Y'know, I've never bothered to mention how I feel about Dylan on this forum before. But today, inspired by the verse above and a couple gallons of coffee, I think I'll get right irritable and sound right off!

This is not the kind of thing that Bob responds to, to put it simply.

To expect he would seems a bit naive.

This is true. Dylan usually just ignores the public. I know he's one of America's best and most beloved songwriters, and I've always loved certain of his songs (especially when someone else is singing them) - but I wouldn't fork out DIDDLEY - in money or stress levels - to see him live again.

My parents couldn't stand Dylan, and by the time I was old enough to go to concerts on my own in the late 70's, Dylan was deep into his 'born again Christian' phase. As a rookie guitar player, I'd learned and loved so many of his classics from the 60's, and even though I enjoyed his new album too ('Slow Train Comin'), most of the Dylan fans I hung around with couldn't stand it.

Well, a few of us went to see him live at Massey Hall in Toronto in 78 (if memory serves). I'll never forget it - not because he was so good, but because he was so self-absorbed and, well, just plain snotty. Everyone in the audience, including me, was just dying to hear his golden oldies. He'd finish some new track from "Slow Train", and the audience would call out "Blowin In the Wind!"   "Times They Are A-Changin" etc etc

Did He once even LOOK at the audience, or smile, or acknowledge we were even THERE?   Nope. Did He honour the wishes of the people who'd shelled out big bucks to see him even ONCE with a golden oldie before the night was over? Nope. It seemed like there was no one else in that Hall except Him, for Him anyway. By the time it was over people were booing Him. Did He care? Nope. He just threw His hat on the floor and walked out without even a backward glance.

THat's the first, and believe me the last time I ever saw Dylan live.
WHat an insufferable snot! (pardon me). Contrast this to Neil Young. Neil's music can be just as inspiring and revolutionary and thought-provoking, and his voice every bit as hard to listen to as Dylan's (imho)- BUT - Neil uplifts and "connects" with his audience by joking with them, dedicating his songs to them, indulging them with requests etc.

In other words, even though he's also a much-loved 'superstar', Neil knows he's just another human being and not some sort of 'god' who considers it 'beneath' him to relate to the other human beings who paid to see him perform. Neil relates to those other human beings with friendliness and love and appreciation. He's humble, and that's what makes him truly great - in my book anyway.

A few PR tips from Neil would serve ole Crusty-Nasal REAL well, imo.