Last Thoughts on Bob Dylan, Part Two (2012)

This has been a perplexing year for a lot of us Bob Dylan loyalists. We aren’t sure what to make of our hero.

I spent a lot of 2010 and 2011 thinking, talking with people and writing about Dylan, as preparation for my book, “Forget About Today: Bob Dylan’s Genius for (Re)invention, Shunning the Naysayers, and Creating a Personal Revolution” (which Penguin published on Aug. 7).

I came to the coclusion that Dylan had accomplished so much, on his terms, over his brilliant 50-year career that he could serve as more than a model musician, songwriter or performer.

He struck me as a classic role model, in the traditions of war heroes, presidents, inventors, explorers, athletes and billionaires. He means so much to plenty of people. We can learn from his example. I sure learned a lot of life lessons, and I put them in the book.

Over the summer, I heard “Tempest,” Dylan’s latest (and 43rd!) studio album. I enjoyed it, especially his tribute to John Lennon. It’s a moving homage to a fellow traveler. I always had the feeling that Lennon and Dylan stood above all of the others (though Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger are within reach), so it was interesting to recognize Dylan’s appreciation of John.

My 2012 view of Dylan was diminished by an enjoyable but ultimately sub-par concert I saw him give at the Hollywood Bowl on Oct. 26.

To me, Dylan seemed content to mail it in that night — a startling development from someone who takes as much pride in his concerts as Dylan. I was excited at the prospect of seeing Dylan perform in his adopted hometown at the legendary venue.

But Dylan let me down. No, I didn’t feel a need to change my belief that Dylan could represent a terrific role model. I DID feel extremely disappointed by what I perceived to be a lack of interest by Dylan in the audience. He didn’t sing with a lot of feeling. He didn’t play any of his new songs. He went through the motions of playing songs I’d heard many times before — but this time, because of his lethargy, they seemed like albatrosses, not classics.

I saw The Stones perform at the Barclays Center — and they were excellent — it reinforced my notion that Dylan didn’t seem to care about his audience.

By contrast, the Stones played all of their great songs with gusto. They smiled. They bothered to thank the audience. Mick Jagger actually deigned to talk to us and thank us for being there.

The Stones clearly wanted to be there (you can say they cared only about the money but I think it was more than that. True, they were playing what amounted to a one-off show while Dylan was already deep into  seven-week tour. Maybe Dylan had a toothache. Maybe one of his grandchildren had the flu. Maybe he had other things on his mind. Maybe I am completely wrong and alone in my point of view.

Perhaps Dylan tours too much to make each show a special event. And face it, we expect special accomplishments from the man. Maybe it isn’t fair of me to ask for so much.

Maybe, in the end, Dylan is simply a musician in 2012. someone who is bound to have good nights and bad on the road, who is going to put out great and throwaway songs. Fair enough.

Maybe Dylan is content, by now, to be hailed as an icon. But Dylan means more to us than The Legend. He insists that he isn’t a museum piece. I want him to continue to evolve in front of my eyes. He is on a special plane with McCartney, Jagger, Springsteen. The difference is the other performers give it their all. Dylan didn’t give it his all that night at the Hollywood Bowl.

I originally wrote an essay that you can find on my website(http://jonfriedman.net). I explained the title of this piece, noting that Dylan read a poem on stage in 1963 entitled “Last Thoughts on Wood Guthrie.” His point was that he had to break away from Guthrie in the public’s mind. He needed, probably as well, to tell himself that he could no longer live in the great shadow of his idol.

If I am guilty of asking for too much from Dylan, it’s only because he has set such a high standard.

JONFRIEDMAN.NET QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do we expect too much from Dylan? Is he by now more of a Legend than an Artist.

 

 

28
Dec 2012
POSTED IN Notes

  • Kevin Harvey

    Have no fear: You’re not asking too much of Dylan; you’re asking the hard questions that should be asked of every aging icon. There is a time when every artist- writer, painter, singer- reaches a point where they continue doing what they do because they don’t know how to stop. Think of ALI’s last destructive bouts, Picasso’s final dashed off drawings; its a long list. What DYlan is doing on stage now- and, honestly, on record, too- diminishes the menory and power of the shows I adored: his 11th electric show ever; the Band shows in 74; Rolling Thunder; even the semi-dismal shows with G.E. Smith! No, my final show, my 54th, was the Elvis Costello tour of a couple years ago. I’d seen him from a few feet away in clubs, in warm/ups in a dumps, in ball parks and under bridges; but I couldn’t convince myself any longer that what he was doing wasn’t either delusional or cynical. I’ve said it before, but I’d gladly pay to hear him read from the second volume of Chronicles, but he has to get off the road to write it- and that can’t happen soo nenough. Kevin Harvey (kevguy11@aol.com)

  • guru

    Hire an editor.

    • Nichole

      Since we’re giving free advice, I’d like to share some with you. Learn some manners.

      • Ali

        Put the Pom poms down girlfriend Jon brought this on himself with his smug, holier than thou nonsense that even he ultimately agreed was a false premise but not before polluting the web with his WSJ backed Bob as Tony Robbins hookah.

