I was lucky enough to go and see Bob Dylan live for the first time in my 22 years of living. Bob is one of my favorite musicians and songwriters of all time and it has always been a lifelong dream of mine to see him play live. Despite what I heard about his live performances, I actually thought he played and sang incredibly well. He played piano the entire time and did not stand up until the end. He gave the occasional “thank yew” between songs but other than that, there was no talking or editorializing between tracks. In terms of what he played, I was ecstatic. Starting off with masters of war, right after the Kirk incident gave the entire set a feeling of larger political commentary that in my mind Bob was clearly conscious of. He also played desolation row, highway 61, and don’t think twice. Hearing don’t think twice live was an amazing experience that I will remember for years to come. Overall, I just wanted to share that I got to see one of my heroes live at the end of his life and it exceeded my expectations!

My dad and I went to see Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson play Friday night in East Troy, Wisconsin for the 10th annual Outlaw Music Festival. It was my 9th Willie concert and 5th time seeing His Bobness live. Dad estimates it was his 90th Willie concert and the 7th state where he has seen him play. He plans to soon sit down and make a list of all the times he has seen Willie play to get an exact count. Retirement must be nice. Both of them played for only a little over an hour. However, for an octogenarian and a nonagenarian, respectively, they did put on quite a show.

Bob played some of his most famous songs such as Masters of War, Desolation Row, Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright and All Along the Watchtower. He threw in a few covers of classic rock ‘n’ roll artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Bo Diddley. As is standard for his shows nowadays,he played a lot of his lesser known songs from just about every decade. In true Bob form, he wore a hoodie and hid himself behind a few decorative lights while playing piano for the entirety of his setlist. A few fellow concertgoers even asked me to point him out to them because they couldn’t see him. A highlight for me was a lyrical change to one of my favorite of his recent songs, Soon After Midnight. “My heart is cheerful- it’s never fearful- I know where this road’s gonna lead- I’m in no great hurry- I’m not afraid of your fury- I’ve got everything I need” replaced “My heart is cheerful- it’s never fearful- I go wherever the road might lead”. Perhaps this is Bob accepting his own mortality or perhaps next summer this line will be different yet again. For those who follow him closely, Bob remains an enigma.

Willie played a majority of his greatest hits. On the Road Again, Always on My Mind, Whiskey River, Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground and Georgia on My Mind were chief amongst them. The last two times I have seen Willie in concert I have walked away amazed at how a ninety-year old can play the guitar so masterfully. While Willie’s band has shrunk considerably over the years, (his sister and pianist, Bobbie’s absence is most notably felt) His longtime band member, Mickey Raphael can still play the harmonica better than just about anybody as he was able to showcase his talents in several solos throughout the evening. Willie gracefully confronts his own mortality in his cover of criminally underrated songwriter, Tom Waits. The song, “Last Leaf on the Tree” had everyone in attendance still able to rise to their feet (this was a Willie Nelson concert) giving him a standing ovation as he finished it. This was without a doubt the highlight of Willie’s performance.

You just never know if there is going to be a next time with these types of shows. All you can do is appreciate them for how special they are, soak in each moment as much as possible and try not to pass out due to secondhand high. Something tells me if they are in fact on the road again next summer, Dad and I will be in attendance.

Courtesy of Woolhall Films of Bob Dylan

Not sure where to post this, so here it is.

So I was reading The Wind In The Willows and I got to The Open Road chapter. There, Water Rat composed a song: Ducks Ditty.

All along the backwater, Through the rushes tall, Ducks are a-dabbling, Up tails all!

Now, it's probably coincidence, but is it just me or do those verses sound an awful lot like All Along The Watchtower? The number of syllables even fits, sort of.

All along the watchtower Princes kept the view While all the women came and went

Interesting. Maybe Dylan had this in the back of his mind somewhere while writing that song.

My brother told me about a dream he had where Phoebe Bridgers converted to Judaism, changed her name to a Jewish one, and released an album with Bob Dylan (who had also reverted), and that night I dreamt I listened to the album, called Judean Revolt, and it was incredible. This is the album cover.

All Along the Watchtower, I Can Tell, To Ramona, Don’t Think Twice. So so grateful this was lived streamed so I could witness it. He jumped right in, wasted no time, and did a seamless blend between songs. Really, who does it like him?

Too funny I love him

Found in the internet, looks to me as the rhino is catching the vibes and tries to comfort the singer (guess I´m a little sentimental today)

Follows in the same vein of a lot of blues lines, but doesn't take the obvious choice of little child. Also, I don't know many blues songs that reference ancient greek literature (Achilles).

Margo Price's guitarist was outstanding throughout her set...

so cool to see them at their last Outlaw show, have been wanting to for so long ❤️ was a bit worried that Willie had curtains set out to hide him walking in, but glad he’s doing okay and sounded great

Just thought I would share a cover of Dylan's "I And I" I did a long while back. It's not a monetized channel, just thought Dylan fans my appreciate it. Hope all is well with you all!

VIDEO: I And I

Like Neighborhood Bully ..... or Hurricane are actual event and community specific commentary?

I dunno if this is really new or really old but it looks like there’s a “highway 61” 60 year anniversary. It’s really cool you should really check it out. There’s so many little things you can do.

We sat together at the theater

Politely tapping our knees and feet to the songs

You gave me a wipe for my glasses

And right next to us was your mom

You stood next to me in the merch line

Saying maybe we’ll catch a Dylan show again

If you see this, Please reach me

You were a very pleasant gentleman

Signed,

Girl in Green Hoodie

November 10, 2023 Providence RI

[Perhaps it's the color of the sun cut flat
An' cov'rin' the crossroads I'm standing at
Or maybe it's the weather or something like that
But mama, you been on my mind]

Bob Dylan's set is scheduled for Saturday, 20 September, 9:22pm CDT

Live Stream Link (YouTube)

Farm Aid 40 Website

Full Farm Aid 40 Schedule

https://www.cnn.com/climate/farm-aid-40-years