4pm Bobby walks in for the sound check.
And
I take a walk to ... Times Square. Too much rainy and cold for the
Park.
Now
it is 6.30pm. The crowd slowly comes for the show.
As
yesterday I have in my hands some paintings, hoping to attract the
attention, when my two good friends from Australia say they have a
ticket for me. Whoa! No struggle today!
So
we walk inside to admire the decoration of the Beacon Theater. We
chat with two other Bobcats (friends of mine) and I move front right
of the stage to check some empty seats availability.
By
some kind of second miracle four seats are empty and will be until
the end.
I
am 4th row extreme right. This is a terrible seat for the one show
Fan. Impossible to see Bob when seated at the piano or even center
stage. I would never pay 400$ or more for those.
But
for me....it's alright. I can see Bobby's face clearly when he stands
at the piano and when he moves front stage.
I
am in a good mood as I managed to say hello to Barron in the
afternoon and he answered me with a sweet smile. Cool Barron!
Ben
(my good friend from France) wants to stand on the side and dance but
the security man will only allow him to do it on "Highway 61".
The Beacon security is cool but still vigilant. A girl, in front,
dancing on " Thunder on the mountain" will be asked to sit
down. Of course NO photos. A couple of patrons are getting a warning
but no one is thrown out.
They
start a little late. An habit by now?
Bobby's
wearing a nice white shirt and a medallion (Native American style)
his "eternal white stripes black pants" (should try
something else?!) and white flat boots. Those pants will be stuck in
those boots for the entire show! Who cares?
"Things
have changed" has a muffled sound but "It ain't me Babe"
is great. I see only Bobby's top hair and I sing along.
Ben
is next to me for "Highway 61". Powerful with a wild
reaction from the public.
Bobby
drinks a lot between the songs and has a laugh with Donny every time
he is picking up his cup of...tea?! Maybe he has a cold but his voice
is clear.
'Pay
in blood" is loud and clear. My favorite for this night.
Charlie's
guitar and Britt's guitar are in harmony and get applause from the
public.
I
get wild, stand up and dance on "Thunder on the mountain".
The security man let me do it. Cool! Some more Fans on the left side
are dancing in the aisle.
Bobby
presents his musicians, with some jokes I don't quite catch;
Mentioning the bow from Charlie and the hat in the air for Britt!
Calming
down on "Soon after midnight". Getting wild again on "
gotta serve somebody".
It
takes a while before Bob and his Band appears again for the encore.
An habit by now as well.
All
standing in front for "Ballad of a thin man".
I
focus on Bobby's hands on his stratocaster. He is doing well. Maybe
missing a cord, here and there!?
But
certainly he is making mistakes on the lyrics. The last verse is
confused.
The
" It takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry" is loud
and the show is over.
Weird
position but great for me. It might be the only time I'm able to see
Bob so close.
I
have the feeling I could come every night forever for that show.
But....tomorrow is off.
Thanks
to all the good people: from Australia, France, Italy, Japan....
What
Bob and the Band will do on their free day?
Me
I know. Paint...my Masterpiece!
November
26 NEW YORK Beacon 3.
No
show for me tonight but what a strange day.
I
'met' Bob Dylan!
He
was walking down Amsterdam street with Barron.
By
an impulse I crossed 74th street where I was standing on
the corner. I fixed his face and looked straight in his clear blue
eyes. As I appraoched him he made a sign with his head. Whoa! He
acknowledged me. An electric stroke made my heart bit fast. Bob Dylan
certainly has a charismatic aura. Not a word was said as the respect
was mutual.
I
saw him getting ready for the show and saw him leaving the show
but...I didn't see him on stage.
Sold
some of my paintings and prints....talk to nice people.
So,
all together not a bad day.
We'll
see what tomorrow brings.
November
27 NEW YORK Beacon 4.
Tonight
I heard the show from....outside. Against the door. Pretty good
quality sound but no....image.
