Bob Dylan Tour U.S.A Fall 2018

San Antonio Texas had been my home for a month.

I had been contacted by Dale, the Lady I had been volunteering for a year previously.

She had been satisfied with my work at her place and this fall she had an operation on a foot and needed help with her AirB&B rental.

Since the Tour was starting in Phoenix and going West I took the opportunity to wait for Bob in Texas.

My plan was to start in Irving and then Sugar Land , going West and to Florida.

So! waiting for Bob to come to me.

My last show was Christchurch New Zealand with a surprising "it takes a lot to

laugh, it takes a train to cry".

By now I know Stu had left the Band for reasons unknown to me.

I
Dallas October 10.
I get up at 5.15 am to catch my Greyhound  bus to Dallas where my good 
friends Carol and Joni will pick me up to drive to Irving.
We arrive early enough to have a glance at Bob finishing is sound-check and 
jumping in his American Tour bus. So far, so good.
We meet David, a Fan from San Antonio, who by chance will catch the same 
bus as me , going back to San Antonio.
Carol will be my Good Samaritan tonight. I don't have to worry about begging 
for a ticket, fearing security. Thank you so much my dear Friend!
I enter the venue as soon as 7 p.m. It is getting a bit chilly outside.
The hall is not big, maybe 5 000 seats, intimate.
By 8 p.m., nothing happens. Stu is not here, so the timing is unsecured. 
8.15 p.m., we have a strange musical background with trumpets.  
No more Stu's noodle.
George nonetheless will give the signal for the Band-1 and Bob to take position. 

1. “Things Have Changed”
the Band-1 doesn't sound well together.  They miss Stu giving the rhythm?
Bobby's voice is not as clear as it used to be.
2. “It Ain't Me, Babe”
Folks are rushing to their seats. Security should not allow folks to seat between 
the songs! I say!
3. “Highway 61 Revisited”
Did he change some lyrics? Right at the beginning?
God doesn't  talk to Abe the same way?
4. “Simple Twist Of Fate”
The sound is better now. Nice harmonica that enjoys the public.
5. “Cry A While”
After a little discussion with Tony and Charlie. Bob doesn't  start right away 
any new song without moving to his musicians, even George.  Afraid to lose 
another one from his Band, now Band-1? 
6. “When I Paint My Masterpiece”
Oh my! Sooooo beautiful little piano tune. A little Mozart! My favorite  of the 
night.
7. “Honest With Me”
8. “Tryin' To Get To Heaven”
My 2 least favorites.
I listen respectfully,  not some folks who are already heading to the bar.
9. “Scarlet Town”
Center stage
I hear Donnie tuning his banjo. It could have been "High Water" or "Blind Willie 
Mc Tell" but that will be "Scarlet town".
Either 3 are good for me.
10. “Make You Feel My Love”
The public reacts positively to the first words. Immediately  recognizable. 
11. “Pay In Blood”
He changed the tune/tone/rhythm. It is less arrogant, less cruel. It is lacking of " 
punch"(energy)
12. “Like A Rolling Stone”
Great emphasis on the last words of each line, building the suspense.  It was a 
time when the public would have sing along....those days are gone! 
It is just a longer applause at the end. 
With the security so tough, no one dare moving an ass on his/her chair.
Just a young girl incessantly moving her arms up in the air. She was left alone!
13. “Early Roman Kings”
No one will lift an handkerchief  high in the air, no one will ring a bell. Where 
are you Aussie boy?
14. “Don't Think Twice, It's All Right”
I murmur along for the first time. I don’t  want to disturb the Opera type 
atmosphere.
Soooo calm and quiet. 
15. “Love Sick”
Center stage. It  seems to me there is a slight mistake in the lyrics at the end.
16. “Thunder On The Mountain”
Yep. The one person next to me is long time gone, like some more leaving for 
the bar , or leaving the venue all together. I can move my feet, up and down 
on the concrete floor, and bounce my sleepy head. 
George doesn't get the ovation he should get.
Don't  leave us Little  Georgie,  we Love you!
17. “Soon After Midnight”
Sweet. The sweetest on "Tempest", other wise an Apocalyptic bundle of 
catastrophes! 
18. “Gotta Serve Somebody”
I didn't  recognize  it until the 'but you've gotta serve somebody'.
He changed the lyrics again. That Poet!
Before the Band-1 finishes their play, Bobby moves center stage and makes his
stand in front of the public, his left hand on his hip, and bouncing slightly on his
feet.
Well! I am the only one to get the message as I stand up for a loud applause.
It takes Bob to move away in the dark for the public to react. Definitively not 
a Bobcats audience!
(encore)
19. “Blowin' In The Wind”
20. “Ballad Of A Thin Man”
No stage rush, no panic, no super ovation.
A bow from the 5 of them on stage.
I move away in a, by now, quarter empty venue. It doesn't  take long to reach 
the street door.
That was my first U.S.A. show. I had no bad experiences.
My friends were kind to me. They are happy, I'm happy too.
But that was not the Show of the year, for sure.
Yes, I miss Stu. That will take a while not to look at his empty space.
The Band-1 has to stick together. Charlie was doing his best, for sure.
Bobby's voice was not so clear and his articulation faulty at times.
Carol and Joni give me a ride to the Greyhound station where I meet David.
We spend 4 hours chatting about Dylan (mainly me) to keep us awake. Inside 
the bus we half sleep in an uncomfortable position....dreaming of ....another 
show.
See you all in SugarLand!

