I don't know if you are a big BD fan MB, or have seen him much before? I have been going to see Bob since 1993, and have seen 21 shows since then, most years, the 21st being at Braehead on Saturday. That was my second MK gig, as I am a fairly new MK fan - my first was Glasgow SECC last year.
From a BD point of view, the last great show I saw, before Saturday was 2003. Before that, I saw good shows in 2000 and 1995. Shows in 2001, 2002, 1998, 1997 and 1993 were mixed to poor. After 2003, I was excited about seeing him again, but saw dissapointing shows in 2005, then a dreadful show in 2005 and decided it was time to pack it in. I saw my first show in 4 years in Edinburgh in 2009, front row. I enjoyed seeing him so close but the performance was pretty poor.
On Saturday night, I was in a very "Dylan" section, but all around me were very respectful during MK's excellent set. I, as a fan of both, loved MK's set - hearing the new songs, and some other favourites such as Hillfarmer and What It Is - and the final two of BIA and a tremendous Speedway left the hall very excited - all fans - the place was very full and most people enjoyed it.
Then Dylan came out - and as a long time fane, who has seen many shows all across the scale, I can tell you that the Braehead performance was a wonder. One of the most fun shows I have seen Dylan perform, and the best "performance" I have seen from him - out in front, muc in hand, playing the showman, performing the songs, acting them in some cases - some terrific phrasing, and great to watch. Tangled, Honest, THC - all superb. The set was tight, no filler, just as Mark's was, and Dylan was animated and loving it. Unless there has been a massive change in a couple of days I wonder if people just judge only by what they like rather than other context? It is what MK fans are accusing some of doing during Mark's set. Dylan band, with the wonderful Sexton, was sparkly and funky - loud for sure - it is a different thing to Mark's band. But full of energy and vim. Stuff like Hard Rain and Hattie were done very well, the encores really bristled. This was punky, spunky stuff with attitude from a guy of 70. The voice is the voice. I have heard it much, much worse than Saturday night. It was rough, but it wasn't mumbled and he was really expressing the lines.
Anyway - just wanted to say "hi" this is a first post for me as a Mark newbie of sorts - and I wanted to put the view of a long time Dylan fan who was knocked out, after a long period of cynicism, by what I saw the other night.
