Bob Dylan O2 25/04/2009

Despite all the recent acclaim Bob Dylan has received for his new songs, I haven't bought any, nor do any titles come to mind. So as I headed to the O2 in London, I was looking forward to hearing a mix of old and new.

Starting out with Maggies Farm (see setlist), his unmistakable voice rasped out. As he progressed into The Times They Are A-Changin', it became clear that this was Dylan but also something new. It was like coming across a long lost, old pair of favorite jeans and finding, with delight, that they still fit and felt good.

The new arrangements of old classics, brought out a richness and depth to the songs I was never aware of. Unfortunately, (or possibly very fortunately) it made them almost impossible to sing along to. The staging was very old school, there were no screens for the benefit of old eyes (most fans) and just a few 60's throwback light patterns projected onto the back curtain. For me, part of the magic of seeing these legendary performers is to be able to watch how they play and work their instruments. Without screens, it was impossible to see any detail.

Moving through Workingman's Blues and Highway 61 were highlights of the show, but the comfortable rhythms had seemingly turned the whole O2 into one gigantic methadone clinic. Old and young, gently rocked.

By the time he got to Like a Rolling Stone, and All Along the Watchtower, I was really missing the old Bob Dylan. The rearrangements of these songs lacked the punch and emphasis they had when they (and Bob) were young.

The three song encore ended with "Blowin in the Wind". It was not the frenetic finale a younger man might have made to leave the audience stunned and wanting more. It was more the gentle caresses of experience and maturity. I'd have preferred more of the younger man.