II
Houston October 14.
An adventure  in itself.
I booked Megabus from San Antonio because ...it was cheap; 4.50$.Cool.
Problem is , I had an option  between 2 stops. I forgot to check  the address. 
So....I ended up 35 miles away from my destination. 
After 1 hour of panic and 35$ of Uber, I finally arrive at my Couchsurfing  host's,
Pradesh, apartment. 
A tea and a night later we are Sunday morning 14th of October. 
Pradesh and I decide to go see some Art exhibition  downtown  Houston.
Great Art from some American Artists. Paintings, sculptures, clay works, jewelery. ...
Then it is time to head for Sugar Land, 35 miles away.
Lyft/Uber is handy when you don't have a car!
The venue looks brand new but in the middle of nowhere.
I do have a ticket, gift from my good friend Carol. We need one for Pradesh.
The crowd  arrives late. By 7 pm there is a slow flow of Fans entering the building. 
Pradesh finds a nice folk with an extra ticket to bargain. Cool!
My seat is reasonably good but too far away to see Bobby's  face.
The Band-1 takes place by 8.10 pm. Bobby trots to his piano.
Dressed in Black and White again. His style for the last 2 or 3 Tours!
No hat!
Late folks take their seats as they start a great " Things have changed"
The sound is better than Irving (from my point of view).
Bobby's  voice is clear.
He is at the piano for the 8 first songs. Either seating or standing. The piano is 
turned so he will be far away from first row. I can see the fluff  of his hair and 
his white boots alright. The lights are dim.
Donnie picks up his banjo and Bob trots center stage for "Scarlet town".
Well performed. The banjo gives a metallic touch to the lyrics. I could paint the 
song in copper.
The public responds wildly as Bob is now full  body on stage. 
"Like a rolling stone "  will also stir the crowd to an ovation.
"Don't think twice "  is done with Bob on piano and a soft touch of guitars  
from Tony, Charlie and Donnie. George doesn't use his drums until the last 
verse. Nicely thought! 
My highlight for this night after "When I paint my Masterpiece "
"Love sick" is center stage.
Bob is awkwardly holding the mike with his right hand. I am not sure if he is 
holding the mike or if the mike is holding him straight up!
But the speech is loud and clear.
"Thunder on the mountain "  stirs up the audience also for few seconds 
before ...they all fall asleep again!
"Soon after midnight "  has a beautiful color lights display on the back curtains. 
Thanks Christ.
"Gotta serve somebody " and Bob trots center stage for his standing.
The public is respectfully waiting for the encore (for most of it).
As Bob takes is position again he moves slightly  to the front and points at one 
of the lucky fans in front! Someone he knows?
"Blowing in the wind " gets a standing ovation  and "Ballad of a thin man "  is 
powerful. 
A bow and off they go.
As Bob ,again, points to the front!
That was a great show. Better than Irving.
Except  Charlie having a little problem with the volume on one of his guitars...
It was well performed, as a nice mechanic well oiled!
Some fans gather to say goodbye,  see you next year.
Some are driving home, some are catching Uber to get to the bus station. 
I am supposed to catch a Greyhound to Lafayette at 4 am when....I realize I've 
done a mistake on my schedule.
Oh mama!It's  life and life only
Due to a mistake in my schedule I had to book another AirBandB than the
one I scheduled already. I've  chosen a camping tent in a garden. It
sounds cool to camp out in the middle of a town. At 3 am the weather must
be angry with me. The storm breaks the sky apart and the clouds are crying
in despair. No much sleep but a nice experience. 

