Bob Dylan has written many songs that are done by a lot of artists. One of the best Dylan interpreters is Neil Young, he has done wonderful versions of Bob Dylan songs.
Today we will post two great Bob Dylan takes on Mr. Young’s classic, Old Man.
Neil Young wrote Old Man when he was 27! Young was probably 24 years old when he wrote the song! (see the comments)
About 40 years later, Bob Dylan sings the song in a rough and very fitting way, he has become an old man after all.
He makes the song “his own” as one should do when doing good cover versions.
Old Man (live, Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania 21st Nov 2002):
Old Man (live, Madison Sq. Garden, 11 Nov, 2002):
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK, NOV 11, 2002
Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar), Charlie Sexton (guitar), Larry Campbell (guitar, mandolin, pedal steel guitar & electric slide guitar), Tony Garnier (bass), George Recile (drums & percussion)
Here is Neil Young’s original, recorded live at Massey Hall in 1971:
And another fine version recorded for BBC in 1971:
– Hallgeir
He was not 27 when he wrote “Old Man”. He introduced it at the BBC concert when he was only 25. He may have written when he was 24.(“24 and there’s so much more”)
I stand corrected, and I will update the post.
In 1971 Neil became 26 (but this was in november) the BBC performance is in february, so you are quite right, he is closer to 25. He introduces the song as a new one, but again you are right about the lyrics.
Thanks for the feedback, we sometimes slip up and I really appreciate being corrected when it’s done like you did, clear to the point and in no way mean.
– Hallgeir