“NO PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY & AUDIO RECORDING ALLOWED”
A warning on the ticket was repeated by ushers throughout Bob Dylan’s third concert in Singapore.
So while rules were strictly enforced on the audience, on stage the living legend was doing everything but follow the rules.
On Facebook, a dissatisfied fan grumbled – “Unfortunately so disappointing. I left before it even finished because I couldn’t understand a word. So sad.”
Which is probably the exact response Dylan was aiming for – achievement unlocked, I’d guess!
After all, if your understanding of a pop concert is the artist performing note perfect versions of their hit songs, then you went to the wrong concert! Stick to Imagine Dragons, why don’t you?
Taken from Dylan’s perspective, it’s easy to understand why he would play unrecognisable versions of his most recognised songs. With over 50 years under his belt, it would be extremely boring to play the same song over and over again in the same way, wouldn’t it?
This, well known songs like “It Ain’t Me, Babe”, “Simple Twist of Fate”, “Tangled Up in Blue”, “Desolation Row” and even “Blowing in the Wind” were rendered in totally different arrangements and sometimes radically new melodies!
In addition, Dylan spent the entire concert on the piano, not once touching a guitar! Not many would be aware that Dylan began his rock n roll journey wanting to be a piano player in Little Richard’s band, so there you go!
His crack band provided ample support and there was no doubting the quality of the performances even if some in the audience might have found the bizarre re-inventions confusing.
But that has always been Dylan’s modus operandi. From being the ‘voice of a generation’ to the folk Judas, Dylan has never ever conformed to the expectations of the public or even to diehard fans. He has always been himself.
That is why he will always be one of my heroes and continues to be an inspiration, even at this late stage of his illustrious groundbreaking career. Long may he run!
… still there’s more …