Playing his first show in Newcastle in 18 years, and to an English-speaking audience for rhe first time on this tour, Dylan clearly enjoys the experience. One highlight is a lengthy “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” Dylan’s harmonica dueling with Santana’s guitar. The next day the Newcastle Evening Chronicle proclaims that, “Dylan the magician had breathed the kiss of life all over his work.” The concert is recorded officially, and “License to Kill” and “Tombstone Blues” both feature on Real Live.
~Clinton Heylin (Bob Dylan: A Life in Stolen Moments Day by Day 1941-1995)
One of the worst things people can say when writing a book like this is “You really had to be there”. Yet, for, “Like A Rolling Stone”, that night, “you really had to be there”. Dylan’s voice was a blurred burr and yet powerful and compelling as it competed with a deafening crowd throughout this epic song.
~Andrew Muir (One More Night: Bob Dylan’s Never Ending Tour)
Barrowland Glasgow, Scotland 24 June 2004
Bob Dylan (vocal & piano)
Stu Kimball (guitar)
Larry Campbell (guitar, mandolin, pedal steel guitar & electric slide guitar)
The sound quality is absolutely amazing.. check it out….
Flat out fantastic! This recording from the capital city is that rare, perfect blend of vocal to music to audience; combined with a stellar band performance, vocal perfection, and incredible song line up that qualifies it to stand among the very best of the very best.
~bobsboots.com
Globe Arena Stockholm, Sweden 9 June 1998
Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar)
Bucky Baxter (pedal steel guitar & electric slide guitar)
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
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.