Watch the Bob Dylan 1981 concert video extravaganza
1981 was one of Bob Dylan's great tours, in fact I'd put it up there with '66 and '75, I'd even probably rate it higher than the 1978 tour.
1981 was one of the great Bob Dylan tours, with one of the greatest Bob Dylan backing bands. It was a peak year of creativity and transition and it would be the last time we’d hear from Bob Dylan the performing artist for 3 years.
When he returned ito the stage it was with a stripped back British backing band, which to many was slightly underwhelming given the recent groundbreaking Infidels release featuring Sly and Robbie, Mark Knopfler and Mick Taylor.
Compared to 1981, 1984 pales. Here’s some examples of just why that’s the case. Dylan was in fine voice, really playing with how he sang, and backed by some of the finest players he ever worked with: Fred Tackett (guitar), Steve Ripley (guitar), Willie Smith (keyboards), Tim Drummond (bass), Jim Keltner (drums), Clydie King, Carolyn Dennis, Regina McCrary and Madelyn Quebec (back…
