Playing his first show in Newcastle in 18 years, and to an English-speaking audience for the 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
Dylan, who would fly in from France on his private jet, would be supported by Santana and Geordie favourites Lindisfarne. Tickets for the show cost £11 and the turnstiles opened hours before the concert, for once hammering the touts and forcing them to sell at well below face value.
On a pleasant evening, as the sun began to set, the legendary singer, then aged 43, took to the stage. The Chronicle reported: “He came, he sang, he conquered… Bob Dylan won the hearts of Northern fans – all 25,000 of them – at St James’ Park last night.
The sea of fans were calmed by his strange nasal tones echoing round the terraces, but surged with applause at every pause.“The times they have been a-changing for Dylan fans. For many, marijuana has given way to middle-aged spreads, and beads to balding heads.
But ageing hippies made up just part of the crowd which proved that Dylan now has universal appeal. The majority were just ordinary young people who came to enjoy the music. As soon as the gates opened, a carnival atmosphere descended upon St James’ Park.
Bare-chested fans were soon jogging with joy in the blazing sun to the vibrant music of support groups Lindisfarne and Santana.After the show, one 37-year-old fan, told the Chronicle it was the fourth time he’d seen the singer. “He never loses his old magic. He looks like a scruffy little man on stage – but he happens to be a genius.
Three decades on, the Kings Of Leon recently became the latest act to rock St James’ Park, but for those who watched the legendary Bob Dylan plying his trade there all those years ago, it was a show they will never forget it.
– The Chronicle
St. James’ Park
Newcastle, England
5 July 1984
- Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar)
- Mick Taylor (guitar)
- Ian McLagan (keyboards)
- Greg Sutton (bass), Colin Allen (drums)
Continue reading July 5: Bob Dylan live in Newcastle, UK in 1984 (video upgrade)
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