III
Lafayette October 16.
I move 2 miles away in a "real" bedroom. Much more secure.
I take a walk downtown Lafayette.  A nice little town but....where are the
people?
6 pm it is time to check the venue.
Half a mile walk and I get lost.
To find the Heyman recreation center....right by me!
Small and cozy theater.
Fans look in their 50's 60's and casual.
I put my sign out "I need a friendly/miracle ticket. Thank you". It is
clear and big to read. The buses are parked in the parking lot. I see
Charlie coming in and out and Tony. No sign of Bob. Sleeping? A nice
gentleman hands me a ticket. Thank you. I immediately get in. The balcony
is nice with a perfect view on the stage. The girl next to me is a student
of music business in her 20's. She also got a free ticket for her first
Bob Dylan show. She knows Dylan music through her father. The couple on my
right, in their 20's as well, also knows Dylan through the parents. Second
generation! We are ready when comes from the speakers the "charge of the
cavalry". It sounds like it. Where are you Stu, with your sweet melody? I
know , for sure, He left and won't come back. It makes Charlie's  guitar
clear and loud.
The set list didn’t  change.
Bob was ALL in black, except white boots.
Active center stage on "Scarlet town " which brings a big ovation from the
public. Active and powerful on "Love sick". Another ovation. The audience
seems to know the set list, immediately reacting to the most popular songs.
Applause on his harps solo. And surprisingly applause on Charlie's riffs
on "soon after midnight". Applause on "Summer days " for George. Great
public. It seems we are all here for Bob and his Band.
I walk the half hour to my AirBandB,  happy and...dry.
Merci beaucoup Lafayette.
Thank you Bobby and his Band.
See you in Mobile.

IV 
Mobile October 17.
I arrive with Greyhound at 4 pm with 2 hours delay. But I have plenty of time to spare as 
I have a ticket already. I get a late lunch and meet with
my friends. Getting in the Saenger theater early enough to get the
feeling. I've been here 2 years ago. It is a beautiful theater. I can't
believe my eyes when I find myself seated right in front Bobby's piano
bench. No better seat in the entire venue. On my right seats a great Fan.
On my left 2 seats are empty. What a show! Bobby's face looks pale and
wrinkled. Not a single smile! He is obviously focusing on his performance.
Sitting at the piano and standing at times. Blowing his harp on some
songs. "Simple twist of fate" "Make you feel my love" Only 2 songs are
center stage. I follow his lips to read the lyrics. Not a single mistake.
I hear the public behind me. But I am not paying too much attention. Bob
neither. He is dripping sweat on "gotta serve somebody". That was a
fabulous experience. One of those days when you feel part of the "family"!
Thanks all.

