University of Michigan’s Hill Auditorium hosts Bob Dylan November 6 2019
by Wayne T Laviolette
Bob Dylan and his band are nearing an end of an extensive Fall tour in which they visited venues at universities or university towns. There are a few dates left on the tour.
This is the first review by Wayne Laviolette, and he submitted as a reader of the site.
As a continuous fan of Bob Dylan I love the career arc of his poetry, storytelling, and musicality. His singing voice was never clarion but his lyrics and passion were always meaningful and entertaining. Hill Auditorium was the right venue for the right person, the chance to see a long-loved legend in an almost intimate setting, but something important missing that night, and it was Mr. Dylan, himself.
The band was rocking with driving beats throughout the performance. The music was unfamiliar to me, but the audience kept time. I couldn’t discern the words Dylan sung; he was overshadowed by the loud volume of the band. At times he appeared to shrink into the back of the stage when he was not playing the piano.
Perhaps it was fatigue, as Dylan is on an extensive tour. The concert was cut about a half an hour short of what may have been expected. After returning for a brief encore, Dylan received a respectful standing ovation and then he quietly left. It was over.
Despite my personal disappointment in this concert, I am happy to have seen Bob Dylan in person. My collection of his recordings is dearer to me now that I have had the opportunity to see The Man.
SET LIST:
Things Have Changed
It Ain’t Me, Babe
Highway 61 Revisited
Simple Twist of Fate
Can’t Wait
When I Paint My Masterpiece
Honest With Me
Tryin’ to Get to Heaven
Make You Feel My Love
Pay in Blood
Lenny Bruce
Early Roman Kings
Girl From the North Country
Not Dark Yet
Thunder on the Mountain
Soon After Midnight
Gotta Serve Somebody
Encore:
Ballad of a Thin Man
It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry
This video is from the night prior:
Upcoming Tour Dates for Bob Dylan
Nov 13 VSU Multi-Purpose Center, Petersburg, VA
Nov 15 Eisenhower Auditorium, State College, PA
Nov 17 Ithaca College Athletics and Events Center, Ithaca, NY
Nov 19 Tsongas Center, Lowell, MA
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