bob dylan - O2 May

crazzzzy

anyone going to the dylan gigs on 5th/6th may?

There is gang of us heading to dublin for it and looking for ideas for pubs/clubs for mon and tue. Somewhere with live music preferably.

Notorious

I'm going to be there on the 5th. Can't wait for it. I saw him in the Point just over two years ago and I though he played a great show. I hear there were a lot of disappointed people though.

As for pubs or clubs try:
Eamonn Dorans in Temple Bar they regularly have live music.
Pravda (just across the Ha'penny bridge) also have live music (they definitely do on Wed nights).
Whelans post live acts online, you usually can buy tickets at the door.

crazzzzy

Ya im excited too!!! my first dylan concert was few weeks ago in amsterdam. the crowd wasn't great there though and its all a bit hazy since it was our last nite in the Dam haha dublin should be really good i hope.

Notorious

What type of set did he play? Is it mainly stuff from the new album, or does he mix it up?

Only if you can remember now :P

Driver 8

If you go to Dylan's site, under "tour" they have the setlists for the whole european tour.

crazzzzy

Desolation Row, Blowing in the Wind, Tweedle Dee, Stuck inside of Memphis, All along the watchtower, Highway 61.

Im embarrassed to admit we missed the first few songs :eek: which i was disgusted to find out were some of my faves....Gotta serve somebody, Most likely you'll go your way & Don't think twice. It was a great set but the atmosphere wasn't great....us irish should improve on that though

If you wanna see what setlists he played for all concert go to www.boblinks.com and it has reviews aswell.

Bob could play anything though...

Peewee_lane

The Green Room Bar is just beside the O2 and it will be playing Bob Dylan classics before and after the show all night, you can get parking as well. Whatever is on in the O2 is the music theme for the night.

www.thegreenroombar.ie

DylanJames

I'm going to both nights, can't wait!!

He's really pulling the performances out of the bag this year, some of his best for many a long time.

Minxie123

I've heard there's a Bob Dylan open mic thing before the gig in The Temple Theater. Can't see anything about it on the web though. Anyone know if its happening?

LarryDavid

Anyone happen to know what hotel Bob is staying in? I'm on an autograph hunt!!

bobbyjoe

Anyone know who the support act is?
or if there is one?

bobbyjoe

Answering my own question. Looks like no support!


Doors: 6.30pm

No Support

Bob Dylan onstage at 8pm Sharp

(Times may be subject to change)

Transport to The O2:

The O2 Shuttle Bus There is a shuttle bus service running from Stephen's Green, Eden Quay and Connolly Station to The O2. These services begin at 6pm until 8pm at approx 20 minute intervals, and return to the city centre from The O2 from 10.15pm at approx 5 minute intervals". For More info please see http://www.theo2.ie/

LarryDavid

Yeah - heard there's no support and he isn't doing anything off 'Together Through Life' which is bizarre seen as tho it's his new album. It's a shame because I'd rather hear him play his more recent records (Modern Times, Love &Theft etc) coz at least he plays the songs off those albums in the same style as they were recoreded. Where-as his old stuff is unrecognisable live which kinda defeats it's own purpose. When he plays Maggie's Farm it sounds absolutely nothing like opener off Bringing It All Back Home. Baffles me why he just doesn't have a stab at playing them in the original arrangements.

Anyway, he's still amazing and really has been reborn musically in the last few years.

So, one last time - there's anyone know which Hotel he's staying in. I been to the Clarence and met a Polish lad who works there and he assured me that he's not staying there. And said maybe The Clarion would be best bet? Anybody got any ideas?

cozski

LarryDavid wrote: »

Yeah - heard there's no support and he isn't doing anything off 'Together Through Life' which is bizarre seen as tho it's his new album. It's a shame because I'd rather hear him play his more recent records (Modern Times, Love &Theft etc) coz at least he plays the songs off those albums in the same style as they were recoreded. Where-as his old stuff is unrecognisable live which kinda defeats it's own purpose. When he plays Maggie's Farm it sounds absolutely nothing like opener off Bringing It All Back Home. Baffles me why he just doesn't have a stab at playing them in the original arrangements.

Anyway, he's still amazing and really has been reborn musically in the last few years.