V
St Augustine  October 18/19.
From Mobile to St Augustine I
booked MEGABUS: A low cost bus transportation. First ride from Mobile to
Atlanta . 5 hours stop over then second ride Atlanta to Jacksonville.
The global price is a third of Greyhounds direct to St Augustine...saving
some bucks. The first ride is a night trip. So I am leaving Mobile soon
after the show in Mobile. Atlanta is a nice town but I will just spend
some time at the nearest Cafe, filling up on caffeine and sugar (nice
muffin). After 5 hours... Of we go again. As we are half hour ride to
Jacksonville the driver pulls over on the side of the freeway and
announces a bus dis function. After one hour and a half and me half
asleep we change bus. My good friend Jamie will pick me up in Jacksonville,
drive me to St Augustine and will offer me hospitality. The evening
is short and we all go to bed early. October 19. Jamie and I are all
excited. We will be at the show together like 2 years ago when Bobby
played Jacksonville. This one is St Augustine open air where I was already
few years ago....2012? Seems an eternity. We fuzz about how we'll get
dressed and worry about the weather. We get rain ponchos and nail polish
and discuss which tops we'll be wearing....women stuff! To kill some time
we watch "trouble no more". That brings me back in 1981 when I did the
entire Tour:Europe, Canada and the USA. That was a good Tour with so many
great times, including encounters with Bobby. At the Avignon show I
was right in front thanks to Big Jim. I miss Jimmy (Bobby's bodyguard)
every time I am on the road. Bless is soul in Paradise! But things have
changed! I wonder what the preacher is doing in that document. Is this
some kind of caricature? 5.30 pm. We move from the house. We pick up
Debbie who broke her leg, is in a wheelchair and needs assistance. In fact
I will be her assistant, seating next to her the entire show. This is
not a bad seat, in between the canopy and the lawn. There is plenty of
space to dance but I will not hurt Debbie who can't even stand up. I
will wiggle on my seat and turn around few times to ask the bystanders
to....shut up and listen to Bobby's songs! Who wants to hear the dramas of
other people's lives at a Bob Dylan show? Bobby's suit is ALL white; pants
and jacket. He looks so Dandy and so Fine. I am expecting the songs one
after the other (as I know the set list by heart) with an open mind. I
focus on the little details ; a soft drums beat from George, a riff from
Charlie, a mandolin jig from Donnie....the erratic piano strikes from Bob.
I realize his harp solos are better now. Highly emotional! The public
reacts with enthusiasm. ..might be the open air , might be the electricity
up in the sky! This is the best public on that Tour. Not so many folks
are leaving. They enjoy ... A Bobby's fest. Bobby's bus pulls out rapidly
5 minutes after his bow. Still all in white he jumps in his bus.... Bob
Dylan style! That was great! Debbie and I join Jamie at the car. We drop
a happy Debbie home. We crash in bed....nail polish and make up still
on... Good night folks! Night, night Bobby!
VI
Sarasota October 21. 
I catch a Greyhound in the early morning. I skipped
the show in Clearwater for different reasons. So I had a day off. I hang
around the downtown area in Sarasota. Nice little town. Grab a
breakfast at the Italian Cafe, walk to the "Van Wezel performing art
center. ", catch a bus to Peter's house who will be my CS host for 2
days. As the time goes by....it is 6 pm when we start the new adventure.
Peter needs a ticket. So do I. If we go by the "news" (rumors, gossips and
bad bad vibrations) the show is sold out, sold out. I know better! I
advice Peter on how to behave around security and crowd.... But no need.
Sarasota is not Clearwater and security is fine , even helpful in
recommending us to check around for extra tickets! Ah!ah! As we are not
scalpers we are welcome and the crowd is more than friendly. As it is, few
folks are selling extras, and all is well for those looking, long time
before show time. My seat is perched up high but the theater is small, the
smallest on that Tour. Some Bobcats are sipping the "Heaven's door "whiskey
sold at the foyer. I try a sip and almost turn all blue! My! It is strong
S..t! So..."1000 fans at my feet make me happy", will be his statement tonight.
Thank you Bob Dylan for being an Artist and thank ME to have 
admiration of an Artist! Point. The "conquest of the West" is on and here
they come! Under a thunder of applause. The couple next to me talk
incessantly but I am Zen and focus on the stage and sound from the
speakers. It sounds good to me until Bob turns to the sound tech on "Make
you feel my love". He is so upset that he will leave the piano and go
talking to the guy as the Band keeps on the music. Maybe the piano mic is
now louder and clearer? All is well. Good reaction from the public on the
most obvious songs. "Like a rolling stone" is well ovationed. As was
"Tangled up in blue" some time ago. A public from the 60's. "Blowing in
the wind" comes too soon. I focus on Donnie. His violin sounds less
present. Did he change the tune? Or the violin? "Ballad of a thin man"....
Standing ovation but....Bob hardly looks at the public and IMMEDIATELY
leave the stage. No bow??? Oh!oh! He was angry then! Didn't seem to be
noticed by the one night Fans. It takes a good experience and so many
shows to know the...mood. The show was good. " Don't think twice, it's
alright " was emotional. A total silence from the audience...including
my neighbors! 1000 fans holding their breath, that's a "tour de force".
I still put "when I paint my Masterpiece " as my favorite. Love the
piano tune. I wish you'll recover Bobby. No worry. That was a great
show. Public was happy. Well....I WAS. Joe was happy...Peter was happy.
You made ME HAPPY! See ya soon! Night, night Bobby.

