The news spread like a fire. The Community Arts Center got the nod. Bob Dylan was to perform in Williamsport on April 22. Tickets went on sale the first week of February. We were the last scheduled stop on his “Rough and Rowdy Ways Worldwide Tour.” The prices were extremely salty. And they were selling fast. The concert sold out in three days. I pulled the trigger on two seats in the very back. This might be my last chance to see him. I kept it a secret. I wanted to surprise my bride. I used my separate golf and fishing funds. I did the same thing a few years back when Gordon Lightfoot came to town. She had a horrible time. I feared if I gave her a heads-up — she’d most definitely say no to Bob.
Come mothers and fathers throughout the land. And don’t criticize what you can’t understand. Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command. Your old road is rapidly agin’ Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand. For the times they are a-changin’
Bob Dylan is a legend. My man is considered the greatest songwriter ever. He has been a major figure in pop culture for the past eight decades. Dylan has sold over 125 million records worldwide. Making him one of the top-selling musicians of all time. Bob is a genius. A true inspiration. His music and style helped shape our great nation. His lyrics and prose still give me goosebumps. He tells a story with words and a few simple chords. Sensational. One of my favorites. A musical poet who stood the test of time. Dylan is a staple. He influenced so many.
Dylan’s achievements are outstanding. He will soon turn 84, and there are no signs of slowing. Bob won ten Grammys, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe. Dylan is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He took home the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. Bob also has a Pulitzer Prize and a Nobel Prize in Literature. Incredible.
I have listened to his music for a very long time. But Dylan has been on speed dial the past few months in anticipation of his upcoming concert. My playlist is rather extensive. I don’t have one song that I love in particular. They are all so good. Hurricane. Mr. Tambourine Man. Like a Rolling Stone. Shelter from the Storm. Lay, Lady, Lay. Hard Rain. Blowing in the Wind. Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door. Gotta Serve Somebody. Not Dark Yet. Things Have Changed. Idiot Wind. Make you Feel my Love. The Man in Me. Don’t Think Twice. Positively Fourth Street. Girl from the North Country. Tangled Up in Blue. Subterranean Homesick Blues. I have twenty others.
Teach, and I made plans to go out to dinner. We stopped by a few of our favorite pubs after. I used to be cool, and we ran into many people. Downtown was packed. It was a beautiful Tuesday. There was a long line outside the CAC. All walks of life. Many of my fellow folk music hippies. I shook hundreds of hands and kissed several babies. I love your articles. Can I give you a hug? I had a hard time getting past security. The buzzer kept sounding. NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES, SIR. But we didn’t print our tickets, officer. WHERE ARE THEY? They are on my phone. It’s in this anti-tamper-proof baggy. That’s another story.
Our seats were at the very top of the balcony. It was so crowded. People were all over. I recognized a few in our nosebleed section. I have been in worse spots, but I seriously don’t remember when. No room whatsoever. No social distancing. Sardines, ladies and gentlemen. The folks to the left were from Sunbury. The older couple in front lived outside of Howard. The guys to the right were from State College. No one was behind us. Last row, baby. The CAC roared when Dylan took the stage. The guy looks good for his age. He didn’t say hi or tell any tales. My man just started jamming. Yes. I was hoping to hear some of his classics. But after a few songs, I had a dismal feeling. The immortal Bob was showcasing his new singles. Mostly bluegrass with a hint of jazz. Bob and his band still played with their hearts. I got so excited when he pulled out a harmonica. But he didn’t grab an acoustic and mostly played the piano. His voice sounded great. All considering. The music was cool, but I preferred the older stuff. No worries. It’s Bob Dylan.
I CAN’T UNDERSTAND A DAMN WORD. It’s Bob Dylan. He’s almost 84. WHEN IS HE GOING TO PLAY SOMETHING THAT I KNOW? I don’t think he will. This is all of his new stuff. Requests aren’t his thing. WELL, I DON’T LIKE IT, AND I HAVE TO PEE. Right now? YES. (Teach then hurdled a seat and made everyone stand)
Many chimed in after the show. Bob and his mates played hard for an hour and 45 minutes straight. No breaks. OK, I admit. I only recognized two or three tunes. It wasn’t the greatest performance, but we all got to see an idol. Bob Dylan. From Duluth, Minnesota. The man. The myth. The folk singing legend. Think of all of the concerts and shows. The performances and hits. TRAVELING WILBURYS. I mean. Come on. He doesn’t need the money and prefers staying out of the spotlight. No more blasting the government. Making stands. It was beautiful. Great stuff, Bob. It was an honor to see and hear you once more. Cheers.
