Cracky Mar 08, 2024

Everything about this was magical. I had missed Bob in ’66, but saw him at the Isle of Wight in ‘69 which was….disappointing after all the hype. Since then he had toured the US with The Band, created Rolling Thunder through North America and now was embarking on a World Tour. After 10 years, he was returning to the UK. Six nights at Earls Court. The hype was amazing. Tickets were being sold to a maximum of 4 by personal application only. In Bristol, they were going to be sold at the Colston Hall on Sunday, 7th May, at 11am. We knew people would be queuing so I got there at about midday on Saturday….yes, I queued overnight! I was just up from the end of wall of the Colston Hall itself, so not too bad. The queue eventually wove up Colston Street, around and down Trenchard Street. I listened to the Cup Final (Arsenal v Ipswich Town) on my tranny between a guy from Redland and a woman from Nailsea. Got my tickets for the Monday night.
A clip from the first night was shown on the 9 o’clock news!!
Earls Court Road was heaving, but did manage a drink in the one of the pubs. “How does it fffeeeeell?” “I got 40 red, white and blue shoe-strings….” blared from every building, window and car. Posters, photos, newspaper specials and programmes on every corner.
An instrumental version ‘A Hard Rain’ started the show, then Bob wearing a leather jacket began ‘Love Her With A Feeling’ followed by another 28 master pieces; the band tight, responsive, intuitive, brilliant re-interpretations of his best songs. Taken at a faster pace than the Budokan album and all the better for it. ‘Love Minus Zero’ is welcomed by a roar from the crowd; Bob sounds happy, he knows he’s nailing it. A standing ovation for ‘Rolling Stone’ mid-way through the first set. In the second half, a searing guitar break from Billy Cross adds to the emotion of ‘You’re A Big Girl Now’. Throughout the evening, Bob sings with commitment; “Nobody feels any pain….” he was lovingly it. Then after 2 hours, “Alright we’re gonna play this one last song, so till we meet again drive on safely home”….”May God blessing keep you
me night but still, was it as good as I remembered? Absolutely. Now, with an audience tape on CD from the 19th June; confirmation. It was every bit as good….the greatest gig!! always……may your wishes all come true…..” pure magic; wonderful sax break. But he did come back for ‘The Times They are A-changing’. Cigarette lighters glowing, arms waving.
I bought a bootleg vinyl from a dealer in Camden Market, not for the same night but still, was it as good as I remembered? Absolutely. Now, with an audience tape on CD from the 19th June; confirmation. It was every bit as good….the greatest gig!!