Boston Harold Podcast

BOB DYLAN, ORPHEUM THEATRE, BOSTON - NOVEMBER 3,2023 (The first of three nights.) I almost fell for it.  Last night I saw Bob Dylan and his band at the lovely old Orpheum Theatre in Boston. What was I to expect from the mercurial Nobel Prize winner, considering I had already attended two shows early on in the Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour, one in Boston, one in Providence ? The set list wasn't much different this time around, although there's now a different drummer. The excitement online appeared to be the unexpected covers. Understandably, of course. So what would he surprise us with in Boston? “Charlie on the MTA”? “Dirty Water”? “Please Come to Boston” (which Club 47 alum Joan Baez covered)? “Murder Most Foul”? “Sweet Caroline”?  I hated thinking like that, but, of course, I have to admit it was on my mind.  All these concerns dissipated as soon as Dylan and his band hit the stage and began playing. Even though the set list was similar to 2021, the arrangements had almos...

  The Grateful Dead’s Influence on Bob Dylan This class will examine how people’s prejudices and perceptions—even of such rebels as Dylan and the Dead—influence their opinions, and how to overcome those limitations.  Very little is as divisive to Bob Dylan’s fans as his 1987 tour with the Grateful Dead, or the accompanying live album from 1989. Two decades into his career, and at an artistic crossroads, Dylan collaborated with the Dead’s Jerry Garcia, who helped him reconnect with his own songs by rekindling his love of performing as a sympathetic and supportive kindred spirit. The Dead’s lack of convention likely appealed to Dylan’s iconoclastic leanings, and at one point, he even asked to become a band member.  Dylan covering the Dead's "Alabama Getaway" Dylan/Dead rehearsal, 1987, "Under Your Spell" In 1988, Dylan began his so-called “Never Ending Tour,” now in its fourth decade (and currently officially titled the "Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour") which...

This November 9th, we are going to try something a little different. The next subject to be explored  in my series of online classes is being  specifically scheduled for  fans of Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead in Ireland/Britain  ( 6:30 p.m. GMT)  and Europe ( 7:30 p.m. CET.)  In the U.S., the class will take place at 1:30 EST. Of course, everybody from all over the globe  is welcome !  The 1987 six date stadium tour by "Dylan & the Dead" has had its supporters and detractors, but there's no denying its influenced on the career trajectory of both acts. It has been the  most popular and interactive class of those I've taught here in the States.  The class will be at least two hours long.  I look forward to seeing you there!                                                ...