I
saw Bob walking down the street again but this time he didn't see me,
across the street.
I
sold some paintings.
I
wished happy Thanksgiving to Security Bob and Goodbye to Barron.
So...
All
is well.
Good
night folks.
Happy
Thanksgiving to the Americans.
November
29 NEW YORK Beacon 5.
but
only Beacon 3 for me as I missed 2 previous shows.
But
I had some excited moments "bumping" into Bobby in the
street and looking straight in his clear cyan blue eyes.
I
also started to be quite popular selling my little paintings out.
So
I spend my show mornings and my days off painting in the dinner room
of the Youth Hostel in Williamsburg Brooklyn.
Friday
brought joy and happiness. After the Thanksgiving break the Band is
back and all the BD "family".
I
spend some time chatting with Fans, here and there.
Still
wonder why some Fans are still waiting to get an autograph or insist
for taking photos when Bobby steps inside the venue for sound check
or for the show. But this is not my problem.
I
now present my paintings to the crowd coming in, expecting to
exchange a painting for a ticket. Tonight it works. A gentleman from
Washington D.C. will take me in with two tickets on his telephone. He
likes my blue portrait of Bob.
The
seat is way up on the balcony. The view is clear. A fan behind me
reads my reviews and buys a painting from me. Thank you. He also
hands me his binoculars. Yes Bobby's face looks tired and pale.
Bob
is wearing a flashy black shirt and a white/cream jacket with flashy
silver embroidery. The same pants (again?) and the flat white shoes.
“Things
have changed” is not the best. The sound is muffled.
“It
ain”t me Babe” is just alright.
“Highway
61” will get better.
Bob
starts to wake up on “Pay in blood” remarkable with the Bob Britt
guitar solo.
But
the highlight is “The early romans kings”. He is putting his guts
out..." I ain't dead yet. My bell still rings" will
bring a stir from the Fans behind me.
“Lenny
Bruce” is definitively not my cup of tea.
“Thunder
on the mountain” moves the audience up, when "Girl from the
North country" brings tears in my eyes. “Not dark yet” is
sepulchral when “Can't wait” was jumpy.
“Soon
after midnight” as sweet as possible.
My
favorite on this set list being, of course....”When I paint my
masterpiece”....everything will be diiiiiiferENt. Everything
will be beaueautiful!
“Make
you feel my Love” is from me to Bob. I indeed went to the ends for
the earth to make him feel my Love.
My
Good Samaritan from D.C. is in awe and the Lady next to me asks how
she could get a ticket for tomorrow show.
The
public on the floor is up for the encore.
“Ballad
of a thin man” totally on guitar. And “It takes a lot to laugh,
it takes a train to cry”.
Bob
did introduce his Band again before
“Gotta
serve somebody”.
A
great show with great Fans around me.
The
Beacon attracts the right kind of public:attentive and reactive.
Young and older.
I
move out in the cold. Wish good night to Security Bob (we are
"friends" now) and catch my underground trains back to
Williamsburg.
Good
night Bobby and the Band and the "family". See you all
tomorrow.
November
30 NEW YORK Beacon 6.
I
spend the morning making a new painting then get ready in the early
afternoon.
I
join another "stalker" by the BD bus and we are sure Bob
will be walking for the sound check but I am also sure that “Security
Bob” will play a trick on me.
Effectively
Bob arrives by the parallel street as the usual one and enters right
away by the back stage door. No eye contact today.
We
go hear the sound check through the back door. The sound is clear.
They practice "Beyond here lies nothing" which I wish to be
playing tonight. Shortly later Bob will step inside his bus and
that's it for the next few hours.
It
is cold so I spend time in a Cafe before joining my friends Jack Fate
and his wife who offer me a bowl of French onions soup. Thanks.
I
am now out trying to exchange or sell my paintings. Four other poor
fellows are also looking for cheap tickets. None of us will get one,
not even to buy. Even the scalpers are desperate!
