I have seen Dylan a dozen times (starting when Under the Red Sky was freshly released) and only twice have I felt the show was subpar. This was definetely one of them. The other happened to be at the same venue the week Modern Times was released. Anyone who has seen the Charlie Sexton/Larry Campbell backing band knows just how bad Dylan's current band is- they really drag the songs down. Dylan himself sounded fine but just not as great as he usually is. Very so-so performance compared to other times I have seen him.
I was a Willie Nelson fan until this show. He has not grown old gracefully. Watching him made me sad. Still golden voiced but kind of a parody of himself at this point. Mellencamp was awesome though. Never been a huge fan of his but he stole the show.
Willie and Mellencamp were very, very good. Bob and his band were in the pocket and seemed to be having a good time (at least Bob did. His band members looked scared they would miss a cue).
You have to expect stoners at an outdoor concert. Having storm troopers swoop in on tokers would've wrecked the show.
The drunks are another story. There were quite a few stumblers and I wish I had worn steel-toed boots. One guy was way over the line and should've been escorted out. Maybe you had the mispleasure to cross his path. Center stage, maybe 30 feet from the stage, a blond-haired twenty something d-head in a red ballcap who thought he was at a Metallica concert and screamed profanities at anyone who came near him and his ugly girlfriend. He seemed to think his ticket entitled him to a ten foot buffer. If he was worried someone was going to cop a feel from the girl, he needn't have. I just moved on when he screamed at me but I thought an older guy with (I presume) his daughter was gonna kill him and Bob forgive me I kinda wish he had. Hopefully this dude shot his mouth off in the parking lot after the show and got the ass whipping he deserved.
But hey. Even a psycho drunk couldn't kill the vibe. Great show -- best Dylan show I've been to. Made we want to give Mellencamp another listen too.
Submitted by qdevilbat on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 18:06.
No Rating
Me and my husband loved every minute! Amazing! We were in the second row and everyone around us was enjoying the show just as much as us! Sure, once in a while someone nearby would light up, but it didnt seem to bother anyone! The music was so fantastic that it made all the other annoyances seem like nothing at all. I wish I could be at that concert for all eternity with Dylan smiling at me forever and ever!!! A GREAT SHOW!!!!!!
Submitted by qdevilbat on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 18:06.
No Rating
Me and my husband loved every minute! Amazing! We were in the second row and everyone around us was enjoying the show just as much as us! Sure, once in a while someone nearby would light up, but it didnt seem to bother anyone! The music was so fantastic that it made all the other annoyances seem like nothing at all. I wish I could be at that concert for all eternity with Dylan smiling at me forever and ever!!! A GREAT SHOW!!!!!!
I didn't see anyone over the top with the smoking. Where are people supposed to blow the smoke? It was an outdoor event for CHRIST'S SAKE! I think only an idiot would take kids to a Willie Nelson and bob Dylan show and NOT expect a few people to be lighting up. It was a peaceful event with great music. No need for mass incarcerations and ruined careers because of offended non-smokers. No harm done!
There were some mighty big whiners at this show. I didn't know so many of them are Dylan fans.All I can say is that all that dope at the concert must have had caused you to lose your keys.
"I was disappointed with this concert. The concert was advertised as a family friendly event, even though there was so much pot and alcohol with young kids at the concert. The venue did nothing to make sure there wasn't any illegal drugs at the concert, and it seemed like the security/rent-a-cops were only there to enjoy the concert."
Yeah, that's just what we need - government approved rock and roll. It was a peaceful crowd with no need for the cops.
The pot smokers weren't hurting anyone. you speak us like we are some kind of blight on society. The country is changing on the marijuna issue. I have rights, too, you know???I don't smoke cigerettes but I can tolerate them at an outdoor event. It seems like your comments are just a tad bit of an overkill with the whining.
It was a great show! and I was high as a kite! and I loved it! and I didn't harm anyone while I was there. I'm glad I didn't see you!
Submitted by erinmcdaniel on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 16:48.
2
I was disappointed with this concert. The concert was advertised as a family friendly event, even though there was so much pot and alcohol with young kids at the concert. The venue did nothing to make sure there wasn't any illegal drugs at the concert, and it seemed like the security/rent-a-cops were only there to enjoy the concert. By the time Bob came to play (which is the whole reason I came to the concert), I couldn't enjoy his music because the smoke made me sick. The tickets were a birthday gift and it was rediculous to pay that much to get pot smoke blown on me. I will never go to a concert again at this venue.
