29 Comments
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Graley Herren's avatar

Amazing scoop, Ray! And many thanks to John Hillcoat for sharing these fascinating tales. Perfect complement to Michael Glover Smith's book, too, reaffirming Dylan's highly cultivated cinematic sensibilities. And some great glimpses of Dylan behind the scenes. "I fuss with my hair and I fight blood feuds." You've added new layers to the multitudes, Ray--great interview!

The FM Club's avatar

Just staggering. Ray, you’ve cemented your Nobel Prize for Dylan Studies. What incredible behind-the-scenes insights. Thanks!!!

Matt Kelley's avatar

Fabulous—'Flagging Down' remains irreplaceable and indispensable!

Lee Ranaldo's avatar

A.MAZE.ING.

You've done it again, Ray. What an illuminating piece! I've long known Hillcoat's work but had no idea he'd worked with Dylan-who just becomes deeper and more complex as more stories such as these are revealed.

"Always keep 'em guessing." - a motto for the ages! Do you understand how hard it is to have a 60+ year career - in the blazing spotlights, mostly - and STILL basically remain a mystery? Impossibly hard to pull off, yet Bob obviously considers holding his cards close as essential to allowing him to persue his craft and vision.

Cameras set up to trace the shape of an ancient, pre-Magen David symbol? The mind reels!

Thank you. Fantastic interview.

Sad Brad Smith's avatar

Buried near the end of this interview - great job, Ray - Hillcoat makes an astute observation; that being "contrarian" is "part of [Bob's] process." There is an amazing documentary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbKFe8l862s) on John McEnroe that always reminded me of Bob, in that they are both extraordinary talents who *require* having their back up against a wall in order to perform at their best. That's one reason Zimmy made for such an angry preacher. He wasn't trying to convert you . . . he wanted to fight!

The Joker and the Thief's avatar

Absolutely superb work!!!

Paul Zickler's avatar

So THAT was the Bray session! The mystery is finally revealed! Some of us have been waiting a long time.

Jeremy Shatan's avatar

Amazing. And just a few minutes before I read this, I was watching The Strokes livestream from Coachella and Julian Casablancas says, “Cut the cameras!” Then he says, “I jest. But I’m just a jester.” Now I know that was probably a Dylan reference, LOL.

Matt Simonsen's avatar

Great job, Ray! Another indispensable interview you've added to the canon!

Barb HM's avatar

Love this- so interesting Really gets into the backstage drama and working with Bob!

Sean H's avatar

At Bob and the Dead in 87 or so, Oakland, there was a huge screen and Bob at one point in his oddball performance turned and inadvertently caught a glimpse of himself on the massive screen and recoiled...it was fuuny to me but I feel Dylan was truly surprised/shocked

Peter White's avatar

This is an amazing interview. Ray you do such a service to bring these things to light. Really appreciate it.

Martin Burger's avatar

Dear Mr. Padgett, i love your work for the Dylan Research.

Matthew Ingate's avatar

Ha, you've finally solved the great Ardmore mystery of 2017! Hope we get to see that some day, it sounds incredible. Great interview as always, thanks for sharing!

Jay's avatar

Exactly! Great to finally know what happened even if we can’t see it. Or is the film in Tulsa? Maybe we’ll see it yet!

Dave Farr's avatar

Fascinating stuff, Ray. Thanks as always!