I
know I can hear the show from the back door so I spend one hour and a
half in the cold listening to a good show. The sound is clear and
loud.
They
started late and I don't know what Bob is wearing.
His
voice is clear, I can even hear every single word.
“The
early roman kings” sounds again powerful and I do cry on “When I
paint my Masterpiece”. I do wish I had painted my Masterpiece
today.
I
dance and sing along ...out... in the freezing cold... and yes
tonight I feel more an insane woman than a dedicated Fan.
Two
guys listen with me at the beginning but they rapidly leave with
their bottle of Vodka. The temptation was strong for me just to get
drunk and die in the gutter but... I listen to "It's not dark
yet but it's getting there" and I imagine Bobby fighting with
his demons (also).
So
I shake my hands and move my feet to get warm and my companions go
drink away.
The
show seems to be the same as yesterday.
Powerful
again and desperate, maybe! To reach Heaven ....
Bob
presents his Band before “Gotta serve somebody” and they take a
long break. Out in the cold it feels tooooo long. Security Bob comes
around the corner with two other guards as Bob is doing “Ballad of
a thin man”.
By
the time they start "It takes a lot to laugh, It takes a train
to cry " the security rails are in place.
One
of the Vodka guys is back with his telephone out. Two other fans
arrive with posters .... and me...this is it for the Goodbye Bobby
"menacing" crowd!
Right
after the bow, Bob is rushed to the car by Barron, followed by Suzie.
Jerry is driving.
Security
Bob says nothing about the telephone filming but Barron makes an
angry face. Who cares?
I
suddenly feel sorry for Bobby and all that "circus". There
is obviously no menace of any kind. Not a word is said. Not a "
thank you" or " good night Bobby".
Of
course a pack of Fans are waiting by the backstage door. Not even the
musicians will dare "salute" the Fans who make them who
they are. Sad story!
I
move back to the front and present my paintings. Four persons say
they are nice paintings, only one inquire for the price, none will
buy.
The
only comfort is from a police woman who asks me if I was inside for
the show. When I say no she is sorry for me. Whoa! A police woman
sorry for my distress!
I
take my underground trains in a zombie mood.
As
I pass the Williamsburg bridge I look through the window.
The
downtown Manhattan appears like a postcard ; all the skyscrapers
lighted in the dark night.
Yes!
This is New York NY And yes! Bob Dylan played at the Beacon tonight.
But
me....
I
feel like on another planet.
December
2 NEW YORK Beacon 7.
4th
for me.
The
day started with a bad news ; a "friend" had tickets to
give away but gave them to someone else. At the moment I was really
mad...but people do what they want with their extra tickets and
money. I just consider him not my Friend. My Friends should know me
better than that.
Alright
so I made myself a nice breakfast and went back to bed, just to
swallow the humiliation.
By
2.30pm I move to the venue. Seeing Bob walking down the street should
be a nice consolation.
I
arrived early but the car was already parked and “Security Bob”
and Barron were chatting across the street. I was in good term with
Barron until now so I moved to him to say hello. To my surprise he
moves away from me.
Whoa!
What a chock.
I
move away from both of them but keep my watch on the bus. I know
Bobby is inside and will step out for the sound check.
He
does some 20 minutes later, well "wrapped" by his two
bodyguards. What paranoia!
And
steps inside his bus some 30 minutes later, well "wrapped"
by his two bodyguards.
This
is exactly when I think ; I don't want to be rich and famous. I want
to be FREE.
Oh
well. It is so early that I decide to walk the streets of New York
all the way to 23th street and back. I am a Zombie among the zombies.
Feel okay then.
I
arrived after 7pm at the Beacon knowing that Bobby already walked
back inside to be ready for the show. “Security Bob” and Barron
were happy not to deal with me. Ah ah!
I
start looking for a ticket with a painting out.
By
now and all day it had been raining/snowing but this is the least of
my problem. I don't feel the cold , just the humiliation from
"friend" and Barron.
