A lot of people don’t like the road, but it’s as natural to me as breathing. I do it because I’m driven to do it, and I either hate it or love it. I’m mortified to be on the stage, but then again, it’s the only place where I’m happy. It’s the only place you can be who you want to be.
~Bob Dylan (John Pareles Interview, Sept. 1997)
I do a certain amount of concerts every year. But it’s not a constant never-ending tour. A part of me doesn’t wanna do it at all. Just want to quit right away. Playing is a job. My trade. Like you’re journalists. You are heading for the next news item, I’m heading for the next town.
~Bob Dylan (London press conference, 4 Oct 1997)
Never Ending Tour 1997
Start date
February 9, 1997
End date
December 20, 1997
Legs
6
No. of shows
11 in Asia
78 in North America
4 in Europe
–
93 in Total
This is the first part in a new series of posts about Bob Dylan 1979-81: “The Gospel Years”. We will look at the albums, the tours (each leg), timeline, etc..
For obvious reasons, too many Dylan fans seems to ignore this period. That is sad, because it´s an interesting period with many great performances and 3 strong albums. You don´t have to be religious to enjoy such great art.
The next “Bootleg series” release will be about “The Gospel Years”:
Edna Gundersen: Was playing at Woodstock [1994] a special moment?
Bob Dylan: Nah, it was just another show, really. We just blew in and blew out of there. You do wonder if you’re coming across, because you feel so small on a stage like that.
Never Ending Tour 1994
Start date
February 5, 1994
End date
November 13, 1994
Legs
5
No. of shows
14 in Asia
73 in North America
17 in Europe
–
104 in Total
A fine N.E.T. year with 3 very special moments:
Playing “Masters of War” in Hiroshima
The Great Music Experience – Nara, Japan
Woodstock 94
Please use the Comments section to post your personal favourites from 1994.
The guilty undertaker sighs
The lonesome organ grinder cries
The silver saxophones say I should refuse you
The cracked bells and washed-out horns
Blow into my face with scorn
But it’s not that way
I wasn’t born to lose you
I want you, I want you
I want you so bad
Honey, I want you
Sportpaleis Ahoy
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
19 September 1987
