Thanks to Carsten Wohlfeld for the following review: Well, I guess we all had high hopes for this show, especially since friday's performance in Hamburg was so plain baaaad. Fortunately saturday was a day off, a chance not only for us, but also for Bob to relax and watch Nigeria beat Spain 3:2 in the soccer world championships. Well, to make it short, tonight Bob definitely delivered the goods. This was without the doubt one of the most exciting shows in Europe so far, even coming close to Leipzig and Rostock. Bob didn't smile much all night, but his singing was mazingly good and the song selection was quite excellent as well. He still manged to find a nummber of new mini-riffs to add to various songs, and also did plenty of knee-bending, which made Lary and Tony smile alot. He and the band came out at precisely 8.30pm to igonore the cuesheet's alternates "Watchtower" and "Everything's Broken" to lauch into: > Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat Average version actually, with Bob's vocals being buried deep in the mix. Nice to see that he keeps changing the songs in the #1 slot. After the horrid "Watchtower" in Hamburg it was clearly time for a change, too. > Man In the Long Black Coat "Peggy-O" was on the cuesheet but went unplayed (sorry, Gunter :-)), and neither was "Lay Lady Lay" played (sorry, Uta :-)), but this version was a million times better than the one he did in Sweden a few days back, mostly due to his very concentrated singing, very passionate, very sweet. > Cold Irons Bound Made a return to the number 3 slot as expected and sounded even more powerful than usual with Larry finding some interesting new bits in his guitar part. The feedback intro was looooong today, cause David wanted to have some fun... he simply started the song very late. Bob looked kinda puzzled, but Tony was cracking up. Larry took all the solos on this song tonight and did a great job. > You're A Big Girl Now Back to sweet and sensitive mode for this song, not one of my favourites, but as long as it's done as nicely as this, I surely won't complain. Bob messed up his guitar solo, but that was the only minor fuckup. > Silvio So much better than Hamburg, in fact one of the best versions of the whole tour. Really cooking with lots of great Larry/Bob interplay. > John Brown (acoustic) Wow!!! Words fail me to describe the greatness of this version. Basically the arrangement Bob played in New York in January, but whereas five months ago the band seems unsure what the hell they were doing, the delivered what has to be the definitive version of this song. The first verse was Bob alone with his acoustic guitar, no Larry, no Tony, no Bucky, no David, no nothing. Halfway through Bob had this funny expression on his face as if he was going to say: "Oh my goodness this is sooooo good and we're doing it in friggin' BREMEN. You people simply don't deserve this..." And of course he was right. This was definitely a version I'll tell people about in years to come. > Girl Of The North Country (acoustic) Sounded very similar to friday's "Boots" of course, but was very nicely done. Bob on harp at the end, even though it was a rather flat solo. > Don't Think Twice It's All Right (acoustic) Kind of a surprise to hear this one so early in the set. Bob nearly forgot the lyrics to the first verse, but got better closer to the end. Huge crowdpleaser of course. The band had tons of fun playing it as well. > Tangled Up In Blue (acoustic) Yet another new verse instead of "lucky just to be employed", even though I couldn't figure it out (will leave that to Ben T.). Very interesting/ strange phrasing. Bob stressed the middle of every line for the first half, then changing to Caruso mode and singing the song like an operasinger, well, he attempted it anyways. Tony nearly fell over cause he was laughing so hard!!! > Can't Wait Average version, with lots of minor mistakes, but the song (and especially the live arrangment) is so strong it hardly did matter. Still a highlight for most people. > Make You Feel My Love Well, it's the only song in the set that sounds *exactly* the same every night, so please refer to my previous reviews for more detailed comments. > Watching The River Flow I don't remember it very clearly, but I think Bob said "The next one is for our special friend Josh Nelson. I'm sure you'll enjoy it".... seriously, I know Josh hates this song, but to most people it's still fun to hear. Not as good as at "Rock am Ring" though. After the song, Bob quickly introduced the band and then launched into: > 'Til I Fell In Love With You YES! First show without "Highway 61" since the New York City run in January, if my memory serves me well. Nice to hear this one again, and it was every bit as good as friday's performance. Then they were gone. > > (encores) > Knockin' On Heaven's Door (acoustic) It's so funny to see Larry and Bucky to the "female backing vocals" to this song and after the nice "oooo" intro a pretty nice version of this song followed. The interesting bit was the end (and improved or rather: improvised?) ending: the band got quieter and quieter while Bob repeatedly sang "just like so many times before", similar to the Boston 1/24/98 with Van Morrison. After they ended Bob turned to Tony and bursted into laughter. I