A
nice Lady has an extra ticket for 50$. I bargain 40$. I stay a little
bit longer in the snow to sell one of my paintings. But without
success.
I
move in, go to the restroom, take my seat on the lodge. Not a bad
seat, but not an excellent one neither.
They
take the stage a bit late.
Bob
dressed with his large silver light gray jacket. The pants he loves
so much (hopefully Suzie is getting them washed every day!). White
shoes.
“things
have changed” is ....bad. The sound is muffled again. Why they
can't get this one correctly right away?
In
the afternoon I heard no sound check from the outside door. Weird.
“It
ain't me Babe” is ... average.
“Highway
61” is great. For the first time I focus on Matt Chamberlain. I
have to admit he was good on this one, though I still miss my "little
George" and I hope he is doing well!
For
my opinion, Bob is tired and his voice not so clear.
He
mumbles on “Simple twist of fate”.
Actually
all the soft songs are average , the Rock songs still powerful.
excellent
“I can't wait” and “The early Roman kings”.
My
mind drifts away on "Girl from the north country".
I
am totally somewhere else on "Honest with me" and "Trying
to get to Heaven".
I
focus again on "Not dark yet".
"Thunder
on the mountain" wakes me up.
The
Band introduction is the same, with the same jokes ah ah.
Sometimes
I prefer when Bob doesn't speak. It doesn't sound "real"
tonight.
“Gotta
serve somebody” put the public on the floor up. Bob points to a
girl who had been dancing in the front before leaving the stage.
I
move out.
I
want to say goodnight to Bobby this evening as I used to do in the
past.
I
hear "Ballad of a thin man" and the "It takes a lot to
laugh, it takes a train to cry" through the back door of the
venue, out in the snow.
Right
after the bow Bob is rushed to his car by Barron. “Security Bob”
is keeping an eye on me and my poor soul friend (he had no ticket for
the show).
I
shout "Bobby, good night. See you tomorrow".
But
I doubt he heard anything, all 'wrapped up' by Barron , “Security
Bob” and Suzie.
They
may hate me for being here...why should I care. I even say "
goodnight Barron" and to my surprise he answers with a sign of
his hand. Whoa!
I
move to the front door and try to sell my paintings in a stormy snow
blast.
I
sell one for 40$. Just the price of my ticket.
Cool!
So
all together not such a bad day.
My
good luck star should be back.
Still
can't make out all the paranoia around Dylan.
Still
can't make out the game the security is playing with me.
I've
been a Fan for 45 years. Been around before all of them. Never done
anything wrong.
They
must justify their job and paycheck! Ah ah.
So
long Folks. Good night.
Tomorrow's
another day!
December
3 NEW YORK Beacon 8.
Beacon
5 for me.
Part
1.
I
spend few hours in the morning walking the streets of Williamsburg. A
specific area with murals and grafitis. Free street Art.
Before
my review of the show I have a story to tell;
The
story of Sean Junior. Sean J. has a father Sean Senior. This father
is a huge Bob Dylan fan and he is really sick. The mission of Sean J.
is to get an autograph for his father. So Monday afternoon Sean J. is
by the BD bus in early afternoon. In the rain and snow. “Security
Bob”, surprisingly, addresses Sean J. and asks want he wants. More
surprisingly, “Security Bob” is kind to Sean J. and gives him
some tips; "the best time to get any attention from Dylan is
when he comes around for the sound check. After the show he is too
much tired". Whoa!
So
Sean J., who is a young boy in his 20's , believes the kindness of
“Security Bob” and waits patiently by the rail, next to the bus.
On Monday Sean J. managed to see Bob walking by and stepping in and
out the bus but could never get Dylan attention. Sean J. spent all
afternoon in the rain and the snow and waited again during the show
and after. In vain.
On
Tuesday, believing the good heart of “Security Bob”, Sean J. is
again by the bus early afternoon (even before me). I am across the
street, far away from the bus.