        You dig him, you’re choice, me, I’d like my money back.

        • Nichole

          Girlfriend??? Are you serious? Okay…. I understand you don’t like the book… But you’re going on and on and on over an item that at the very most cost you $15. Do you whine like this when you go to a movie you don’t like? You don’t get your money back if you don’t like a movie. If the $15 bucks really breaks you so much, then you shouldn’t have bought the book in the first place.

          I’m not going to keep posting back and forth with you wasting my time which is valued much more than $15 dollars. Plus, I’ve said all there is to say.

          • Carl

            The book is terrible, we’ll give you a gold star for standing up for a poor book and a wannabe rock n roll critic. the only reason were all here is that Friedman kept posting on Expecting Rain. Excuse us if we prefer substance to babble. Love the book and the man’s nostalgia trip. We’ll love Dylan for who he is and not who he’s not.

          • Nichole

            Karl Erik posted the links not Jon. Get over it. I read ER too. Karl Erik also posts links to this other guy’s tree maps or something. They’re totally stupid, but I don’t go and berate the guy because I don’t like it. Grow up. Move on.

          • Max

            The real victim here was mr Friedman who launched a massive pr campaign for a decidedly minor and insignificant book. In the digital age, promotion without compelling content can be disastrous.

  • Rajan Mahadevan

    You should be knowing by now that Dylan has never tried to keep his fans satisfied, he has only kept them loyal. And by the way, Jon, have you considered writing your next book about the Stones, or McCartney, or Springsten ? I’d take Simon or Cohen anytime without wanting to write a book.

    • Adam

      no more music books from JF. He’s no David Dalton more pedestrian and hugely irrelevant.

  • Adrian Everitt

    Every year, new arrangements of almost every song played live. Every year, about 70 different songs played on his constantly rotating setlists. That’s mailing it in? McCartney may as well set up in Vegas, like Elvis or Barry Manilow. At least the Stones still give it some energy, but there’s hardly a sense of innovation there. Springsteen and Young – and, possibly, Cohen – are probably the only ‘oldies’ still really creative. Except the remarkable Tom Waits, of course. And dear Bob.

    • Ali

      What Jon is “guilty of” is wanting Bob Dylan to be a Madame Tussaud wax dummy for him. He wants him to forever be the toussled haired speed freak of Blonde on Blonde, Rimbaud meeting the Beats with an electric guitar. Genius but decades ago. Jon really needs a life because the one he imagines is really “mailing it in”

  • Adam

    The problem starts with hero worship. Are you 15 years old? He’s an aging musician with years of massive substance abuse and h so isolated himself within his camp and his tour bus in a way that’s anything but healthy. you screwed up Jon and wrote a child’s book about the ultimate man behind the mask(s). It’s time to be an adult. As a previous poster wrote..Leonard Cohen certainly is. But a messiah who validates you? Never.

  • Johnny Borgan

    Thinking of your analysis, it is pretty amazing that you condemn Dylan live in 2012 the way you do. Partly because I totally disagree about your review of the show in mention, partly because it’s obviously wrong not to view this leg of the tour as a whole. I saw seven shows this year – each one a unique performance and set – never copying the night before, never relaxing in a version of the song in a way Rolling Stones often do. Spontaneity, improvisation, a jazzy feel and a Bob that’s eager to communicate with his audience, both in front of the stage and sitting behind the grand piano, having a good time. It’s just sad that you missed it, because 2012, as 2011, has been some of the best he’s done since 2002.

    • Ali

      Analysis? What analysis? Hucking the book and whining about “being let down”. Johnny, I get the drift of your argument but you’re addressing it to a 50 year old groupie who wants time to stand still.

      • Nichole

        You are obnoxious.

        • Ali

          And you’re a simpleton.

          • Nichole

            As if you know anything about me. Anyone reading your posts can clearly see how I’ll mannered and rude you are. Enjoy your superior attitude. Someone has to.

          • Lauren Fisher

            Actually, I agree with Ali. You’re well intentioned but defending a fool.

          • Nichole

            I’d defend you too if I saw people personally attacking you for a book you wrote. I said it was fine to dislike a book. It’s the delivery in how you are saying it that is offensive. Not that you don’t like the book…it’s amazing that none of you understand that. I bet not a one of you would be this tasteless face to face…only behind your keyboard do you have the chutzpah to say such arrogant things about him personally. Do you even know him?

          • Lauren Fisher

            Please don’t defend me. Thanks. He claims to be a journalist, he can take it. Plus this is my real name. First and last. Do you have the chutzpah to decloak? BtW, I’m out of here. This writer and his Bob as Tony Robbins book doesn’t warrant it. it’s a new year, let’s move on.

          • Nichole

            He can take it. You’re right. It does change the fact you are all posting in bad taste. Good for you that you post with your real first and last name. I won’t because I’ve had Dylan fans contact my work over stuff like this. So… if you think it takes chutzpah to post your first and last, great! I find it unsafe.

