Reviews

I saw Bob at Wembley in '81 I think and then twice at the Albert Hall in
recent years. The Palladium should have been a great venue for him
tonight, but I found the sound poorly mixed. Drums, (although
spectacularly good), too prominant, lead guitar lost in the mix
(completely lost on Highway 61 - much to Charlie's annoyance), and 
worst of all Bob's vocal, which at times seemed reborn, was buried and
indistinct. I personally love the retro covers and enjoy his vocal
dexterity and would have liked it all dialled down a little. It's an odd
set too in some ways -  because he  now has such an eclectic catalogue
it's a bit like a group show in an art gallery, the artist that penned
Desolation Row is somehow not the artist that interprets  Don't Try To
Change Me Now.  I thought an opportunity missed to be honest - the 
venue held out the promise of an intimate gig (and the beautiful lighting 
certainly emphasised that), some space for extemporisation perhaps,  a 
chance for the band to be cut some slack, but it felt like 'this is the set 
we do and we always do it just like this', job done, encore called for, 
(milked - he makes you beg!), delivered and goodnight...rattled through 
rather than deeply felt. But it all matters not. The man whose singular 
breath sang with the energy of all the world's youth and restless beauty,  
whose voice, like its body, now wears its age with no conceit or vanity, 
has transcended criticism. Simply Bob, burnt through, keepin on, 
starbright supernova, all dues paid, account settled. The rest is history, 
and silence.

We wake up late and we go out for brunch. A good omelette with fries and
salad will comfort my body. It might be all it takes to make me feel
better. John and I decide to visit the National Gallery.  Nothing like
Monet,  Cezanne, Renoir, Van Ghogh, Rubens... to lift my spirit.  Bobby
Dylan would be the cherry on the cake! A strong latte in a Cafe near the
Palladium and ....  this is THE time I fear the most. I am confident
tonight. Many Bobcats made the trip to London.  From Europe and even the
States. I chat a little bit with Glen , the man in the Napoleon hat. He's
from California and fun. We met in Paris. As a matter of fact he is friend
of Mr. R. and came to London under Mr.R. request (and tickets).   We all 
met, the 3 of us in Nashville,  at the Ryman, 6 years ago. What a coincidence
that we are here today at the Palladium London. My good spirit might be
reflecting for a Man walks by me and hands me a ticket. He doesn't even
wait for my thanks. It is a miracle as so many scalpers are making their
business tonight. I immediately walks inside the venue, half hour before
show time.

The Palladium is a slpendid little theater. It reminds me the one in San
Antonio: The Magestic. Same feeling of Glory. I am in the Royal Circle,
the first up level balcony. I have an excellent view of the stage. The
seats are red and tight. It is difficult to move around. It is not
designed for a Rock and Roll crowd.  But it is not anymore with Bob
Dylan.  I have to get used to it. I try to socialise with my neighbours
but they are the quiet type. Right on time Stu will take the stage. I
can't believe my luck! I see Bobby strolling to the piano for the ....
13th time on that Tour. But each show had been a special one. This one
will leave a print in my memory. An excellent performance tonight.  Not a
mistake on the lyrics, not a fault on the music. His voice as clear as it
could be. Bobby's playing with the mic and standing at the piano is a
wonder! As much as the "Sun Flowers" by Van Ghogh. What a day, my friends!
I wait outside for Mr.R. Seeing him and wishing him the best (even with
his new girl friend!)  will be my reconciliation with the entire world.
Good night Bobby!