Bob DylanSeeing Bob Dylan live is a 'bucket list' moment for many — a chance to see one of the greats in the flesh. For others it is an irresistible itch — an opportunity to witness the legend one more time, despite past disappointments. For some, the man is a genius, to be followed in any musical direction.
Many who saw Dylan on his last Australian tour do not speak highly of it. Despite that, tonight in Adelaide, Dylan is performing to a near-capacity crowd inside an enormous marquee in Bonython Park. It is bitterly cold outside, but thankfully some large heaters and our collective body warmth take the chill out of the air.
Australian singer Vance Joy is the perfect warm-up act. He is charming, humbled by the occasion and with just acoustic guitar, ukulele and a bunch of catchy songs, lifts the mood perfectly. There are many squeals of delight from his many fans present.
Bob Dylan takes to the stage on cue at 8pm. He does not greet the audience, but heads straight to the piano where he remains for the entire performance. Even those with good seats only see him from the shoulders up. He does not say a word between songs or pick up a guitar at all.
Opening with Things Have Changed, the 77-year-old's signature raspy voice seems in good form. He is energised, thumping the keys and interacting well with his band, despite not saying a word to them (or us). Up next are a couple of throwbacks to the '60s — It Ain't Me Babe is performed in a cabaret style that doesn't do the song justice, while Highway 61 Revisited thankfully has more energy. Anyone wanting to hear Dylan's classics done in the classic way clearly needs to go see a Dylan cover band.
On Simple Twist Of Fate, Dylan's harmonica is given a workout and the crowd loves it. Evidently, those seated around us are die-hard fans — and some oldies nearby give a standing ovation after every single song.
The setlist is a good cross-section of Dylan's career. There are enough favourites to keep us happy, including interesting reworkings of Blowin' In The Wind and Tangled Up In Blue (the latter being mashed beyond recognition). The highlights were Don't Think Twice, It's All Right, which energised the crowd, Gotta Serve Somebody, which was reinterpreted well, and the amazing Ballad Of A Thin Man, which closed the show.
The verdict is positive — Dylan remains a living legend who continues to do things his way. The performance was as good as expected, provided your expectations weren't too high. His band kept the energy level high enough to prompt attempts at dancing from the crowd (although these were quickly shut down by security).
And, remarkably the umbrella that we had to surrender at the gate on the way in was successfully retrieved on the way out.