VII
Fort Meyers October 23.
From Sarasota it is a short ride on Greyhound bus.
Shakti Joy, my CS host, is waiting for me at the station.
She drives me around the bay to discover the pretty downtown,
then we go home for a vegetarian meal. Shakti had been practicing Yoga for
over 30 years and she is a 'child' of Amma, the Indian woman who goes
around the world to give Love and hugs and good spirit. We discuss about
going to visit Amma's ashram in India. Before her Yoga teaching class
Shakti drops me at the venue. The same one I have been attended few years
ago. I pick up 2 tickets at the will call. Unusual on my part, but a friend
could not make it and kindly offered me those tickets. I walk around the
little lake in front of the entrance. I bump into George and Tony. Then I
enter the Kerouac exhibit gallery. I spend some time watching on TV the
document on Jack Kerouac life and the writing of "on the road". Kerouac
could never handle his popularity and drunk himself to death.
Misunderstood and depressed.
I have an extra ticket to sell but I am not the only one. After a full
hour trying to at least give it away. I renounce and walk inside the venue
with 2 tickets. A paradox for me. I have now 2 seats for myself on the top
of the theater! The public is middle age and more, though the show is
taking place on a campus. (3 kids refused even my free ticket!!)
Bob is in black.
The sound is perfect.
The songs (same Set list) are well performed.
Is it me or the full moon? 
I feel tired. I have to make an effort to focus on what's happening on
stage. Only the 60's songs get a response from the public. The audience
came to see the Legend! "Like a Rolling stone" Starts with the mic off so
it takes the chorus to wake up the Pappies and Mammies. Folks leave the
theater long time before the encore. Surprisingly " Ballad of a thin man"
is exceptional tonight. More staccato. More powerful. The highlight for me
,here, in F.Meyers. I drifted away on most of the other songs. Bob and his
Band left the stage rapidly. No bow tonight as well.
Shakti is waiting for me outside at 10pm sharp.
I was happy to be here. It was an easy day and evening.
Hope Bob will get more inspiring...or is it me falling in a routine?
Thanks to all the good people.
Good night Bobby.
VIII
Ft. Lauderdale October24.
How things happen.
Sarasota and ft. Meyers were two small venues and the shows were totally
sold out. Nonetheless it was relatively easy to find some tickets outside.
I imagine Ft. Lauderdale would be easy. But... As soon as I arrive I spot
the scalpers. 6 of them and the aggressive sort. I don't understand why
that kind of business is permitted when just asking an extra ticket to GET
INSIDE is reprimanded. "Steal a little, they put you in jail Steal a lot,
they make you a king" Soliciting is against the law but not shitting. My!
At times I hate this country.
I manage to get in. Up on the balcony. Right on time for 
"Things have changed" 
Always asking myself the question:'yes, but in which direction?'.
The ushers are laxists and I can stand up during the whole show.
As others.
We are some, dancing around on the balcony. Singing along and making
noises. Did Bob hear? I find the show a lot better than the last 2. 
 "Love sick" center stage is fabulous. Charlie is enjoying
himself. Another Bobcat with me is wild.
My entire show is dancing and singing as if there is no one to see me. One
of those fabulous moments what ever Bob will do on stage. He is playing
for himself and I am enjoying for myself. He doesn't need to uplift the
public with artifices. The public has to be happy by itself. Not a word,
not a sign. Just Bob Dylan and his Band. Same Set list but somehow so
different feeling.
I walk the hour and so, back to my Hostel.
Singing "don't think twice" to the full moon.
I am the only one inside the hostel.
A large house for myself.
I don't feel lonely.
I sleep with a satisfied mind.
Thanks Bobby.
Night. Night.

IX
Orlando October 26.
I arrive in Orlando by bus.
I have a CS host who is discreet and I
have to be independent.
I will find an Amish community nearby
and treat myself with good food in a nice sunny picnic area.
The venue is the same as the last show
in Orlando but I don't have my good BD friends to help me for they
moved to Pennsylvania.
I buy myself a ticket for 60$ when a BD
Fan offers me his extra ticket. It is a better seat. I give my first
ticket to another BD Fan. Woah! 
It was not a memorable show.
Next day I move to home where I will
stay for a week.
I decided to skip all the next shows
until Atlantic city as it is extremely difficult to reach all the
venues by bus, one after another, day after day.
I decided to volunteer through the
association HELPX.
I found a Lady in a village close to
Fort Meyers willing to have me at her home.
I proposed to do some  murals
(paintings) on her garage walls in exchange for food and
accommodation.
I will paint a door and two big walls.
I am called then by another Lady I
worked for during  the previous Dylan Tour.
She lives in Philadelphia and her son
just bought an old house he is willing to restore.
They ask me if I would be willing to
help with cleaning the walls and do some painting. 
I will stay there until the shows in
New York doing one escapade in Atlantic city. 