So, one last time - there's anyone know which Hotel he's staying in. I been to the Clarence and met a Polish lad who works there and he assured me that he's not staying there. And said maybe The Clarion would be best bet? Anybody got any ideas?

With all the 'choice' for rented accomodation I wouldn't be suprised if he hasn't got himself a little bedsit on Talbot Street... nobody would bat an eyelid down there

DylanJames

He doesn't stay in fancy or luxurious accommodation, he is known for stayin in Travelodge's and the likes, and if you were lucky enough to bump into him, he more than likely wouldn't sign anything anyway.

Red Alert

Just back from the gig - he played a brilliant set and the band sounded very tight and loud. Didn't say a word during the concert but looked in great form. Finished up with Like A Rolling Stone and All Along The Watchtower and... blowing in the wind, which he apparently no longer plays.

forkassed

He's been finishin up with Blowing in the Wind for the whole tour,

Set list for tonight was

# Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat
# Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
# Lonesome Day Blues
# Just Like A Woman
# Rollin' And Tumblin'
# John Brown
# Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again
# Under The Red Sky
# Honest With Me
# Masters Of War
# Highway 61 Revisited
# Ain't Talkin'
# Thunder On The Mountain
# Like A Rolling Stone
# All Along The Watchtower
# If You Ever Go To Houston
# Blowin' In The Wind

Magic!!

http://www.bobdylan.com/#/tour/2009-05-05-o2-arena

Red Alert

forkassed wrote: »

He's been finishin up with Blowing in the Wind for the whole tour,
http://www.bobdylan.com/#/tour/2009-05-05-o2-arena

Didn't realize that - he claimed on an interview a couple of years ago that he wasn't going to play it any more.

Easy Rider

Hmmm, I would not share the same opinion. The band was tight? Just about, they could not follow Dylan as he went off on his tangents, it was like they were playing two separate songs sometimes....

I had heard he was poor live and last night simply confirmed that...no screen, no interaction, would hate to be right at the back.....the sound was not great either....as much as I love Dylan I think I will stay away from the live sets going forward...

Birneybau

What time did the gig finish up?

Going tonight...

Forgot to set the recorder for "The Wire"

Easy Rider

Around 10.25 or so...

HorseRadish

I was in Block A,the amount of people going in and out during songs was crazy :mad:

bobbyjoe

Was there last night really enjoyed it. Good to see him play guitar. The songs are all changed he's doing them in different ways so sometimes it took till the chorus to figure out which song it was but interesting to hear another take on them. I guess he would get very bored playing Blowing in the wind the same way for forty years!!
Band were very good as well great musicians.

kaiphas

Was there last night. It was a slightly above average Dylan show compared to shows I've seen him in the past. It was a standard enough set - no screens, no intros, no interaction with the crowd - you know that before you go - its a Dylan concert - you're there to listen not to see.
The sound was pretty good, amazing the amount of people coming & going during his set - could be to do with the age group of the crowd-doubt the O2 will have as many artifical hips and enlarged prostates at any other show in '09.
His new versions of his back catalogue is brought on my his voice getting weaker but the magic is still there - the crowd helped him along with the chorus when needed.

Easy Rider

I knew someone would say 'you're there to listen not to see.' - Well I disagree, if that is the case why not just put a live recording on and sit around the o2 staring into darkness? I like to see the band, the instruments, the energy of the performers etc, it adds to the experience of a live act.

I appreciate he might get bored or his older stuff, completely understand that, so why does he not play any of his new songs? I love the last 4 albums, shame he never plays anything from them instead of re-working songs that he is obviously tired of...

delbertgrady

He did a few from three of the last four studio albums last night: Lonesome Day Blues and Honest With Me from Love and Theft, Ain't Talkin', Thunder On The Mountain and Rollin' And Tumblin' from Modern Times and If You Ever Go To Houston from Together Through Life.

Easy Rider

Yeah 4 or 5 songs, what I am getting at is why does he insist on doing songs from 40+ years ago that he is obviously tired off? Put a 'Twist' on them etc that you have heard for the first time, why not bring out an album of re-worked material then...

1 song from a new album that he is touring on...I know he has a large number of songs to choose from etc but I would expect the latest stuff to get more of an airing then songs we have all heard a million times already.....

