Bob Dylan, Live in Thessaloniki

As sailors, we are always asking 'Is it blowing in the wind', or where can we find 'Shelter from the storm'. Its not surprising then, when we heard that Bob Dylan was appearing live in Thessaloniki, that we would go and seek the answers from the Bard himself.

Crowds thronging at the gate

Stage set-up

I grew up with Bob Dylan as a cult hero, spearhead of the folk underground resistance movement, spokesperson for all the rebels, anarchists and change agents. In later years, I realised of course, that the man might not match the image, but nevertheless, Bob was up there as a hero of my teenage years. I can still hear my father and grandmother say 'Turn down that noise, you can't call THAT music', while playing Positively 4th Street on my turntable.

Drum master in action

Synchronized drumming

Warming up the crowd 

Dancers too!

Megan and I had been thinking that we'd like to catch a few 'big artists' while we were here in Europe. So when we saw that Bob Dylan was appearing in Thessaloniki, we went to great lengths to get tickets.

Arriving crowds

Great backdrop, the cranes at the old port in Thessaloniki

Another drum band, conductor in the centre

We were treated to a great spectacle with two warmup bands of synchronised drumming, similar to our own Samballista's back in Lismore. Then around 9.15 pm, Bob came on. He played for about 2 hours, with a 5 piece backing band.

Waiting for his appearance

Preconcert tension

Standing room only

Bob was born in 1941, which makes him 73! However, great artists never age, they just get scratchier. Listen to this video, a sound bite of 'Tangled up in Blue', and you'll see what I mean.

Tangled up in Blue

Without judging Bob's current prowess or musical virtues, it was great to see him live in concert, as a historical figure more that as a current performer. He played many of his classic songs, along with a lot of newer material. The finale was 'All along the watchtower' followed by 'Blowing in the wind'. Great encore!

The man himself

... admittedly, he didn't move a lot!

Another stage shot.

It was a great night, and a tribute to a legendary performer. Even better was to see him in Thessaloniki, which is becoming one of our favourite towns in Greece.