X
Atlantic City November 17.I go by Greyhound bus and book a bed at the Youth Hostel
 I know well.
I have a great time walking along the boardwalk and meeting my good friend David 
and his wife Kim. 
I also meet with my BD friends who used to live in Orlando but since they moved close 
to Philly they decided to do the show in Atlantic City.
I buy myself a ticket at the Box Office. Unusual from me but the show is inside a casino
and that would be difficult to 'beg' for a ticket here.
I enjoy myself here and I am happy to see Bobby again on stage.
Though the set list didn't change it is a pleasure to be part of the 'circus' again.
I go back to Philly to finish my work in the house.
I buy myself a Megabus ride to N.Y.

XI
New York November 23 … 29.
The first show, Beacon I, was just a rehearsal. It was just time for 
me to settle down in New York for 10 days: Bought myself a 
train pass to commute from the Bronx to Manhattan and a Metro 
pass for downtown. First show was a rehearsal for Bob and the
Band. Not quite, though, as they have been on the road for a long time by
now, since Phoenix on the 4th of October. But the Beacon theater is
home:a small and comfortable theater, splendidly decorated in red and
gold, next to Central Park. Bob and his Band played 5 shows last year.
They will do 7 shows this year. And here I am, once again. In New York ,
New York. I seat comfortably for the second time. I know the routine. The
stage is blocked by a red curtain and there will be no surprised and
spectacular entrance. But tonight they play the usual music of the
intro. The curtain rises up and they are at their positions;George on
drums. Tony and bass. Charlie on guitar. Donnie on pedal steel and Bob
all ready on piano. I know the set list and there will be no change. I don’t
come for a surprise. I have no expectations. What has to be will be. The
public is respectful and warm. The "classic" songs are immediately
recognized and "like a rolling stone" sang along by a large part of the
public....me and my neighbors. "Don't think twice, it's alright " is
literally breath taking. George left the stage as he doesn’t use the
drums on that song. Tony, Charlie and Donnie are just adding a touch of
rhythm on Bobby's piano and lyrics. The theater is suddenly all quiet. We
are all suspended at Bob's phrasing. How can he do that? Make all sing on
"like a rolling stone " and suddenly all silent!Bob is "alive"; clear and
loud with the lyrics , adding a little fantasy, here and there, that
brings a smile on Tony's face. I regret that he doesn't do "love sick"
center stage anymore.19 songs are at the piano, standing or
sitting. Exception of " scarlet town". Theatrically done, I would say; a
twisting of the body and movement of the hands. It shows a Bob Dylan slim
and fit at 77 years of age. I feel like in my living room with a bunch of
friends enjoying a great time. The sound is perfect at the limit of out
loud on "Thunder on the mountain".I can't turn the volume down...No
worry the next one "soon after midnight" is sweet and calm."Gotta serve
somebody " is also sang by some folks behind me. I don’t know if they
figured out that the lyrics are weird!I stand up as soon as Bob moves
center stage. It is his first salute. He will be back for a " all along
the watchtower " reggae style. By now the public is all up and no security
people will be able to force everyone to seat."Blowing in the wind" is an
hymn to brotherhood. I feel like making an arms chain with my neighbors
... that would be too much!I just swing on my feet. Everyone seems to be
satisfied when Bob finally bows his head and the curtain falls down .Good
night Bobby. See you soon.

Beacon III for me IV for Bob and his Band.

