I have listened to Bob Dylan's music from almost the very beginning. I was a member of several folk clubs in the early 60's and one evening our local band told us about this American folk singer, who was a protege of Woody Guthrie and they played one of his songs and that's when I started collecting his albums. I can't say I was a real fan, though, definitely nothing like I am a fan of MK, but I did enjoy his songs and have been adding to my album collection over the years.
When it became apparent that MK would be touring with Bob, I knew I had to be there, firstly because I must see Mark and secondly, I hadn't ever seen Bob live, so this was a good opportunity to see both of them together. I really hoped I would see them on stage performing side-by-side, but this was Manchester and it was not to be, unfortunately.
Quite frankly, when Bob came on stage at Manchester, the sound was so loud that I had to wear ear-plugs and I couldn't understand a word he said, let alone recognise the songs - these were songs I should have recognised, because I had the albums! I didn't enjoy his part of the show one little bit, which was a great disappointment, because I went really hoping I would enjoy the experience! I did like Bob's band a lot, though!
When the tour reached Europe and Mark began playing on the first few songs of Bob's set, I began downloading all of the available concerts and really enjoyed them. I could even hear Bob's words a bit better on the recordings and could turn down the volume, which made it much more listenable. Some of the songs on the recordings I didn't have in my collection, so I bought the rest of the albums I didn't have and now I almost have them all!
To be honest though, it is the part of the shows where Mark plays guitar that I listen to most on the downloads - he just makes it much more enjoyable for me and more palatable! I still can't come to terms with Bob's voice, his guitar playing or his harmonica, so I would say that I was a fan of sorts in my youth and on and off throughout my life, but seeing him live has made me realise that I never want to see him again in concert - once was certainly enough. I'll stick to listening to his albums and the bootlegs I have downloaded!
Seeing Bob on stage bore no resemblance to the feelings I have for MK when I see him in concert. With Mark, I am in seventh heaven and like Rollergirl, I want to rush up and hug him! I had no such feelings for BD - all I saw was a croaking old man! Sorry Bob! I do still like his songs a great deal and, of course, he is a great lyricist, a poet!
I will abstain from voting, because nothing fits how I feel! Is there a box for "Was a sort of fan, but after seeing the shows, was disappointed"
I suppose, like Rollergirl, I should vote "Don't know"!
