Bob Dylan 2001.05.04 in Atlanta

From: "rmharwood" rmharwood@email.msn.com
Subject: Dylan, 2001.05.04, Atlanta, GA 
Date: Sat, 5 May 2001 14:01:23 -0400

2001.05.04, Atlanta, GAÊÊ

Hi Karl Erik,
 
Hope all is well with you.Ê Just wanted to share a few
observations about the show in Atlanta.Ê There were expected to
be crowds of 250,000 people at Music Midtown last night due to
performances by Bob Dylan, The Black Crowes, and Blues Traveler
on different stages, all at 10 pm.Ê After being turned away
fromÊthe 3rd subway station with FULL high rise parking decks, I
began realizing the impact of the crowds on our fair city. After
a 20 minute subway ride that can only be compared to Tokyo
during rush hour, the three block walk from the Civic Center
Marta Station to Piedmont Park was surrealistic.Ê At 8pm, the
streets were a solid mass of people as far as the eye could see,
all converging on the festival.ÊThe running of the bulls, baby.
Amazingly enough, things moved quickly and within the hour,
after a quick stop to see Delbert McClinton, I was front row
center for Patti Smith and set for Bob, who followed her on the
same stage to close out the show for the day.Ê It was really
something to be able to see all the close up details, an
experience I've never had at a Bob Dylan show.Ê I've been
relatively close before, at best maybe 15 rows back at various
small theatres over the years, but never before right up front.Ê
Needless to say, I was happy.Ê Had some great neighbors too.Ê
Two very enthusiastic guys next to me from the Netherlands would
holler "Bobbbeee!!Ê Bobbbeee!!" at the top of their lungs
between most songs.Ê Several times Dylan glanced over at them
with a look of bewildered amusement on his face.Ê The Oscar was
there on top of the Fender amp.Ê I could see "Bob Dylan" pearl
inlayed across the fretboard of Mr. D's custom Stratocaster.Ê
Saw all the details of Charlie and Larry's guitars, too.

The show as incredible.Ê Here are some of the highlightsÊ for
me: Best live version of "Desolation Row" I've seen. "Down On
The Flood" was a show stopper for me.Ê He absolutely howled and
twistedÊthe line "You're gonna have to find yourself another
best friend somehow" every time he got to it.Ê Amazing.Ê "Just
Like A Woman" was performed much like the original until the
bridge, where he wailed out "I just don't fit" with such
passion, it was jolting.Ê Had to pinch myself and squeal, just
to know it was for real. "Where Teardrops Fall" was an
unexpected addition to the set. Great steel guitar by Larry.Ê
During the instrumental ending of "Drifter's Escape", Tony
started playing a bass run from some 70'sÊhit song that fit
perfectly. I could have told you what the song was last night,
but itÊescapes me today.Ê Charlie recognized the run and joined
in, along with Dylan, who actually grinned a little.Ê There were
many other memorable moments, as well. I could keep going on and
on about how great the show was, but it's all been said before
by others more eloquent than myself,Êso let me just say, all the
hassles getting there were well worth the trouble.Ê It was
trulyÊa night to remember.

Ric

P.S.Ê I wish I would have known about Dylan in Dalton on 5/2.Ê
Just an hour north for me.Ê How did thatÊslip by me?Ê