Driver 8

Because you can imagine the reaction from the majority if he left out the older material entirely. I'm sure he's not hugely keen to be playing a lot of it, but he's sort of damned if he does, damned if he doesn't as regards the classics.

Have to say I quite enjoyed myself last night, with some exceptions (such as like a rolling stone).

Think the gig finished ended around 10.05 too, not twenty past

blastman

Going tonight, have seen him live twice before (on the last Point appearance and in the RDS in 1989). As much as I like his stuff, he is not the world's greatest live act by a long chalk. Good to see reasonably positive reactions to last night's show though, hopefully it won't be too bad (the '89 gig was extremely hard work!).

McCruiskeen

Does anyone who was at Bob last night, know what time he went on stage at?

It says that the show starts at 8 on the tickets, but did he actually go on this early?

Don't plan to get there until after half 8. is this wise????????

Driver 8

He was on at just around ten past eight

wow sierra

Gig started at 8.10 and finished at 10.05 - DO NOT ARRIVE AT 8.30.

While I was there I enjoyed it - but I have to say I would like some sort of interaction with the crowd. I mean he does a radio programme its not like he is averse to talking. I know, I know, I have seen him a few times before so I knew what to expect. But I actually enjoyed my visit to the cinema for "I'm not there" more.

Wont be bothered going to see him live again - but I am damn glad he has produced all the great music he has.

McCruiskeen

Cheers for the heads up. The skates are on!

fraglerocks

Well, I have to say that was one of the worst concerts I was at, and that includes a Smashing Pumpkins concert I nearly got crushed to death at a few years ago. He was sh1te. The songs were unrecognisible and it sounded like he was belching out words. I've been listening to him for about 17 years, mostly his old albums, all from before the 80's, so one would think I would be able to recognise the songs, but up to Like a Rollin' Stone, I could only barely recognise about 4 of them.

The reason the old songs ment something and were so powerful was the way he used to spit the words out, the tempo of the tune and the pitch. The only thing that's the same now are the words.

I think he should just hang up the mike now and concentrate on the writing (still great) and not be fleecing punters of nearly €100 a head to see a rubbish gig.

Wishbone Ash

I don't know why I keep putting myself through this!

He was crap in Slane in '84, crap in the RDS in '89, crap in Kilkenny in '05 and last night he was just horrendous. All round me, people were bored, talking, texting and taking pics of each other. Many even left half way through.

I stick to the albums from now on.

Driver 8

After every Bob Dylan gig, I'm reminded of Dylan Moran's words about heroin, whereby he feels sorry for people who get messed up by it, because you think they would have heard about the ill effects from someone by now :P

Same complaints every time, "the song's don't sound the same" "his voice is wrecked" "no interaction" etc etc

Dylan gigs should be a known quantity at this stage, he plays here so frequently. You should know the songs are going to be differently arranged, and a cursory listen to any of his last four albums should mean you're acquainted with the sound of his voice in its present condition.

I'd never heard the new arrangements of any of the songs and was able to recognise them relatively quickly, as were most of the people I talked to about the gig afterward. Like I said, his gigs should be a known quantity, and if said quantity isn't for you, then so be it. But we will have the same complaints on here the next time he plays, guaranteed. Dylan's been attracting controversy for his live performance for about 43 years to be fair.

Easy Rider

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I don't know why I keep putting myself through this!

He was crap in Slane in '84, crap in the RDS in '89, crap in Kilkenny in '05 and last night he was just horrendous. All round me, people were bored, talking, texting and taking pics of each other. Many even left half way through.

I stick to the albums from now on.

Well it was the first time I went to see him, people told me not to go but wanted to at least give it a try. So looks like Wednesdays gig was the same all round, pretty rubbish. But man you have been caught out 4 times now! Ouch.

Anyway, I think some people will defend Bob Dylan no matter what and say they really enjoyed it etc etc which is fine maybe they did, but I do feel people in their hearts will be disappointed....every other gig I have been too has been better than Dylans.....there is nothing wrong with saying you did not enjoy a Bob Dylan gig, you can still be a fan.

