Great job on this series, Ray! Ambitious concept, and you pulled it off beautifully. You always come up with pictures I've never seen, and I admire your sleuthing through local newspaper coverage. Smart takes and engaging voice, signature features of all your posts. You knocked it out of the park, Ray--bravo!
I was at the Boston show @ the packed show Boston Garden as a recent college graduate. WRT the acoustic set Bob did in the middle of the show: you’re correct that is was jolting for everyone to see him in a single white spotlight. However, what stands in my memory was that had everyone in that large arena absolutely whisper, rapt quiet, mesmerized by his clear talk-singing of “It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding” & at the end of every verse, the audience audibly gasped. Such was the power of the bard/poet of our times: I haven’t seen this commented upon. But this stands in my memory… oh & of course the crowd cheering from out of their silence when he said “… Even the president of the You-nited States must sometimes stand naked…”
Thanks for this series. I haven't had time to read every post, much less listen to all the music, but I have kept an eye on the series as it's progressed. I appreciate the work you've put in. Like you say, it's a shame there isn't some decent video footage of this tour.
Hi Ray, I get an error message from Mediafire when I click on the link for the second show - the first and third wok just fine. Is there a problem with the link or is it just me?
The '74 tour always feels like a road not taken for Dylan, an idea that seems central to the Rolling Thunder Revue movie from a few years ago. He could've put together a band (or the Band) and toured arenas every few years, playing hit-centric setlists like these, in styles that were at least recognizable (even when rearranged), for the last 50 years, sprinkling in a few new tunes, a la the Rolling Stones or Paul McCartney. Instead, he chose a more challenging, and I'd argue more rewarding, route. This reputation — that it was a more commercial, play-the-hits jaunt — often seems to sully the tour's reputation, fairly or not.
Fascinating to imagine what Bob would play on a 2024 version of that kind of tour, though!
Great series. Thank you so much for your dogged research and sharp storytelling.
Bravo Ray! This was quite a ride. I'm actually sad I don't have a tour '74 email to wake up to every morning now. Go take a nap. Also, did not have Cheech Marin being an asshole on my bing card lol
Like most I never really rated this tour, based on the official live album, but some of the early tapes are very enjoyable! I love "Something There Is About You" played live just a couple of months after they recorded it in the studio... Thanks for a fascinating series!
Great job on this series, Ray! Ambitious concept, and you pulled it off beautifully. You always come up with pictures I've never seen, and I admire your sleuthing through local newspaper coverage. Smart takes and engaging voice, signature features of all your posts. You knocked it out of the park, Ray--bravo!
Thank you for this!
I was at the Boston show @ the packed show Boston Garden as a recent college graduate. WRT the acoustic set Bob did in the middle of the show: you’re correct that is was jolting for everyone to see him in a single white spotlight. However, what stands in my memory was that had everyone in that large arena absolutely whisper, rapt quiet, mesmerized by his clear talk-singing of “It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding” & at the end of every verse, the audience audibly gasped. Such was the power of the bard/poet of our times: I haven’t seen this commented upon. But this stands in my memory… oh & of course the crowd cheering from out of their silence when he said “… Even the president of the You-nited States must sometimes stand naked…”
Thanks for this series. I haven't had time to read every post, much less listen to all the music, but I have kept an eye on the series as it's progressed. I appreciate the work you've put in. Like you say, it's a shame there isn't some decent video footage of this tour.
Enjoy your well-earned lie down, Ray, after you take a bow.
Hi Ray, I get an error message from Mediafire when I click on the link for the second show - the first and third wok just fine. Is there a problem with the link or is it just me?
Thanks for this. The Valentines Day show was my first Dylan concert!
Thanks for bringing this tour to life for all of us too young to attend at the time! Tremendous work Ray, as usual!
Amazing job Ray - I also cannot get the second show - the link does not work nor does the new link.
What a series Ray! Congratulations. I enjoyed reading every entry, especially while listening along as the shows progressed.
Fingers crossed for an official expanded release this year!
The '74 tour always feels like a road not taken for Dylan, an idea that seems central to the Rolling Thunder Revue movie from a few years ago. He could've put together a band (or the Band) and toured arenas every few years, playing hit-centric setlists like these, in styles that were at least recognizable (even when rearranged), for the last 50 years, sprinkling in a few new tunes, a la the Rolling Stones or Paul McCartney. Instead, he chose a more challenging, and I'd argue more rewarding, route. This reputation — that it was a more commercial, play-the-hits jaunt — often seems to sully the tour's reputation, fairly or not.
Fascinating to imagine what Bob would play on a 2024 version of that kind of tour, though!
Great series. Thank you so much for your dogged research and sharp storytelling.
Bravo Ray! This was quite a ride. I'm actually sad I don't have a tour '74 email to wake up to every morning now. Go take a nap. Also, did not have Cheech Marin being an asshole on my bing card lol
WHATTA ride! Thanks for taking us along, Ray!
Like most I never really rated this tour, based on the official live album, but some of the early tapes are very enjoyable! I love "Something There Is About You" played live just a couple of months after they recorded it in the studio... Thanks for a fascinating series!
Nice job, as always, Ray! Enjoyed the entire run in parallel-time!