This set represents some of the finest of the tour… The Gaumont adds a warmth and depth to the overall sound that is lacking at many venues, and Bob pours his heart into every syllable. The quality is incredible, and the performance can move you to tears. …The Sheffield show is perhaps the best of the tour. ~Sean Wilentz Check out this post: October 31: Bob Dylan – Philharmonic Hall, NYC 1964 It brings back a long gone era of intimacy between performer and audience, and the last strains of a self-aware New York bohemia beforeīohemia became diluted and mass marketed.’ It brings back a time between his scuffling sets at the downtown clubs and his arena-rock tours of the 1970s and after. ‘Live 1964 brings back a Bob Dylan on the cusp. ~Bob Dylan (before If You Gotta Go, Go Now)

~ Check out this post: April 12: Bob Dylan Town Hall, New York 1963ĭon’t let that scare you. If you’re only planning on getting one bootleg this decade, this is the one. This ranks high as one of the most important boot releases of all time, and on top of that, it’s simply a thrill and a joy to just sit back and listen to. Town Hall New York City, New York 12 April 1963 Next up – picking only one from each year… argh. the agony of choice again. tough choices these, but only 12 allowed. First I pick 12 different years & nominate some candidates: So this is actually more like “12 essential Bob Dylan concerts from 12 different tours”.

compilation bootlegs not allowed – you need to choose one concert.

~Bob Dylan (to Edna Gundersen, July 1988)Ĭreating a post called “10 best concert bootlegs” didn’t work out, so I had to adjust. Touring to me has never been any kind of hardship. It’s a privilege. Love to see the sun come up over the highway. Then, of course, there’s playing on the stage in front of live people, feeling hearts and minds moving. I love to roll into town in the early morning and walk the deserted streets before anybody gets up. I’ve always loved to travel and play my songs, meet new people and see different places.

Sean wilentz bob dylan