guess it was more improvised than improved anyways. Interesting to see it go back to acoustic after the electric version from "Rock Am Ring". Two different arrangements during the same tour, a rarity. > Love Sick While Bucky already started the spooky intro, Bob said a few sentences that were hard to understand, maybe it was "thanks ev'rybody, just like so many times before", which would've been ultra silly I guess, but maybe it was something completely different. The tapes will tell. "Love Sick" was okay, but nothing special. > Rainy Day Women Nos. 12 & 35 No surprise of course, but interesting to see it come back after just one night's rest. Pretty hot version too. Bob's first solo was what I regonized as the melody of "Spider And The Fly", a 1965 Rolling Stones b- side. I dunno if it was really that, or if maybe the Stones took it from an old Blues song themselves, but Bob certainly had fun playing the little melody, then turned to Tony and both smiled. I guess it must've been some kind of inside joke. > Blowin' In The Wind (acoustic) Not the best version they've done on this tour, but still nice to hear with Larry and Bucky on backing vocals during the chorus. As I said earlier, a very good show, a million times better than the dreadful show in Hamburg, lots of new songs, lots of changes to the setlist (he skipped "Bound", "Highway" and "Rainy Day" in just two nights!) and a show that makes you rush home to check the tour guide on Bill Pagel's page and then buy tickets for all the remaining shows... I'll be at tomorrow's double headlining show with Van the Man, so expect another review soon. Thanks for your time and good night. carsten wohlfeld -- "what once you called home is a minefield" (damon & naomi) *************************************************************** Thanks to Siegfried Pisalla for the following review: I`d like to comment on Carsten Wohlfeld`s review of the Bremen concert June 14. Here`s what i`d like to say: you wrote in your report on the concert in Bremen on june 14: Halfway through Bob had this funny expression on his face as if he was going to say: "Oh my goodness this is sooooo good and we're doing it in friggin' BREMEN. You people simply don't deserve this..." And of course he was right. This was definitely a version I'll tell people about in years to come. Well, this is not quite fair to the audience and this town and what follows is a gentle hommage to the city of BREMEN, which i meanwhile dare to call a home. The Concert here was not just by chance one of the best of the whole tour so far. There is a simple explanation : there was a huge impact on the "quality" of the BREMEN-concert by this city. I can say so cause I live here for about 35 years now. This town rocks, believe me, in a hidden way. I had the lucky chance to be part of the "BEATCLUB" studio staff . This most famous tv-serie of the sixties, seventies and eighties was "invented" by producer Michael Leckebusch here in this town and gathered here in the studios over thirty years evrything what had a name in Rockbusiness. The Who, Hendrix, Kinks, Muddy Waters, Bowie and hundreds of other bands and artists recorded there shows here. The "Beatclub" was exported from here into every continent on earth: Africa, Australia, Amerika even China, as the most successful music-series of the pre-MTV aera. That’s what went from here into the big wide world - a mega-impact, which should not be underestimated. So don`t you mess with BREMEN :-) But there is another important reason, why the location was right for a good concert: Bremen was the greatest emmigrant harbour of the European continent between 1850 - 1930 - not Hamburg which dealt more with goods than people. 35 Million people from all over Europe - especially from eastern parts - were the Manchester capitalism of the last century showed his most ugliest face- moved over Bremen to America -maybe Bob`s ancestors from Ukrania too. So this is an emmigrants-related-city, with all cons and pros. The spot , where the concert took place - the "Bürgerweide" -meadow of the citizens- is a most historical place in this context. Until 1930 there were located vast , huge halls, like aeroplane-hangars, spread over an area of half a square mile- furnished with field-beds in hundreds of rows, maybe looking alike the scene on the front cover of Pink Floyds "Momentary lapse of reason" album- where the refuging emmigrants spent there last night in the old world, in their old world. Millions of dreams of roaming people, young and old, might have been dreamed on this spot - decades ago- and to explain it esoteric, moved into the soil of that place. So is it any wonder, that Bob`s Song "John Brown", that deals with "someone on the move" and "dreams of the big wide world" became so emphasising in this place. Maybe the ghosts of history, of hundred thousands of people dreaming their dreams on the future in their new home in this place, decades before, arose again and cast their spell. You - Carsten, mentioned it, and i investigated the words of the song, as i could`nt remember what it was about, and was surprised. Well, I really do envy you, on having the chance to follow Bob on his concerts through Europe. By the way: what does Bob say on that,? Does he recognize it and do you have the chance