Dylan
walks the corner of Broadway avenue and 74th street , secured by
Barron. As soon as they see him Jerry and Security Bob step also by
Dylan. They are now three bodyguards. At that moment only Sean J. is
by the bus. Sean J. manages to call Dylan who looks at him but keeps
on walking and steps inside the bus. Unfortunately that day Dylan
will not step out for the sound check. “Security Bob” and Barron
walk away to get their lunch.
I
go to Sean J. and we start a discussion. Sean J. is a nice boy
respectful and quiet. He truly cares about getting an autograph for
his Dad and believes in the good heart of the Dylan people.
They
have been watching him for two days. Sean J. believes Bob Dylan will
take pity on him. He had been out for hours in the snow yesterday, in
the freezing cold today. I, ME, have pity on him. I bring him a cup
of coffee and give him one of my posters. I warn him about “Security
Bob” being mean but he doesn't believe me so much.
As
I was away for coffee “Security Bob” and Barron pass by the bus
and Sean J. hear “Security Bob” saying : " that kid had been
waiting in the cold all afternoon. Can you believe that?"
We
spend two hours in the freezing cold.
When
the security people ( the venue security and “Security Bob” and
Barron) take their position around 7pm I move away from Sean J. to
give him a better chance. He is by now the only Fan waiting by the
rail, by the bus. Known by all security people.
Bob
Dylan steps out of the bus Barron on his right. “Security Bob”
rapidly crosses the street and positions himself on the left side of
BD , blocking the venue for Sean J.. Sean J. has just the time to say
"Bob" when he is already rushed inside by three Bodyguards.
Whoa!
Sean
J. is of course chocked, emotionally distressed. I propose to find
him a ticket for the show but he disappears from my view.
And
I do need to find a ticket for myself.
By
this time I am totally frozen: head to toes.
But
I am an old 'freak' and I know the sacrifice.
Until
now ...I am not sure what to think.
Did
they play a dirty trick on that kid?
I
never saw Bob signing an autograph for many years. Saw “Security
Bob” menacing anyone with a paper and pencil. Saw Barron menacing
anyone calling Bob or taking photo.
Saw
both of them playing tricks with me or any stalker.
Why
Sean J. couldn't get that autograph?
December
3 NEW YORK Beacon 8.
Beacon
5 for me.
After
Sean disappeared I am looking for a ticket with my paintings out. By
now I am all frozen and if I can't get in I will not stand outside to
hear from the back door.
By
chance a young man has an extra. He first try to sell to the scalpers
who start a fight.
(But
tonight there is no bootleg T-shirts sales. The cops had been
called.)
So
he will agree to give it to me for 20$ and one of my paintings. Cool.
Floor
row U. Not too bad. The sound is great.
Bob
changed his pants. Alleluia!
White/cream
jacket.
The
songs are good.
The
show is good.
The
public is good. But I can't get Sean out of my mind.
Why
oh why this kid couldn't get an autograph for his sick Daddy?
I
see Dylan with another mask.
The
public came to see the Legend but they don't know the Man.
The
songs are rushed. One after another.
My
Good Samaritan asks me which is my favorite when Bob start My
Masterpiece. I say "this one".
My
heart is not there.
For
a one Show Fan, this is certainly a great show. With emotions. Real
or fake?
The
public is up for Serve somebody.
And
you, Mr Dylan, who do you serve?
I
leave before the end. I want to see who will say " good night
Bobby!" Tonight.
Absolutely
no one. Not even me. I stay away to watch Barron rushing his Boss in
the car even before the public is out.
Security
Bob is happy. No autograph, no photo to deal with.
What
a solitude and loneliness!
This
was the strangest day I ever lived on the road for Bob Dylan. And I
have been through a lot.
It's
not getting any more .... Human.
December
5 NEW YORK Beacon 9.
I
wake up late and have breakfast with Nahoko. Then I decide to take a
walk to Central Park. The weather is cold but dry.
By
3.30p.m. I walk to the Beacon and wait for the car to bring Bob for
the sound check.