Wishbone Ash

Driver 8 wrote: »

After every Bob Dylan gig, I'm reminded of Dylan Moran's words about heroin, whereby he feels sorry for people who get messed up by it, because you think they would have heard about the ill effects from someone by now :P

Easy Rider wrote: »

But man you have been caught out 4 times now! Ouch.

I take the point lads. (I was given the ticket for last night - otherwise I wouldn't have been there .) Perhaps it's too many years of listening to the 'Live at Budokan' album that leaves me disappointed.

I don't go to many concerts but some artists can be way above expectations. Roger Waters blew me away last year. It was many times better than I expected.

crazzzzy

Hey guys, I think everyone expects dylan to sound like he did years back but hes voice isn't the same anymore and he changes around the songs because of this.

Im not making excuses for him...I was disappointed but not surprised he didn't speak, but thats dylan for you. he does what he wants!!

I was at amsterdam concert few weeks ago and it wasn't great to be honest...the atmosphere wasn't good, the sound wasn't as good as the O2. It won't stop me going again though. I don't have any expectations going to his concerts cause I know its pointless.

The new album was only released and the european leg of the tour started before this so that may be why he hasn't played much off it or maybe its cause he doesn't want to....who knows!!

fraglerocks

Well I had seen him in Kilkenny and somewhere else I can't remember now, so I kinda knew what to expect. The song arrangements were just rubbish full stop. I've heard better pub bands to be honest. If I heard what I heard last night on radio, I would have just switched it off.

Nevertheless, I will continue to listen to his old recordings and lament the great memories I have associated with his music and morn the fact I wasn't around during his hay day.

He's sure got a lotta gall to be so useless and all
Muttering small talk at the wall while I'm in the hall...

Wishbone Ash

bobbyjoe wrote: »

Good to see him play guitar

kaiphas wrote: »

It was a standard enough set - no screens

Easy Rider wrote: »

I knew someone would say 'you're there to listen not to see.' - Well I disagree

I would have liked to see him but, without a screen, it was nearly impossible from my seat. I could just barely make out a chap with a hat and presumed it was he.

He a pic taken from my seat for those who may not be familiar with the venue. (Apologies for the crap quality).

meathmannn

Very dissappointing gig.
I've always been a fan, and never had the chance to see him live.
He came on stage and was hidden with the 5 piece band. No hello/goodbye or any interaction with the audience.
I took me a while to figure out that I knew the lyrics but the tunes were just elevator music.
I suppose 50+ years of gigging he must get bored and want to play around with the arrangements etc.
Waste of cash...would have been better buying old albums on cd...to replace my cassettes from the 80's!!

Someone once said you should never meet your heroes.

gaf1983

Glad I saw him, as it was my first time seeing him and would count myself as a reasonably big fan. Wasn't overly thrilled but wasn't disappointed either, I expected his arrangements to be very different to the original recordings of the old stuff.

I had a choice of either getting a 10pm or 12.30am bus back to Limerick, as I was working this morning at 8. In the end I left at 9.30 to get the 10 o'clock bus, about two songs after Highway 61.

Did I miss much?

queensinead

Was in the 02 at Dylan May 6th. Got free standing ticket. Am claustrophobic, love Dylan, but have heard brutal stuff about his live shows, so was not going to go. I'm so glad I did. The standing area allowed you to move back, get drinks (bar service is fantastic) dance to the music etc. a real free feeling. I thought the band was terrific. I loved Dylan's haunting version of "Desolation Row" and the whole thing was a rockin' success. The people round me were cheering and having a great time. I sort of pitied those trapped up in the seats, politely applauding The Voice of a Generation (not). Look, Dylan is an old man. His voice is all but gone. That is the reality, but how then did he lift the whole thing to such a level? I don't know but I loved it.
He never really engaged with his audience during any part of his career. That is not good, (people are there to see as well as hear) but it's always been that way, so you know it's not going to happen. Believe me, it used to be worse, with a young, jittery Dylan sulkily strutting around the stage, glowering like a vexed cockatoo. (I saw him in London in '74)
In my view, he is one of the few 60s artists who will outlive his era: a haunting, troubling presence, a real "voice without restraint". Of course there is some nostalgia--for the beautiful 60s minstrel boy with the shades, for the genius "Blood on the Tracks" which his voice no longer reaches....for the time that flies.......Still, I'm so glad I went

wow sierra

I wouldn't be as negative as some people about the experience - it wasnt that bad. But I definitely wouldn't go to see him unless you are very familiar with his music.
I must say all the people around me - including myself - were singing and dancing as well and paying full attention to the stage. I was glad I had standing tickets. I would have hated to be in the seats beside someone who was texting/passing in and out to the bar. Just like a woman, Masters of war, blowin in the wind and Stuck inside of mobile would have been my highlights - mind you I think we were just singing our own version of Mobile and ignoring Bob.