to meet him on an occasion -maybe on an after-concert party? When i was in the area direct in front of the stage here in Bremen after the concert, i recognized so many -excuse me- "strangers" - people, whose faces i did’nt know from the local scene- it seemed to me, that there were quite a lot, who seem to travel as an "audience crew" from concert to concert. I found this explanation not on the spot, but when i read your report on the Bremen concert it seemed to me a probably explanation. It remembers me of what i heard about the "Dead heads? Your description of the concert and the songs was ok , besides your „strokes for BREMEN", but i’m shure, you did’nt mean it like this?!! I can`t compare the concert on sunday to anything but Bob`s album`s. For me, it was the first time i saw him live and - i hope for another long time- alive. What i missed a bit in your report was the seriousness, that i kept in me, when i went to that event. For me Bob had -as an exponated person of a "peace and humanity movement" of the last three decades -a great influence on my life, surely not only on mine or we would’nt be talkin’ here about him. But we are in the ninetees now - fin de siècle - times out of mind - shure they are, more than ever, the "Bridges to Babylon" are built and we are about to step into the next phase of history: global information society. If this means getting in contact like this via Internet on things we care about, it`s ok. Carsten, the next time you travel to the north country fare, remember the ones who live there and miss BREMEN do`nt you dare! I really did enjoy your report. Thank you! Siegfried Pisalla, Bremen, June 17 *************************************************************** Thanks to Christian Zeiser for the following review: After the somewhat strange Hamburg show (Carsten sums it up pretty well in his review of that one, so I see no need to write my own), I talked to a few people who didn't see the wonderful shows in Rostock and Leipzig before - e.g. Viola, my girlfriend - , and they still said they liked the Hamburg show, tho it was kinda weird. I told all these people, 'you just have to come to Bremen, just to get the chance of seeing one more, maybe it's gonna be as wonderful as the ones in eastern Germany, who knows'. So they all came yesterday, and... bang! I was right! Man, the trip from Hamburg to Bremen was hell! Four hours for not even 80 miles, complete traffic chaos in Hamburg due to a bikers' church service, and many streets closed so the bikers can have their parade there. Also, a construction site at Hamburg's most frequented tunnel made it all even worse. I was close to getting real aggressive, and I don't have these tendencies usually. But then, you ain't on your way to a Bob show every day. Anyway, we luckily made it on time for the opening of the gates, so Viola and me had a pretty good position in the crowd. A quick abstract: Bremen was Rostock, part 2. Bob and band came around 8:30, only half an hour late, which was good compared to Hamburg. The audience was very cheerful from the beginning on, and I have learned to know what that means for the show. The boys went straight into... Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat. Cool little surprise, as if Bob himself wasn't satisfied with his latest treatment of Watchtower. Bring back the Rostock Watchtower, Bob, that one was perfect! Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat rocked pretty good, Bob's voice a bit low in the mix during the first half, but good and strong singig romthe beginning on, crowd bopping around. I think you can tell by the first song what the show might be like, and it promised to be special again. Bob seemed very relaxed, much more self-secure than in Hamburg, and pretty satisfied. Man In The Long Black Coat. Gorgeous pharsing, has Bob ever spoiled this one, except for the 1991 performances? The band had it all right tonight, providing a wonderfully flowing backbeat. I'd never heard this one live before, so it was kin of a present, with more to come. First 'thanx ev'rybody' followed. Cold Irons Bound. The heavy blues rocker is back, I love it! People seemed pretty impressed by the strength of Bob's voice, and yes, it was great, as in Rostock etc. before. You're A Big Girl Now. The second present to me, a personal debut, and one of fave songs, so what can I say - it was warm and sweet, desperate and beautiful, Bob caressing every word. He was in such great form yesterday, so concentrated yet so relaxed. Silvio. Rock'n'Roll at its best, as usual. Crowd going nuts (me being no exception), hopping, dancing, shouting, it's always a pleasure. The everyday songs make up a good framework for the show, I think, getting people reliably crazy, keeping the show in its tracks. Good strategy. The acoustic set: John Brown. One of the highlights, maybe the one absolute highlight of the evening. Close to the arrangement from the NYC shows in January, very very carefully done, Bob sooo damn into it, taking great care of every syllable, developing the song from a quiet ballad to an angry accustaion. What a performance. What a performer. oh, and one more: Get a tape of this show, then, when someone give you the ole 'Oh, Bob Dylan, man, you can't understand a single word of what he sings, he