The
care pulls in without Barron or Bob. I know he will be walking. And
yes! I spot Suzie and behind Barron and Bob crossing the street. I
follow from far and Bob steps inside his bus.
Security
Bob and Barron take their positions but 10 minutes later enter the
venue. No sound check for Bob today.
I
check around the front of the Beacon. Spot Tony and say "hi Mr
Garnier" . He answers with an amused smile. I spot Bob Britt and
for the first time addresses him "Hello Bob Britt. I like you
playing with Charlie. See you tonight". He also answers with an
amused smile, not knowing who I am to recognize him.
Cool!
I
then join Dave and Kim who offer me a dinner, buy one of my paintings
and give me a Christmas gift. Thank you so much!
I
advice them to check around the bus to maybe see Bob stepping out for
the show.
I
see absolutely no security. So I suppose Bob is already in. We wait
few more minutes when the bus door opens, steps out Suzie followed
by... Bob. No Barron, no Security Bob, no Jerry. Whoa! For the first
time I see Bob with no security!
I
move to the front doors to find a ticket. I bump into Bill Pagel who
gives me a ticket for...Washington D.C. Great. No more worry .... I
can relax for the last show! Thanks Bill.
After
two hours in the cold I give up. No luck tonight. No ticket. Not even
to buy.
I
walk to the back door to hear from outside.
Bob
is already on "I Can't wait".
Powerful.
The
show SOUNDS good.
The
public SOUNDS enthusiastic.
"Pay
in blood' is loud. “The early roman kings” is loud.
I
enjoy the show in the cold winter of New York but I don't feel any
pain or sadness. I feel privileged. Each day is different.
I
dance on “Thunder on the mountain” and the passersby and security
people are amused. This is New York, craziness is normal.
(The
Bobcats will tell me later this was the best show of all Beacons.)
By
the end of "Ballad of a thin man" “Security Bob” is
moving the rails around the corner to stop the Fans for getting to
close to the car.
A
Lady has a book in hand and a pen. Autograph again?
A
young Man is also waiting.
When
I spot on the rail a Lady, Afro-American, well dressed and quiet.
Security Bob adds another rail in front of her and the two others.
I
stay behind the car. I am sure Bob will be rushed inside the car by
Barron as usual.
Guess
what?
Bob
walks outside slowly. Spot the Afro-American Lady at the rail and
says "let see who we got here tonight!". He then cracks a
smile saying " Delores". Then start a chat with the Lady. I
am watching his face all the time. A big smile lights his face. He
finally gives her a kiss before moving to his car. By that time
“Security Bob” and Suzie stop the two anonymous Fans.
Whoa!
Suzie
passes right in front of me. I murmur "Good night" then say
"bye Barron" who looks at me with a serious face.
What
could I make of this?
How
come that woman was not Backstage but out in the cold if she was so
close to Bob?
I
ask her if I can take a photo. Ask her who she is. She answers
Delores (Dixon, as I found out later ). And adds " it's a story
way back".
I
move in the front facing the public moving out to try to sell my
paintings.
Some
Fans recognized me for writing those reviews. Some one hands me 20$
bill. Oh thanks!
I
sell a poster for 5$ and a painting for 40$.
Not
a bad night for business!
I
spent some time in the bar with some Bobcats, Dave and Kim before
running my trains to Brooklyn.
This
was also one of those days.
This
one really positive.
By
accident I also bumped into “Security Bob” and with a good spirit
I say "thank you Sir!". Thank you for me. Letting me watch
Bob being so happy with Delores!
Good
night folks.
See
you all tomorrow.
December
6 NEW YORK Beacon 10.
I
spend the morning painting my....masterpiece.
Then
it is already time to go to Manhattan when I realize I made a mistake
on my hostel reservation and I have to check out today...right away.
Oh my!
Nahoko
will help me a lot on that disaster. Thank you.
So
I still want to go to the Beacon to...'spy' on Bob. He will arrive in
his black car, walk inside the venue, then move inside his bus early.
