As the second poster in this thread, I can say (to CET) that there was no "sneering" at anyone. Ironic comment - yes. And I still find it ironic that so many so-called free-thinking, "liberal" people got upset because a musician changed direction in a way that they didn't approve of. The problem is that, if anyone is placed on that sort of pedestal, they will be bound at some stage to piss some people off.

Stay on the pedestal! Don't ever change! Don't ever move on! Well, it's worth reading some of the accounts by members of The Band of Dylan's European tours in those days - and the crap they had to take from disapproving audiences.

I actually couldn't care less about Dylan's changes of direction, or his motivations - they're his business - and, over the years, I've liked bits of his music and disliked other bits. Neither have I much interest in the carpers or the man who shouted 'Judas'. But the mindset and the sociological landscape of those times is interesting to look back on. I lived through them, by the way.

And I still loved the old Free Trades Hall and regret its passing as a music venue.