The times are a-changin’ but Bob Dylan remains legendary
He may be 81 years of age, but Bob Dylan was his freewheelin’ self as he brought his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour to Glasgow on Halloween night.
It was a packed and excited crowd at the SEC Armadillo as they awaited Dylan for the first time since 2017. No phones were allowed during the performance; a decision made by Dylan to make the show as authentic as possible.
The SEC Armadillo Credit: Kyle Murphy
The majority of songs performed by Dylan were from his latest album ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ so if you were expecting a greatest hits exhibition then unfortunately that is not the case. However, this show puts that thought aside and gives you something even more incredible.
The stage floor lit up with fans able to witness the presence of a music icon. He opened his show with ‘Watching the River Flow’, a heavy blues song that was expertly performed by his band and himself. Despite everyone sitting down, you could still feel the emotions that they were expressing as they tapped their feet to the song's rhythm.
From his new album, he played songs such as ‘I Contain Multitudes’, ‘False Prophet’ and ‘Mother of Muses’; all of which were received with loud cheers and applause. For his age, Dylan sounded phenomenal as he faced the audience from his piano.
The crowd were sat lost for words when Dylan sang his final song of the night, ‘Every Grain of Sand’. Everyone was in awe of this acclaimed figure who was singing with such raw passion and enthusiasm. To finish off the song, Dylan brought out his famous harmonica and played a beautiful and touching solo. A perfect way to end an unbelievable performance.
Dylan stood up from his piano to appreciate the Glasgow crowd who were blown away by what they had just experienced. After leaving the stage, he comes back out for one last bow after the Armadillo erupted with cheers, not wanting the night to end. A magical night made possible by one of the all-time greats.
If this is the last time we see Dylan perform in Scotland, he went out with a bang and created memories for people that will stay with them forever. It was money well spent for the fans in attendance as they went home reflecting on an unforgettable day.