I have listened to more Dylan in the last week than I had for months - remembering just how great Modern Times is etc. If his visits to Dublin at least encourage me to dust off my CDs its something!!!!!
Found this on You tube - he can talk in gigs!!!!!! Now it would have been nice to have been at that!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVfvLEhWmbA

Mossy Monk

fraglerocks wrote: »

Well, I have to say that was one of the worst concerts I was at, and that includes a Smashing Pumpkins concert I nearly got crushed to death at a few years ago. He was sh1te. The songs were unrecognisible and it sounded like he was belching out words. I've been listening to him for about 17 years, mostly his old albums, all from before the 80's, so one would think I would be able to recognise the songs, but up to Like a Rollin' Stone, I could only barely recognise about 4 of them.

The reason the old songs ment something and were so powerful was the way he used to spit the words out, the tempo of the tune and the pitch. The only thing that's the same now are the words.

I think he should just hang up the mike now and concentrate on the writing (still great) and not be fleecing punters of nearly €100 a head to see a rubbish gig.

What exactly did you expect from a Bob Dylan concert? He should hang up the mic? :rolleyes:

setanta74

I'm no uber-fan of Dylan but have a load of his stuff and it was the first time I saw him live. I knew what to expect (voice, interaction, re-arrangements etc)

I have to say it was a hugely enjoyable experience. The band were excellent. I'd like to see a pub band with a stand up bass player like Dylan had. I was in seats way back yet everyone around me were well into it and seemed to be enjoying it. Didnt see any sour pusses, or moaners on the way out. Everyone was happy out.

His versions of Desolation row, Rolling stone, Highway 61 and Watchtower were top notch.

His voice even held up very well. I think some people had their minds made up before they even saw the show. We got Dylan on guitar, harmonica and organ. Some shows in Europe he actually just plonked himself behind the organ and never budged all night. Well done Bob. Not bad for a 67 year old!!!

crazzzzy

Great to finally hear people say they enjoyed the show....thought i was the only one

wow Sierra, I think you hit the nail on the head - younger dylan fans that have been listening to older albums would be disappointed as he sounds alot different.

Met some older fans after the show aswell that hadn't seen him in years and they were disappointed that his voice is much raspier now and he doesn't move as much.

My fave live show is the Philharmonic '64 bootleg or Budokan '78....he sounds like he's really enjoying the shows and even laughing and talking :eek: but thats a rarity for him.

I enjoy when he sings the songs different so you're trying to figure which it is....how many artists out there can change so many songs so many times. He really is a genius.

mosstin

My alternate take on Dylan @ The O2 here........

menapian

First time seeing Dylan live and overall was underwhelmed by the experience. Dylan is undoubtedly one of the most important figures in modern music but lets face it, the older all these ageing stars get, the smaller the venue they should play. Glad to have seen him but would only go see him again if he were playing Vicar St .. or even better .. my sitting room. On another note with regard the O2 was at the Counting Crows last night and thought the sound (particularly vocals) was terrible. Thought the same for Dylan too.

Notorious

crazzzzy wrote: »

Great to finally hear people say they enjoyed the show....thought i was the only one

Haha I was thinking the same thing. I thought it was an excellent gig, slightly better than the only other Dylan gig I've been to (two years ago in the Point, I think). I think people need to respect that Bob Dylan is 67 now (I thought he looked older) and he isn't full of the life he had when he recorded Blonde on Blonde. It would've been cool if he spoke a few words to the crowd, but I don't think that's too important; he did look pretty happy when everyone started singing along to Just Like a Woman.

Have to say I was delighted to see him pick up the guitar too! He stayed solely on the keys last time I saw him.