In terms of Mark Knopflers tours since 1996 I still think that the last tour had a lot of variation in the first part - they tried out some things, there was a "surprise" at almost every night in the US, that's what I mean. You probably never expect MK to dance or have girls up in cages on the stage - the same goes with backlist variations at his shows. Related to that I have no complaints about the Get Lucky tour.
LE
Your kind of right - during the Get Lucky tour i didnt expect Border Reiver and certainly didnt expect an amazing live version of Monteleone...however that still doesnt change the fact core songs have been wheeled out for several tours - What it it, Sailing, Telegraph Road, Done With Bonaparte, Marbletown, Speedway at Nazareth - the list goes on.....
Agreed - the last few tours have been too "samey" - mix it up a bit MK - sheesh you have enough of a back catalogue!!
You have to remember who these tours are for though - they are not for the "get a lifers" like us. Although we would love loads of obscure tracks, MK is tailoring these shows to a general audience.
You can't argue with the results. Despite not getting much publicity or being talked up by critics, MK has built up a very large and loyal following. People KNOW they are going to get an excellent show when they go to see MK. Dylan knows he can live off his name, that he can put half arsed performances and people will still go, because critics say "It's Bob Dylan, he's a legend, you HAve to see him." MK can't rely on that.
Agreed - MK is very good live - and im hoping i dont live to regret my decision about not seeing him live this time around....Your right - MK is doing the "songs are signposts in peoples lives" thing with his setlist and i totally see the sense in that - Dylan has been touring and making records longer than most and he knows due to that status people will flock....since MK lost the DS "badge" he has had to largely make it on his own with a kind of - ill record and play where and what i want - if people want to buy my records and see me live - then great - if not - no biggie - and i really respect that!