always mumbles so badly" speeck, play her/him this rendition. It'll shut her/him up forever. Girl From The North Country. During the opening chords Gunter and I made the bet again on whether it's Boots Of Spanish Leather or Girl From The North Country. I won. :-) Lovely version, as usual. Bob's acoustic guitar might sound a tad harsh for a sweet ballad like this one, maybe. Don´t Think Twice, It's Alright. A real crowd pleaser, Bob messing up the first two lines, which was, I think, the only error he made that night. Fine fine phrasing, which goes for the whole night, really. Tangled Up In Blue. It must've been one of his best renditions of this song ever, he completely took off, making the crowd go nuts. His singing was like a good juggling artist throwing up the balls, letting one bounce to the ground, throwing one up behind his back, performing all those fancy tricks in a row. Tony couldn't help but grin, no actually laugh all the way thru this song, looking at Bob, then looking at Kemper, who got infected by Tony's laughter. Tony's great - I love the enthusiasm he has for Bob's performances, even after nine years. Can't Wait. Before this tour, I was a bit sceptical about how the TOOM songs would sound live. Yeah, I've heard tapes, but it's not like you're there, is it? Anyway, my doubts proved silly. Can't Wait - it rolls, it rocks, it flows, driven by the bassy backbeat Tony provides, and Larry's the warrant for a lovely guitar carpet on which Bob can do his little guitar improvisations. Can't Wait is a sure winner, it always seems to work, and it even did in Hamburg. To Make You Feel My Love. The same experience for me as in Leipzig: one look around, and a look into all those eyes! I admit it, he's got me envious. TMYFML is surely not one his strongest compositions, but the care he gives it more than makes up for it. I enjoy this one. Watching The River Flow. Yet another present for me, never heard this one live and always wanted to, because I really like the lovely flowing arrangement. Bob's changed it a bit, I think, gave it a new intro, making it sound a bit heavier, bluesier. It still is a guaranteed toe-tipper, with nice jams by Bob and Larry, and a lovely drum rhythm by David all the way. 'Til I Fell In Love With You. A nice surprise - no Highway 61 Revisited! A good rockin' version, Bob being completey cool. During one verse he actaully stood one or two feet next to the mike and bent over to it for each line, looking like he's having great fun doing this rocker posing. Those Time Out Of Mind songs really come alive on stage. The encores: Knocking On Heaven´s Door. Looovely! The intro 'Oooohs' by Bucky and larry made us cheer, and Bob gave the song a wonderful treatment, with a new ending: bob repeated the last 'just like so many times before' lines over and over, with the band becoming more and more quiet. It was a bit like a Van Morrison rendition, he sometimes does right that, I almost expected Dylan to begin name-dropping a la 'Just like Rimbaud, Babe! Just like Allen Ginsberg, Babe! Just like....' etc. The crowd was completely quiet during this ending, and after the very last, very quiet line, Bob turned to Tony and broke into laughter, saying something to him, maybe 'Gee, have you seen how thunderstruck those guys were?'. Wonderful. Love Sick. Strong rendition again, back on the heights it was on before Hamburg. Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35. Okay, we got it back, no constant Alabama getaway, bt I expected just that. Even Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35, as some people agreed with me, was stronger than usual, rocking along marvellously. Blowing In The Wind. Another beautiful rendition of this one, causing singalongs that of course didn't quite fir Dylan's phrasing. Bob took deep bows, came very close to the stage's front, giving a gesture close to an army salute, Then they were off, leaving behind a cheering crowd. Viola summed it up pretty well when she said 'Man, he really gave it all tonight!' Everybody around me was completey satisfied, surprised with what that guy is able to give. The unfortunate guy from a local radio station who asked us if we like the show had me hardly being able to stop raving about how great it was, I could have gone on about all these brilliant shows in Leipzig, Rostock, and now that one. A few last thoughts on the five shows I've seen in Germany: he's an indoors type. His best shows have taken place in mid-size halls with a crowd of around 5000 to 7000 people. The outdoor shows in Berlin (it was solid, good, but nothing spectacular) and Hamburg (it was bumpy, with problems like his off-mike singing, but it took off in the second half) were the 'weaker' ones. He clearly reacts to the audience's behaviour. If they are warm, if they are cheerful, he warms up quicker and is more relaxed. He is in great form right now, see him if you get a chance. Hamburg was a one-off, I don't blame him. Three of the five shows were absolutely wonderful. Meeting all these people, many of whom I've had lots of e-mail contact with but never met them in person, was great. You folks made it all even more fun! Well, I gotta be on the road. Meet y'all again somewhere soon! Christian
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