Hi, its me I'm Back.....
We had a magnificent 650km (400 mile) drive up the island, perfect driving conditions, the traffic played the game for the most part, and amazingly for this seemingly endless winter there was great sun and no rain, we had the spectacular winter wonderland vistas, with an abundance of snowcapped mountains and a frosting of roadside snow across the plateau. Played gps roulette on the return trip, the electric bastard zig zagged us 750km's (460 miles) down the west coast which made for some exciting zero traffic
speedy driving and a different set of snow capped mountain ranges and a selection of stunning ocean views.
The concert was excellent, a pure old school rock 'n' roll show that had an almost cabaret vibe.
There was a total ban on any phones tablets or cameras of any kind, which was great, other than a little mood lighting that was altered very subtly between songs, there were no special effects flashing lights or video screens of any kind. The six piece band (including Bob) were really really good, just so together, it was a thing of beauty. Bob provided all the vocals, blew his harmonica and except for one song performed the entire show behind a grand piano facing the audience. The bass guitarist whipped out a stand up double bass on a number of songs and also used a bow a couple of times to great effect, the keyboard player also played lap steel guitar and violin. Adding to the cabaret theme, the band were all dressed alike in cream suit jackets that had a slight glitter effect which was perfect (anymore sparkle would have triggered the cheesy scale) the casual black trousers made for a nice contrast. The rhythm section were wearing black fedora hats. Bob had a slightly darker glitter free suit jacket and wet-look black trousers, and no hat.
Set ListThings Have Changed
It Ain't Me Babe
Highway 61 Revisited
Simple Twist of Fate
Summer Days
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Honest With Me
Tryin' to Get to Heaven
Make You Feel My Love
Tangled Up in Blue
Pay in Blood
Early Roman Kings
Desolation Row
Love Sick
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
Thunder on the Mountain
Soon After Midnight
Gotta Serve Somebody
Encore:
Blowin' in the Wind
Ballad of a Thin Man
Some of the songs that were played had undergone an arrangement overhaul, a few to such a degree that they were unrecognizable as the songs that we know and love. After the show I heard someone complaining that they didn't play blowin' in the Wind, oh yes they did, but not as he knew it. That being said, all the songs were performed with great gusto, seeing Bob Dylan, albeit behind the piano, rocking the arse off Highway 61 Revisited, made my night.
The music was the only audible interaction between the band and the audience, they came, they played they took a three minute intermission, came again, played and left for thirty seconds, came again for the encore, played took a bow and left.....without a word, not even a goodnight
hell hole that is Auckland.....like some anonymous nightclub band three streets off the strip in Las Vegas.....
The audience were very enthusiastic, we were seated 12 rows from the stage, a little left of center, and best of all Ms. Auckland had a great time, as did I.....
Surprisingly, once again I have escaped thhti Auckland still single and with my life.....
