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Alex Graham's avatar

Thanks Ray! I was there - bought a lawn ticket off StubHub a week ago - and would’ve really enjoyed things even without the guest spot by Bob and the guys, but obviously their appearance set it apart from most other days at Farm Aid.

Jim Irsay had some of the guitars from his collection on display in one of the small bar/cocktail areas to the side of the main stage. Bob’s Newport ‘65 Stratocaster was hanging out next to Jerry Garcia’s Tiger. Irsay’s staff on hand to mind the instruments were really friendly, and while chatting with several of us they more or less corroborated someone else’s claim that Dylan was on the premises - while not openly admitting it, or confirming whether he’d play or not.

I figured Bob might sit in with Neil or Willie towards the end. Maybe a half-audible backing vocal on “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” or “Old Man”, something akin to that.

When Neil only played four songs, I raised an eyebrow. When the lights went down 15 minutes after that and the images of impossibly scenic farm landscapes were replaced by one solitary, black-and-white photo of a windmill, I raised the other eyebrow.

When there was no introduction whatsoever, and I noticed the dude at center stage had curly hair instead of dual braided ponytails, I knew.

Didn’t realize it was Campbell and Tench up there with him until about halfway through Maggie’s Farm; the sheer shock of it all was still coursing through me.

It was at times utterly shambolic, and yet that seems entirely fitting for the circumstances. I don’t mind Bob not playing guitar at his normal shows, but it was certainly a thrill to see him comfortably playing one for the first time in quite a while. He sang better than I’d ever heard him, and by Thin Man was definitely more locked in with the guys, which let Mike and Benmont stretch their muscles a little more. Didn’t think I had a chance in hell to ever catch Positively 4th Street live at this point, so that was just gravy.

First time seeing Lukas Nelson, Margo Price, Dave Matthews, Neil, and Willie too. It already would’ve been a notable concert experience, but I think Bob and the Dirty Knob Heartbreakers vaulted it to instant top-5 status in my live concert experience rankings.

May the Zim abide, now and always.

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JB Minton 📺's avatar

Dylan is aging so gracefully. He is walking into the darkness singing and playing. This may be the most important period of his work. It has been glorious hearing and watching him do this quality and pace of work.

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