BOB DYLAN // SEC ARMADILLO, GLASGOW
Bob Dylan’s epic set in Glasgow had a message for fans to switch off their devices for a better connection.
★★★★★ (5/5)
Bob Dylan is an icon. He is musical hero with roots that weave through genres creating a style that is uniquely his own. His tracks are unflinching odes to the human experience, delivered with such raw grit that they can cause unprepared listeners to shy away from his rather rough and ready approach. He writes and sings with heart to create songs that evoke emotional experiences, and that means real not pretty, nor glamourous and certainly not perfect.
Dylan is notorious for his elusive and mysterious approach to the media. Intimidating to interviewers, he often seems unimpressed by fame and fortune. Now, as he charges into his eighties, he still presents as the mysterious character he revealed over 60 years ago. Still producing new music, he continues to show the lyrical, artistic ravine within him and, with dozens of albums to his name, he has more than proved himself as born to create. In 2016, Dylan was awarded the Nobel prize for literature which created some controversy yet highlights his standout writing prowess.
Touring his 2020 album Rough and Rowdy, tickets were sought after as fan snapped up the chance to see him. With two shows in Glasgow’s SEC venue, the crowd knew that this was unmissable event.
Attendees were greeted at the entrance of the SEC by unique set up in which they were asked to place their switched off or silenced mobile phones into a small soft bag which was then sealed. Viewers could not open their bag until they were exiting the venue where staff stood ready with tools to release the pocket computers. Artists rejecting the use of phones during performances is becoming more and more common, however, Dylan went above and beyond to get the message across. Although appearing slightly contemptuous, this may have been the only way to have some of his crowd sit without their electronic sidekick at the ready. In keeping with his ethereal appeal, Dylan’s choice to remove the phones kept the treasured gig for only the eyes and ears of those who were there. Though this decision may not be popular, its stand to prove what all followers know – Dylan is not out to please the masses, he is out to speak his truth.
Behind his piano was where Dylan stayed for the near entirety of the set and adoring fans shouted their appreciation at every chance they could get. Every song was preluded with heckles of love from the crowd due to the sheer ecstasy of the event. The band which included the brilliant Charley Drayton on drums and Tony Garnier on guitar and double bass, were incredible, with each musician putting such joy into their craft.
For two hours, Dylan and his band played track after track and delved into to the old while showcasing the new and the two blended perfectly with no jagged contrast. Like the phone lock-up, another controversial decision was including none of biggest selling, most commercial tracks in the setlist. Instead of playing his most known songs, he opted for a flowing setlist that was tender, loving and exclusive. He showcased his newest work perfectly with My Own Version of You, I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You and Mother of Muses being stand outs of the night.
Dylan sung with a power and strength that reversed the clock decades. Never a man to seek the limelight, he said very little to the crowd and let the music do the talking. With the caressing warmth of tracks like I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight, the crowd were lulled but with slick jazz of Gotta Serve Somebody and the blues of To Be Alone With You the energy was kept high and exciting. Starting with Watching the River Flow and finished with Every Grain of Sand, the musicians lined up to roaring applause. A grateful crowd was on their feet celebrating the glory they had witnessed.
Dylan’s performance was a stellar success and an emotional, throughout provoking and intimate night for lucky attendees. Beloved by his fans, Dylan’s relentless determination rung out and made cherished memories made more poignant by the opportunity to go phone-free for the evening.
REVIEW BY: KATRIN LAMONT
SETLIST:
SEC ARMADILLO, GLASGOW
WATCHING THE RIVER FLOW
MOST LIKELY YOU GO YOUR WAY AND I’LL GO MINE
I CONTAIN MULTITUDES
FALSE PROPHET
WHEN I PAINT MY MASTERPIECE
BLACK RIDER
MY OWN VERSION OF YOU
I’LL BE YOUR BABY TONIGHT
CROSSING THE RUBICON
TO BE ALONE WITH YOU
KEY WEST (PHILOSOPHER PIRATE)
GOTTA SERVE SOMEBODY
I’VE MADE UP MY MIND TO GIVE MYSELF TO YOU
THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC - (JOHNNY MERCER COVER)
MOTHER OF MUSES
GOODBYE JIMMY REED
EVERY GRAIN OF SAND