Dylan serves up a heavenly gig

Welsh fans who felt snubbed when Bob Dylan by-passed them on his last UK
tour were repaid for their patience in full iast night. While everyone else
had their dreams shattered with lack-lustre performances by a rock legend
dug out and dusted down to promote his latest album, Wales waited patiently
as three decades passed without a visit. Some 5,000 fans packed into the
arena for what had to be rock's answer to the second coming. And they were
rewarded with two hours worth of shining light and heavenly music. Through
the dry ice came the Western-like tableau of four stetsoned strangers and
in their midst, a skinny, dishevelled figure in purple satin shirt and
black jeans. Clutching his harmonica he launched into the first number, a
country-tinged rock ballad, which left all but the most ardent fans
scratching their heads for a title. Not that it mattered. Unlike other
recent concerts, the sheer enthusiasm, sparkling musicianship and powerful
control of that unique but bizarre voice converted even the most cynical
listener to the unknown.
But there were also plenty of familiar tunes, freshened up and performed
with vigour. Within minutes, fans were treated to an electrifying version
of All Along The Warchtower which culminated in a crescendo of slide guitar
and pounding drums. Sheer musicianship made up for Dylan's legendary lack
of stage presence but even then, he surprised the audience with glowing
smiles, introductions to the band and even the odd mumbled conversation.
The audience - mainly middleaged with a large smattering of young converts
- seemed delighted by the fresh adaptations of familiar songs. Just Like A
Woman was given a country tinge as Dylan's gravelly vocals wound round the
waltz-time beat. Despite claims to the contrary, that distinctive voice was
in fine fettie, expertly controlled as it quavered over the high notes and
melted into a nasally whine in an acoustic version of Mr Tambourine Man.
The crowd stood hushed in a mellow moment of sleepy nostalgia as he
launched into another country-style ballad, reminiscent of the early 70s
and Desire. All it needed was Emmylou Harris to arrive onstage for a swift
duet and we would have all been in rock heaven. Jolted into life by a noisy
rock and roll rendition of Maggie's Farm, it was hard to believe the hour
and a half long set had come to an end but this stamping, cheering crowd
had no plans to leave.
Arriving back on stage Dylan and Band launched into a rousing version of
Like A Rolling Stone and the audience happily provided the chorus. Looking
out at a sea of swaying arms, Dylan realised he was unlikely to get out
alive and after taking a bow, picked up his guitar and launched into an
acoustic version of It Ain' t Me Babe. A final encore of Highway 61 and it
was all over bar the shouting. The audience were slow to leave and swift to
praise. They say old rock stars don't die, they just fade away. But this
rock star has plenty of life in him yet.

- Pauline McLean