This past Friday I took the Long Island Railroad and then subway into Manhattan to see Bob Dylan’s Rough and Rowdy Ways tour at the Beacon Theatre (it is impossible to drive or park anywhere in New York City anymore but that is a story for another day). During the pandemic hiatus, I have been obsessing a bit on Mr. Dylan. I have been rotating out my many Dylan compact discs while traveling in my car with the couple of days right before the show listening to the phenomenal “Tempest” collection. I have been watching Dylan and the Dead on YouTube and found a 60 Minutes interview with Bob that is extraordinary. I have seen Bob Dylan in concert on more than a few occasions including Bobfest at MSG and, most recently, on a couple of dates with Neil Young & the Promise of the Real at Hyde Park, London and Kilkenny, Ireland. The show at the Beacon Theatre was advertised as “doors at 7, show starting at 8” with no opening act. I entered the Beacon early through the rear entrance and got through the Covid protocols pretty quickly. I had a balcony ticket but made my way down to the orchestra where I met Steve Earle who was very cool and we spoke briefly about his upcoming benefit concert in December at Town Hall. At 7:45 they announced to go to your seats and promptly at 8 the show began with Bob Dylan behind his piano and with his exquisite band playing perfectly on an eclectic set of tunes. The songs were great, the group was impeccable and the crowd was mesmerized with a few of us on our feet hooting and hollering at the appropriate times. Unbelievably, the concert ended at about 9:40 but I was satisfied to have seen the reluctant genius in yet another incarnation yet still creating powerful compelling art as great artists do. Bob Dylan’s merchandise said that this was amazingly, and optimistically, the 2021-2024 world tour and I hope that he is still on the road in 2024, and beyond, as we are all fortunate to have the opportunity to see the master musician still honing his craft live and in person.
Key West (Philosopher Pirate)
Rock on!
GQ