I spent 1 hour and a half in the cold trying to lift my spirit so I would , at least, look
high spirited for anyone willing to help me or just address me.
I was extremely surprised then when 2 guys walked up to me and simply said "we 
have a miracle ticket, follow us". The ticket was on a telephone.
I could hardly believe it. It took me minutes to recover, stop checking, and finally ask 
why they would give me that ticket.
The answer was simple ; Kevin's mother was sick and couldn't  make it to the show. 
They figure out I was a good candidate for the seat.
Kevin and Frankie are extraordinary sweet, kind and considerate. 
We take our seats ; orchestra, row L, seats on the aisle and we chat about Bob Dylan 
and the 60's until the music comes on.
Kevin's mother had been in Woodstock.  Yes. The real one.
Nice, simple, pleasant conversation.  And they know Dylan songs and they are ready 
for anything.
So my spirit is high when Bob appears at the piano. Be the Dylan of the 60's or the 
Dylan of 2018....here he is!
His suit is black with shining red/maroon embroidery in front.
Doing his job,  his mission. Take it or leave it.
The set list is the same. So what? We all know it by now. There will be few changes , 
maybe not one change at all.
I think the set list is correctly balanced , songs ranging from 63 to 2014.
From sweet and soft melody.  "don't think twice" almost done as a Folk song with 
Bob almost alone on piano (George left the stage)...to some hard Rock and Roll, 
including the famous "Like a rolling stone"
-but I don't get the point when I see some folks in front row, who paid 600$ for a 
seat, getting wild on 
"How does it feel to be without a home, with no direction home, like a complete 
unknown, like a rolling stone"
Really?
I guess we don't have the same perception of the song-
“Highway 61" and a thunderous "Thunder on the mountain"...
At the end of "Make you feel my love" Bob picks up the wrong harmonica but 
rapidly switches it and the final is grandiose.
Each song for me is a wonder, even the one I like the least "Trying to get to 
heaven".
The audience reacts nicely but for what reasons?
Nostalgia from the past? For 1 hour and 40 minutes?
My friends are sensible to the harmonica playing, as they are musicians, precisely 
playing harp.
I hear the guy on my left mentioning something about a guitar. 
Yes, people have different expectations. 
It was such a struggle for me to get in, that I can be just appreciative.
But, seriously, I believe the show was great.
The best it could be if you go with an open mind and open heart. 
Bobby Dylan ain't your clown!
He's an Artist.
Could you ask Picasso to re-paint Guernica in your living room just because you paid 
a ticket for the exhibition? 
Oh well! No reason to b e angry....
The encore is with a standing public. My 2 friends even manage to get to the front.
A standing ovation well deserved.
Thank you Bobby and the Band.
See you on Thursday night....
In the mid time...I will go serve somebody!

XII
Beacon V for me , VI for Bob Dylan and his Band. November30.
I follow my week routine.
I catch the North train line to Grand Central.
It takes me 40 minutes.
Then today the MOMA ( museum of modern Art) is free from 4pm to closing.
I've been there before and I want to see only the
post-impressionists-pre-modern .... my definition of Picasso, Matisse,
Braque, Van Ghogh...until Pollock. After that period I may not
understand the Modern Modern Art. It escapes my mind to believe a "white
canvas" represents anything! So I spend one hour in Gallery 5 and few
minutes with Brancusi (sculptures).
I walk to the Beacon with some cash money in my pocket.
I am willing and able to pay for a ticket tonight.
The Box Office will release some but only the Orchestra ones for 170$.
Still too much. Out of despair I am even willing to deal with
the....scalpers. They have been kind to me. What do we know about people?
Until we talk to them. But of course they make a business and they will
NEVER give away a ticket. Well! My spirit is high as I just met my good
friends "Jack Fate" and his wife Kim and they gave me a nice Christmas
present to keep me warm. As I am chatting with another desperate  Fan, a
young man approaches me and asks if I am Laurette? Yes I am. He says he
knows me from Boblinks and reads my review and he is familiar with
ExpectingRain forum. He has an extra ticket for me. A good seat. Whoa! It
is only 7.15pm and I am all set. Cool! I walk inside the Beacon and start
chatting with all the Bobcats around exception of few. We take photos,
exchange about the good shows along the week so far.... Then time to take
my seat.
Orchestra row L seat 105. I am just in front the sound board. I say hello
to Jason who doesn’t mind me being right in front of his board.
I'll behave. No weird sound....
8 pm.
Bob is in a white jacket, the same black pants with white stripes he seems
to like. He appears more energetic than yesterday but again it could be
only my personal mood. The sound is louder suddenly on "Highway 61" .
Maybe Jason pushed up few buttons. "Scarlet town" is a must tonight. Bobby
being dramatic center stage, mimicking some ancient footpaths with his
hands. There is an ovation from the audience, as well as on LARS. (As we
call it among the Fans). No disturbance tonight on "Don't think twice". A
total silence by now. ERK is also spectacular. Charlie is in great form.
I enjoy each and every one of the songs. "When I paint my Masterpiece" is
the highlight for me again tonight. I love the sweet piano melody. "Love
sick" recovered its energy. "Thunder" gets an ovation. Thanks little
Georgie! No mistake on "Make you feel my love". He picks up the right
harmonica. For some unknown reason the seat on my left is empty and the
next 2 patrons leave their seats long time before the end. All for the
best for me, I can move my ass freely and have a Party on my own. No one
behind and no one left. The young couple on my right doesn't seem to know
a S. about the songs! They look at me as if I'm from March planet. Might
be! "You've gotta serve somebody" "yeaaaa" says Bob.
Break.
Back.