Aside from the stoners and drunkards who won't even remember this night, Bob Dylan did a great job! This was my first time to see him in person and I am glad I got to see him! He is aging like fine wine, and him in that blazer was definitely a good decision....lol! He is most certainly a singer who I hope to see more than once!
and agree with the others about the crowd. There were more annoying drunks staggering into people than I've seen at a show in many years and while there appeared to be hundreds of security all of the rent-a-cops must of just been enjoying the show.
It's been several years since I last saw Dylan and while I prefer the Charlie Sexton and Larry Campbell iteration of his band, it is intriguing to see Dylan work yet anew varying interpreations of both classics and his more recent work.
This time around Bob plays primarily keyboards (some type of electric organ primarily) and churns out churchy staccato riffs over the rhythm section of two guitars, bass, drums and and a variety of instruments (though mostly pedal steel) played by Donnie Herron. In contrast to when Sexton and Campbell played, the band is very much in the background simply establishing a groove over which Dylan pumps out chords and sings. It's not fair to criticize the band because they are no doubt doing precisely as directed but I would have enjoyed a few lead breaks such as Sexton would have provided or some of the tasteful embellishments Larry Campbell laid over the top when they were with the band.
This time around the spotlight is exclusively on Bob and the organ dominates the sound.. Bob came out with his guitar, however, and and opened with a poignant, rolling "Watching the River Flow." His weathered voice transforming the feeling from that of a weary of it all young loser at love to a wiser man who has seen it all and then some. "It Ain't Me, Babe" followed and never seemed to catch fire.
"Levee's Gonna Break" was a highlight and Bob seemed to pick up the emotion at this point of the show. He then rocked through accelerated versions of Po' Boy and "Rollin' and Tumblin' " before a soulful, languid "Forgetfull Heart."
"It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) was transformed to the extent it took me a full verse to realize which song it was. The melody was one of those Dylan moments where you know something is so familiar but you can't quite place it and an old standard is reinvented.
He followed with a rocking "Highway 61" which was driven by his almost percussive keyboard chording. Nettie Moore was another highlight and he seemed to take particular care to enunciate the words and accentuate the lyrics.
"Summer Days" followed and here the band apeared to be a little more free and loose than throughout most of the show.
After leaving the stage he closed with "Like A Rolling Stone," "Jolene" and All Along the Watchtower. The "encore" appeared to be a bit perfunctory but as one would expext the crowd went crazzy for the two classics and thoroughly engaged for"Jolene."
All in all it was a great concert, ably supported by Willie and Mellencamp who provided typically professional and entertaining sets and the opening act the Wi-Yos (phonetic) a faux hillbilly band who showed a nice rhythmic approach and some able musicianship marred only by the lead singer's rather annoying affectations.
The Dylan set was incredible, he was engaging and appeared to be enjoying himself and the music he was playing. Highway 61 and It's Allright Ma really got the people who were there to see Dylan moving!!! The Set List pretty much mirrors all the previous shows, with such a varied and diverse catalog to choose from, I would love to see Zimmy mix it up a little more with this tour. Also, would've loved to see him on the guitar a little more. All in all, one of the best Dylan shows I've been to, I am extremely glad that I went. The WYIOS were fun to see for the first time and I enjoyed their set. Willie Nelson did a fine job of covering his popular standards but was a little ho-hum. John Mellencamp and his band rocked the house and were crowd engaging. Was great to see such a wide range of age groups represented, a lot of people brought their young children to experience Dylan, just a little disconcerting that there was so much pot being blown in the crowd with so many young kids present. Smoke all you want, but be discrete about it for cripes sake!!
Willie Nelson was ok.. I got tired of his fans blowing pot on me though.
John Melloncamp was really great.
Bob Dylan was awesome!
Lots of annoying drunks and stoners, that was disappointing.
Also, there was guy I was talking to right at the end of the concert, and as the lights when on I walked off without saying anything. Sorry! I was worried about my lost keys. I found them.. thanks whoever turned them in.
Comments
Not Dylan's Best
No Rating
I have seen Dylan a dozen times (starting when Under the Red Sky was freshly released) and only twice have I felt the show was subpar. This was definetely one of them. The other happened to be at the same venue the week Modern Times was released. Anyone who has seen the Charlie Sexton/Larry Campbell backing band knows just how bad Dylan's current band is- they really drag the songs down. Dylan himself sounded fine but just not as great as he usually is. Very so-so performance compared to other times I have seen him.