          • Nichole

            that should say *it doesn’t*

          • Steve Morse

            Fear is a poor co-pilot. You’re entitled to your own opinions. But the web is going transparent eventually so decloaking is the norm. Its as bad as JF having his friends post overly positive reviews on Amazon. I’d guess the book is not a runaway best seller for Penguin.

          • jonfriedman

            Hi. The simpleton says, Happy New Year, Lauren. Feel free to post whatever you want. I can take the heat.

    • jonfriedman

      Happy to hear it. I stand by everything I wrote.

  • Ali

    Jon, you’re like one of those aging tie dyed Deadheads who lived to follow and worship the Jerry Garcia and the Dead. the Stones? McCartney? Good God, are you stuck in a rut or just musically numb? Open your mind. There’s a lot happening in the world. The Murdoch empire may think you’re cool and relevant but you must know that with every blog post you reaffirm that you’re not. do you think Dylan really cares whether he’s still a Touchpoint for you? Do you honestly believe he is a role model/ life guide for people ? Maybe in the end Dylan is simply a musician…? Really, are you just figuring this out now?
    Go back to your apartment and dream of a time machine. This is 2012 baby and reality isn’t a couple li es of speed, an Isro and fantasies of Sara Lowndes. The special plane he’s on is chartered and running out of runway. Genius once, lost soul now.

  • TrentR

    Mr Friedman, get a therapist. The man is Bob Dylan not King Arthur. You want a personal guru. He’s just a burnt out Los folk rocker. Appreciate what he’s done to the musical canon but don’t wish you had a pair of his dirty socks under your pillow. Call the therapist today. On the Tavis Smiley show you were totally a goofball.

  • Nichole

    I’ve read through some of the comments on a few of Jon’s posts. Why do you people repeatedly come here posting all your disdainful comments? You don’t like the blog. You don’t like the book. So why on Earth would you want to continually waste your precious time to post here? That’s more pathetic than your claims about Jon, his book, and his blog.

    • Ali

      Because Jon sought to stink up Expecting Rain over and over again to yuck his now remaindered book that’s why friend,

      • Nichole

        Um, Karl Erik decided to post his links, not Jon. Karl decides what’s posted as a link and what is not.

    • Lauren Fisher

      You’re very judgmental yourself Guinivere.

      Get a life.

      The book is a bomb.

      • Nichole

        Judgmental? Me? I’m reading people personally attacking someone…calling him all sorts of names, etc. I’ve said it was ill mannered and I’m judgmental? Fine, you don’t like the book. Nothing wrong with that. Calling the guy all sorts of names is just out of line. Perhaps someone will talk to your kids or your mother the way you are all treating Jon. Then you’ll get it.
        I have a life. I’m not going to author’s websites I don’t like and personally attacking them. I have better things to do with my time. Practice what you preach.

        • Lauren Fisher

          Nothing is wrong with people reacting to a “bad” book that has been pushed on them thru a relentless pr campaign. And Expecting Rain did JF no favors either. This is the blogosphere, it can be a rough and tumble space.”Someone will talk to your kids or mother..” Honestly I’ve endured worse myself.
          I must agree that Jon brought this on himself.

          • Nichole

            Nothing wrong with people reacting to what they find a bad book. There IS something wrong with the method of doing it though. Just because it is a blog doesn’t mean human decency should go down the toilet. Period end of story.

  • Uriah Hamilton

    I think you’re being unfair even if you’re correct. Dylan is almost 72, Mick is like 68, Mick Jagger did like three shows this year after five years off, Dylan did 87 new shows after not having a break since 1985. Dylan voice is torn to shreds after substance abuse and non-stop performing for essentially 50 years but there are four Stones to hold up the appearance. Most of the shows I’ve heard recordings of, Dylan sounds like he cares and cares a lot but that voice can only go so far. At this point, I only say thank you, Mr. Dylan.

  • Jackk

    Friedman, get a life. Stop tryi g to live vicariously thru Zimmie. You really have zero insights and it’s painful to watch a middle aged man search for the Holy Grail in a laundromat.

  • Rick Worley

    What a moronic article. “Maybe I am… alone in my point of view.” Seriously? No, you’re saying the exact same thing people who don’t understand Dylan have said about his concerts for 50 years, and that dozens of people said about the same Hollywood Bowl concert. Whenever I read reviews trotting out the same tired complaints about him supposedly not respecting the audience, or not playing the things you’d hope for him to play, I wonder what rock have these people been living under for 50 years that they don’t know anything about Dylan’s live performances? I always wonder why these people even decided to go to a Dylan show when they obviously know so little about him. And so not only have you managed to be that completely out of touch about Dylan in general, you apparently don’t even have a passing familiarity with the reception the show you’re talking about received if you think that maybe you’re the only one who said those things. And then, lacking even this perfunctory knowledge, you’re writing a book on Dylan? Yikes.

    • jonfriedman

      Hey, Rick. Thanks for your note. Please let me know when someone will be publishing your Dylan book so I can read it.