Dylan, who is having genuine trouble tuning his guitar throughout the first half of the show, receives an unusual crowd response: hostility during the acoustic set. According to one report in Pop magazine, Dylan’s standard seven-song set laste’d 65 minutes. Clearly frustrated, Dylan tells the hecklers, “Go to the bowling-hall until I’m finishe’d'” When he returns with the Hawks for the second half, the curtains open to reveal a massive American flag draped across the back of the stage. The French press respond with predictable fury. The concert is recorded for French radio but it is not broadcast. According to one source, Dylan vetoed it at the last minute.
-Clinton Heylin (Bob Dylan: A Life in Stolen Moments Day by Day 1941-1995)
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)
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Here some of the Bob Dylan videos we’ve posted on alldylan.com from 1996-1999:
Clouds so swift
Rain won’t lift
Gate won’t close
Railings froze
Get your mind off wintertime
You ain’t goin’ nowhere
Whoo-ee! Ride me high
Tomorrow’s the day
My bride’s gonna come
Oh, oh, are we gonna fly
Down in the easy chair!
Bournemouth International Centre
Bournemouth, England
1 October 1997
Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar)
Bucky Baxter (pedal steel guitar & electric slide guitar)
Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come followin’ you
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Sublime Mr. Tambourine Man… incredible performance.
Aston Villa Leisure Centre Birmingham, England 2 April 1995
Bob Dylan (vocal)
Bucky Baxter (pedal steel guitar & electric slide guitar)
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