I was a Willie Nelson fan until this show. He has not grown old gracefully. Watching him made me sad. Still golden voiced but kind of a parody of himself at this point. Mellencamp was awesome though. Never been a huge fan of his but he stole the show.
Just my two cents.
Great Concert, So-So Crowd
No Rating
Willie and Mellencamp were very, very good. Bob and his band were in the pocket and seemed to be having a good time (at least Bob did. His band members looked scared they would miss a cue).
You have to expect stoners at an outdoor concert. Having storm troopers swoop in on tokers would've wrecked the show.
The drunks are another story. There were quite a few stumblers and I wish I had worn steel-toed boots. One guy was way over the line and should've been escorted out. Maybe you had the mispleasure to cross his path. Center stage, maybe 30 feet from the stage, a blond-haired twenty something d-head in a red ballcap who thought he was at a Metallica concert and screamed profanities at anyone who came near him and his ugly girlfriend. He seemed to think his ticket entitled him to a ten foot buffer. If he was worried someone was going to cop a feel from the girl, he needn't have. I just moved on when he screamed at me but I thought an older guy with (I presume) his daughter was gonna kill him and Bob forgive me I kinda wish he had. Hopefully this dude shot his mouth off in the parking lot after the show and got the ass whipping he deserved.
But hey. Even a psycho drunk couldn't kill the vibe. Great show -- best Dylan show I've been to. Made we want to give Mellencamp another listen too.
THIS SHOW ROCKED!
No Rating
Me and my husband loved every minute! Amazing! We were in the second row and everyone around us was enjoying the show just as much as us! Sure, once in a while someone nearby would light up, but it didnt seem to bother anyone! The music was so fantastic that it made all the other annoyances seem like nothing at all. I wish I could be at that concert for all eternity with Dylan smiling at me forever and ever!!! A GREAT SHOW!!!!!!
THIS SHOW ROCKED!
No Rating
Me and my husband loved every minute! Amazing! We were in the second row and everyone around us was enjoying the show just as much as us! Sure, once in a while someone nearby would light up, but it didnt seem to bother anyone! The music was so fantastic that it made all the other annoyances seem like nothing at all. I wish I could be at that concert for all eternity with Dylan smiling at me forever and ever!!! A GREAT SHOW!!!!!!
Marijuana
No Rating
I didn't see anyone over the top with the smoking. Where are people supposed to blow the smoke? It was an outdoor event for CHRIST'S SAKE! I think only an idiot would take kids to a Willie Nelson and bob Dylan show and NOT expect a few people to be lighting up. It was a peaceful event with great music. No need for mass incarcerations and ruined careers because of offended non-smokers. No harm done!
Annoying Drunkards and Stoners
No Rating
There were some mighty big whiners at this show. I didn't know so many of them are Dylan fans.All I can say is that all that dope at the concert must have had caused you to lose your keys.
Everybody must get stoned!
At least as far as you're concerned....hehe.
"I was disappointed with
No Rating
"I was disappointed with this concert. The concert was advertised as a family friendly event, even though there was so much pot and alcohol with young kids at the concert. The venue did nothing to make sure there wasn't any illegal drugs at the concert, and it seemed like the security/rent-a-cops were only there to enjoy the concert."
Yeah, that's just what we need - government approved rock and roll. It was a peaceful crowd with no need for the cops.
The pot smokers weren't hurting anyone. you speak us like we are some kind of blight on society. The country is changing on the marijuna issue. I have rights, too, you know???I don't smoke cigerettes but I can tolerate them at an outdoor event. It seems like your comments are just a tad bit of an overkill with the whining.
It was a great show! and I was high as a kite! and I loved it! and I didn't harm anyone while I was there. I'm glad I didn't see you!
He saw me....
No Rating
He played "It Aint Me Babe" <3 <3 <3
Thank you Mr. Dylan, for every emotion you made me feel.
Memorable
No Rating
Zimmy,
Thank you for a memorable 52nd birthday. A yellow rose to your music...
-Cindy
dissappointed
I was disappointed with this concert. The concert was advertised as a family friendly event, even though there was so much pot and alcohol with young kids at the concert. The venue did nothing to make sure there wasn't any illegal drugs at the concert, and it seemed like the security/rent-a-cops were only there to enjoy the concert. By the time Bob came to play (which is the whole reason I came to the concert), I couldn't enjoy his music because the smoke made me sick. The tickets were a birthday gift and it was rediculous to pay that much to get pot smoke blown on me. I will never go to a concert again at this venue.