His
people are loading the bus in the afternoon.
I
meet Dave and Kim and we have a drink.
By
6.40pm Bob walks inside the venue surrounded by three bodyguards.
Yesterday he had none.
I
start my search for a ticket, but in vain. We must be ten looking for
free ticket and the shown is totally Sold Out. No chance.
But
a lot of Fans recognize me and encourage me. Thanks people. I also
had a V sign by Charlie. Cool!
And
Barron passing by, I ask him if he is mad at me. "not at all"
he says with a big smile. Cool Barron!
I
listen to the show from outside in the freezing cold, eating bread
and salami!
The
trucks are parked right in the back of the Beacon and the boys
already move the boxes around.
I
am told that the show was fantastic.
I
had the sound without the view but I danced on “Thunder on the
mountain” hearing the crow shearing loud.
I
am wondering how Bob will leave tonight when I realize the bus is
gone!
He
will fly tomorrow to Washington D.C.?
They
pull the car around the corner. The Lady with the book is here again.
Plus five others.
This
time Bob is rushed to his car and bye bye all of them see you in D.C.
I
sold for 100$ merchandise: paintings and posters and that will make
my day.
My
dream for Japan starts to take form.
But
let see what DC will bring.
December
8 Washington D.C..
I
have a show ticket from Bill Pagel so I am free body and mind.
I
spend some time at the 'National Art Gallery'. My head is all clear
when I look at the paintings, trying to catch the feelings of the
Artists (and their technics).
I
walk to the 'Anthem'.
Two
years ago I had a terrible experience with outside security.
Today
I won't even try to sell any paintings.
I
spend time at the 'Shake Shack' next door.
I
wanted to say goodbye to the security people with a good heart.
As
soon as I approach them, “Security Bob” puts a hard face and says
: "you are not supposed to be here". You mean on the
pedestrian walk, public and free?
I
say :" I just want to say goodbye".
I
shake his hand, turn to Barron, shake his hand and say :"See you
in Japan". I know what they think..ah ah.
They
will pull Dylan bus so tightly to the backstage door that...they
can't even open the bus door.
One
step and Dylan is inside. Okay.
I
join Nahoko for a light dinner.
I
bump into a Bobcat who says he has an extra ticket to sell.
Unfortunately the venue security will not permit him to do it. So he
gives me the seat number without the ticket stub. I seat fourth row
left when a usher brings two fans on my seat and the next one. I
can't argue and the usher literally drags me away and asks for my
ticket as Bob is playing "I can't wait".
By
misfortune we walk in front of Barron who doesn't make a move.
I
could have been dragged out?!
I
am escorted to my seat, squeezed in between two fat people in a
tightly ranged seats.
After
"Lenny Bruce" I move to the bar where fans stand drinking.
But ushers are trained to let no one stand and constantly disturb my
show, asking me to go my seat. Why? As I do not disturb anyone. They
keep on saying : "Request from the Artist".
Dylan
or “Security Bob”?
I
manage to dance on "Thunder on the mountain".
Curiously
at the break they let Fans move closer on the left side and....stand.
I
can't believe what is that "security" shit!
The
guy next to me is enthusiastically drunk or stoned so we have a good
time dancing on the two last songs.
The
show was average for me, of course.
I
want to say goodbye to Jason, at the soundboard. He is happy to see
me and smiles a great smile. At least, HE doesn't hate me!
“Security
Bob” walks by. I don't have animosity so I say : "I didn't
mean to be a nuisance. I am sorry if I was".
He
then tells me this is his last show. He is retired now. And for the
first time speaks a little about him.
I
give him a hug and a sweet kiss, tell him again I apologize for being
a nuisance. He says " you are not. Just too much familiar."
I say :"but you are my family" . He answers : "We
know".
Familiar.
That word will stick in my head for a long time.
Even
checked in the dictionary.
Familiar
= family.
What's
wrong with me?
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