Oh oh. This is not the Reggae tune.
Charlie starts a Blues note.
Oh my! 
What a surprise.
The public is wild.
"It takes a lot to laugh. ...it takes a train to cry"
 "I wanna be your lover......" yea! Yea! 
Charlie is spectacular. I can't stop focusing on his fingers.
It should have been the last song.
But we all calm down on
BITW
The public by now is up, balancing or swinging from one side to another.
Great great show.
Moving out quickly to the subway, line 1 to Times square, Shuttle to grand
central and train to the Bronx. A "matzo soup" is waiting for me. At
Arthurs's home...we eat Kosher. 
I can't sleep until 3 am.
Playing in my head the movie of the day.
That will sure be one of my greatest memories...
Thanks to the good People: David (Jack Fate) , the ExpectingRain Fan(for
the tix), the ExpectingRain moderator, Ian, Nichole, Stefano, Mauro, Kath,
Bill.... Thanks Bobby Dylan and the Band; Georgie, Tony, Charlie,
Donnie. Thanks the techs. Good night to you all. See you tomorrow. Same
venue. Same hour. 

XIII

MET
Philadelphia December 3.

Final
show of that Tour.

I
am sharing a beautiful apartment with Stefano and Mauro, 2 Fans from
Italy. 20 minutes walk from the Met. We arrived Sunday, too late to
do anything but to rest. Next day. We spent the morning visiting the
city; the liberty bell and the independence hall. We had
the famous Philly cheese steak for lunch. I moved on to visit the
Barnes foundation while they went taking a photo of Rocky at the
Museum. Nice day. Time to get ready for
the show. As Stefano and Mauro take a rest I start worrying about my
ticket. It is sold out . It had been for a long time. As it is the
re-opening of the theater I fear that important people would have
gathered all the tickets. I start queuing at the box office at 5pm.
There is a possibility of released tickets. But at 6.30pm we are
informed that those tickets had been claimed by Bob Dylan people.
Oh!oh! I put my sign out, even though I am willing to pay tonight.
Almost immediately a couple approached me and asked questions -"
why I want a free ticket". -" Where I am from".... I
answer honestly that I really want to see that show as it is the last
one of the Tour. They don't even mention money or the price of the
ticket or the good seat. They just hand it to me. Whoa! I'm in. The
crowd starts packing up so I walk inside. I immediately go to the
front stage to take photos of....the piano. I bump into Bobcats and
we talk amiably. I say goodbye to them as I am not sure to see any
after the show. Barron walking by, I also want to say bye to him. I
end up giving him a hug which he doesn't mind. And he murmurs
something like "Thank you for being you". I say goodbye to
Jason, the sound tech. And later I will say bye to Bret, the
merchandise guy. I had the feeling(bad) that I will not see them
again. I take my seat. The row is K. Normally it is not a bad row but
the Met has a weird "pit". Rows are named AA BB CC ....
until WW. So my row K is far away from the stage. I don't like the
theater. I lift my eyes to see a white concrete roof. The first
balcony is right above my head. The sound is muffled. The capacity
too large for an intimate show. On the top of it some folks have been
invited for the inauguration but are not Fans. There is a
constant chatting around me from behind or front. There is a
permanent flow of coming and going in the aisles. Disturbing! Bob is
not different. Doing his job. The public not being inspiring this is
not the best show ever. I have some hard time focusing. I am
happy to be here though(and not outside). I try to remember where I
am and be happy just to see a "shadow" of Bob at the piano.
"Scarlette town" is the must. There is a little incident at
the beginning 'cause the mic is.....off. But I enjoy his
theatrical mimics. The set list didn't change a bit. And there
is nothing special to mention the opening of the theater. Bob is
oblivious of the surrounding. It was a good show, the last one of
that long Tour. I had the chance to say goodbye to some good friends.
I still enjoy touring with Bobby and his Band. So...we will meet
again.