Yahoo News I went to see Bob Dylan in Liverpool and I was speechless over what happened outside after the show
I went to see Bob Dylan in Liverpool and what happened outside after the show will stay with me forever. As a 20-year-old music lover, I thought my dream of seeing Bob Dylan was just that.
Well, over the weekend, those dreams came true as the Rough and Rowdy Ways world tour arrived at the M&S Bank Arena on Sunday. I could not have asked for anything better as the 83-year-old icon made his way onto the Merseyside stage and treated those in attendance to a night to remember.
The tales from my grandfather and the melodies from the record player were as close as I thought I was ever going to get to hearing the legendary singer-songwriter. I remembered those moments on Sunday night as I walked up to the arena, gripping my ticket tight as I was about to see him in the flesh. This was a night I’d been dreaming about.
People of all ages were waiting eagerly to get through the doors before putting their phones in cases to be locked. This was the first phone-free event I’d ever been to and it added so much more to the experience.
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The atmosphere was crisp. Eyes were open-wider and senses a little sharper. I sat in my seat and looked around the arena, which was jam-packed as every seat was taken.
The lights dimmed as five men, including Bob, made their way onto the stage. The crowd erupted with applause and whistles as I knew I was about to experience something special.
The Blown' In the Wind singer made his way to the piano and the band started to play. They performed elegantly in the centre stage of the arena, surrounded by stage lamps, which simply just added to the classiness.
I can assure you that not one song sounded like the original, but that is his style. Any fan who has listened to the pioneering artist's live albums would have been aware of this, but those who haven't may have been taken by surprise.
Bob’s age showed, but his ability to power through the show and give fans a special night was remarkable. He performed songs from his incredible seven decades in music such as Black Rider, Watching the River Flow and Every Grain of Sand.
Every arrangement was different and felt like you were listening to a brand-new song. You have to give it to him. 83 years old and he's still able to play and sing his heart out. The thousands in attendance of course went wild when he played his signature harmonica.
Bob made my night, a night I’ll never forget. However, all good things must come to an end - and the lights came up at 9.10pm to signal our time inside the arena in the company of one of the greatest artists of all time was over.
But that wasn't the end of my special experience as I was speechless after what happened as I exited the M&S Bank Arena. The crowd made their way back out onto the Liverpool waterfront to be greeted by a busker, who looked an awful lot like Bob.
Hundreds, it seemed like thousands, gathered around him. Everyone stood together; smiling, crying, laughing, dancing. Singing their hearts out with the musician as he played some of Bob's most famous songs such as ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ and ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’.
The busker was called Frankie Dlowhan, who is the frontman of a Bob Dylan cover band named Bo Band. What a moment this was for Frankie. Those watching on tipped him so much money and I’m still sat here wondering how much he made.
His guitar case was full of notes and men with flat caps, voluntarily, walked around collecting any change to reward Frankie for his performance. The audience sang from the top of their lungs. Some recorded it, others just lived in the moment.
It was a good 30 – 40 minutes until people decided it was time to make their way home. Standing there and watching the big wheel turn as I listened to people sing and smile together after Bob Dylan's performance in Liverpool is something I never want to forget.