Aside from the stoners and drunkards who won't even remember this night, Bob Dylan did a great job! This was my first time to see him in person and I am glad I got to see him! He is aging like fine wine, and him in that blazer was definitely a good decision....lol! He is most certainly a singer who I hope to see more than once!
wanted to add a rating
and agree with the others about the crowd. There were more annoying drunks staggering into people than I've seen at a show in many years and while there appeared to be hundreds of security all of the rent-a-cops must of just been enjoying the show.
Washington, PA 7/13/09
No Rating
It's been several years since I last saw Dylan and while I prefer the Charlie Sexton and Larry Campbell iteration of his band, it is intriguing to see Dylan work yet anew varying interpreations of both classics and his more recent work.
This time around Bob plays primarily keyboards (some type of electric organ primarily) and churns out churchy staccato riffs over the rhythm section of two guitars, bass, drums and and a variety of instruments (though mostly pedal steel) played by Donnie Herron. In contrast to when Sexton and Campbell played, the band is very much in the background simply establishing a groove over which Dylan pumps out chords and sings. It's not fair to criticize the band because they are no doubt doing precisely as directed but I would have enjoyed a few lead breaks such as Sexton would have provided or some of the tasteful embellishments Larry Campbell laid over the top when they were with the band.
This time around the spotlight is exclusively on Bob and the organ dominates the sound.. Bob came out with his guitar, however, and and opened with a poignant, rolling "Watching the River Flow." His weathered voice transforming the feeling from that of a weary of it all young loser at love to a wiser man who has seen it all and then some. "It Ain't Me, Babe" followed and never seemed to catch fire.
"Levee's Gonna Break" was a highlight and Bob seemed to pick up the emotion at this point of the show. He then rocked through accelerated versions of Po' Boy and "Rollin' and Tumblin' " before a soulful, languid "Forgetfull Heart."
"It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) was transformed to the extent it took me a full verse to realize which song it was. The melody was one of those Dylan moments where you know something is so familiar but you can't quite place it and an old standard is reinvented.
He followed with a rocking "Highway 61" which was driven by his almost percussive keyboard chording. Nettie Moore was another highlight and he seemed to take particular care to enunciate the words and accentuate the lyrics.
"Summer Days" followed and here the band apeared to be a little more free and loose than throughout most of the show.
After leaving the stage he closed with "Like A Rolling Stone," "Jolene" and All Along the Watchtower. The "encore" appeared to be a bit perfunctory but as one would expext the crowd went crazzy for the two classics and thoroughly engaged for"Jolene."
All in all it was a great concert, ably supported by Willie and Mellencamp who provided typically professional and entertaining sets and the opening act the Wi-Yos (phonetic) a faux hillbilly band who showed a nice rhythmic approach and some able musicianship marred only by the lead singer's rather annoying affectations.
Fantastic Show, Dylan was fabulous
No Rating
The Dylan set was incredible, he was engaging and appeared to be enjoying himself and the music he was playing. Highway 61 and It's Allright Ma really got the people who were there to see Dylan moving!!! The Set List pretty much mirrors all the previous shows, with such a varied and diverse catalog to choose from, I would love to see Zimmy mix it up a little more with this tour. Also, would've loved to see him on the guitar a little more. All in all, one of the best Dylan shows I've been to, I am extremely glad that I went. The WYIOS were fun to see for the first time and I enjoyed their set. Willie Nelson did a fine job of covering his popular standards but was a little ho-hum. John Mellencamp and his band rocked the house and were crowd engaging. Was great to see such a wide range of age groups represented, a lot of people brought their young children to experience Dylan, just a little disconcerting that there was so much pot being blown in the crowd with so many young kids present. Smoke all you want, but be discrete about it for cripes sake!!
Willie Nelson was ok.. I got
Willie Nelson was ok.. I got tired of his fans blowing pot on me though.
John Melloncamp was really great.
Bob Dylan was awesome!
Lots of annoying drunks and stoners, that was disappointing.
Also, there was guy I was talking to right at the end of the concert, and as the lights when on I walked off without saying anything. Sorry! I was worried about my lost keys. I found them.. thanks whoever turned them in.
Forgetful Heart
No Rating
Coole Sache! Bob spielt einen meiner Lieblings-Songs vom neuen Album -Forgetful Heart! Nicht schlecht, nicht schlecht! :)
great show, love the eco
No Rating
great show, love the eco friendly bags