The [1988] tour “ended” on 24 September 1988 in New Orleans, but this was not quite the finish.
As previously mentioned, popular demand had led to four further nights being added at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
These shows quickly became a focus for the press and fans alike.
The former, previously misguided critics of the tour, now praised Dylan to the skies;
the latter, trying to read the runes of relatively unchanging set-lists, talked of a live album being released from the shows.
All this is rather ironic as the shows themselves, although fine, were far from being the best, or even up to the average standard, of the year.
~Andrew Muir (One More Night: Bob Dylan’s Never Ending Tour)

I’ve never minded touring, touring is part of playing. Anybody can sit in the studio and make records, but that’s unrealistic and they can’t possibly be a meaningful performer. You have to do it night after night to understand what it’s all about. …
I’ve always loved to travel and play my songs, meet new people and see different places. I love to roll into town in the early morning and walk the deserted streets before anybody gets up. Love to see the sun come up over the highway. ..
Then, of course, there’s playing on the stage in front of live people, feeling hearts and minds moving. Everybody don’t get to do that. Touring to me has never been any kind of hardship. It’s a privilege.”
~Bob Dylan (to Edna Gundersen, July 20, 1988)

The 88-tour was great, surely one of N.E.T.’s best.

Interstate part 3 was the weakest leg of this tour, but still some wonderful concerts.

 I really don’t have any place to put my feet up. We want to play because we want to play. Why tour? It’s just that you get accustomed to it over the years. The people themselves will tell you when to stop touring.
~Bob Dylan, August 5, 1988

The Tower Theatre
Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
13 October 1988

• Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar)
• G. E. Smith (guitar),
• Kenny Aaronson (bass)
• Christopher Parker (drums)

Continue reading Bob Dylan: Interstate 88 part 3 – October 1988 concerts →