1978, I was at polytechnic in central London when they announced Bob would be playing concerts at Earl's court. To get tickets you had to queue up all night outside Chapel music store. Tickets were less than £8. I got mine. The night of the concert, I went by myself, it was amazing. The feeling waiting for Bob to walk on stage was something like I have never experienced before or since at a concert. I absolutely loved it. He played some songs not on the budokan album. Tangled up in blue, was slowed down, different lyrics if I recall correctly. On the ride home on the tube, we all crowded round someone's small tap recorder. Listening to the show. The whole night was like a religious experience. Few weeks later saw him, Clapton, Joan Armatrading and Graham Parker at Blackbushe Aerodrome. Even longer show. Shame we have never got a bootleg series of them shows. Thanks for all the great videos Mazzy.
Budokan was my gateway Bob Dylan album, so I have a unique special fondness for it. I was in Tower Records-Berkeley and said to myself "Hey, Cheap Trick at Budokan rocks, maybe this is good. I've heard of Blowin' in the Wind, so I'll give this a try." My favorite Dylan live album today is Trouble No More. I bought the cd version of the new release. I'm saving it for the holidays, however, so I won't be opening it soon. --Michael
That 1980 concert where Dylan brought Mike Bloomfield on is one of my favourite bootlegs and it’s incredible to think you were there, Mazzy. Amazing. What a show.
Loving the album. Just saw Dylan again the other night, and he’s transformed once again into an extroverted and stylistic piano player. Never seizes to amaze. Also love his “no phone” policy. What a pleasure seeing an audience completely in the moment.
Nothing will grab me more than that first leg of his Rolling Thunder Tour, captured as volume 5 in the bootleg series. It was very well recorded too, almost like a studio album. It features 6 Desire songs but more impressively grandiose interpretations of his earlier work. That electric version of "The Lonesome death of Hattie Carrol" is my favorite song+version by Dylan to this day.
Uncle Mazzy. The swiftest cat in the west… The greatest vinyl collection on earth continues to grow and expand, while growing and expanding our hearts and minds with his passionate and knowledgeable meanderings. Solid clip. Just epic. Beatles and the Judo Arena!!!???? Bloomfield in the late 70’s??!!! We need to chat
Unbelievable; I purchased the original at the time of release and here we are 45 years later. This box set (CD) does that rare thing in that it exceeds the customers expectations. That's how good it is in my opinion. Music aside, the package is a dream and of the highest quality - even the lettering on the case is beautifully embossed - right to the smallest detail. Hearing the complete concert (twice with minor setlist changes) is a revelation compared to the original (but still valid) best of. Reading the notes of how this whole project came about is very worthwhile and the artwork is superb. If this were a bottle of wine I would buy a case.
I first saw Bob Dylan at Blackbushe in 1978. Probably the best concert experience I have ever had for many reasons. Obviously, this was the same tour essentially. But Imagine Budokan crossed with Woodstock and you get some idea. A fabulous gig. I have the Budokan original album and the CD version of the boxset. Very nice set. Just got back from Japan and took a visit the the Budokan. A special moment. I played Forever Young from the concert as we walked around. Thanks for the album review and wider ranging overview.
Beautiful boxset! The collector in me is wanting this. No no no, ha. I wish they would magically find a pro tape of the Blackbushe ‘78 concert, now that I would be all in for. Good looking set though Mazzy! Congrats on the purchase 👍🏻
I always thought that the Budokan record was a bit tame for me. Different strokes… This Budokan box set is a real beauty. Artwork and production quality is top notch. Unfortunately, the price still makes it slightly out of reach for me. I would love to see a cheaper redux version of this show. Containing all of the songs, comprised into 2cd format.
My very first concert was at the age of nine - front row center for Bob Dylan on his "Slow Train Coming" tour, Sunday May 11, 1980 at the Ocean State Theater in Providence, RI . I was a fan, and had been listening to that album since it came out. But as of that concert, "Saved" had not been released (cant be sure but I swear me and my parents are on the back cover photo). It was a memory I'll never forget,
Bob does what Bob does....doesn't care that that you don't like it. Interestingly, one day you may like it. I saw him later in 1978 on Street Legal tour with a smaller band, it was brilliant.
Five Nights in a Judo Arena! I somehow managed to obtain a copy of that when I was around 12 years old. The cover of mine had the same images as yours, but in black-and-white. It disappeared many years ago. Just seeing it and hearing the name bring back the excitement of bootleg LPs back in those days. Now we have soooo much more material available from the big artists from those years, and in many cases I am grateful that stuff is available, whether through official releases or internet circulation of recordings. But the thrill I got as a kid in the 70s from having a few vinyl bootlegs of artists like Dylan and the Beatles is long gone. No multi-disc deluxe box of previously-unreleased recordings (of which I own several, and this Budokan box is tempting too) can ever bring it back.
i was listening to "neighborhood bully" in september and shared it with people then not for "pro-israel" message perse but how you can be made to feel like that in life and then 10/7 happened but i have liked NB for 40 years just as i like norman's very fair review with photos of box set i'd buy even without a turntable just to look at it. people in 78 were lucky to see "vegas bob" with his very expensive sax player and "gospel bob" in 79 with none of his hits but "gotta serve somebody". i certainly have seen some dud-like performances from him but i've seen a dozen great or very, very good ones for every so-called dud. great review, NM!
The first time that I saw Dylan was also on the Band tour. Absolutely phenomenal. It was at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. And, I’ve seen him many times since. ☮️
Funny Rotterdam was my first Dylan concert. Besides EC there were two opening acts. A German band called Lake and Champion Jack Dupree. And it rained the whole show.
You and I are basically the same age. Back when I was in high school I did not like Bob Dylan because I hated his voice. But in the last 25 years has been playing in various classic rock, blues and jazz bands and I've developed an appreciation for his lyrics. The wisdom and life experience exposed in his music for how old he was when he wrote it is truly remarkable. To quote Ringo starr, you got to pay your dues if you want to sing the blues and you know it don't come easy.😂
I might be in a minority I guess I love this album! I saw him last night as well for the first time and I thoroughly enjoyed it he’s amazing to me and I like that he does what he wants. He could rearrange his songs all he wants and it’s still good that’s just my opinion.
When I saw Bob in 1978 in Mobile a girl behind us kept loudly screaming, "Play your own stuff, Bobby!". Given that the arrangements were so different from his recordings I assumed she thought he was covering other people's material. Later I realized she was yelling, "Play your old stuff, Bobby!", but he may as well have been singing covers since only by occasionally catching a scrap of a lyric could one ascertain what song was being played.
Well I saw him in 1978 too and I had no trouble identifying songs. It's as if some Dylan fans have a particular problem with the slightest rearrangement. Now if you'd said 2000, I'd know what you meant.
Excellent posting, thanks!!! Is there a video from these shows? I guess you and I are in the minority. I was 11 when this came out and I thought it was really beautiful music. Budokan is one of my favorites. I love Street Legal, as well. Those 70’s Dylan concerts, man oh man.
Great lp. Bought it when it came out and picked up a Japanese release a few years back. Yeah I don't get it how it's maligned. Didn't realsie it was. Screw them. Thanks for brining this to my attention. Listening to it now in 24/96. His best period in my books. Bott, desire and street legal are my go to for Dylan along with Budo. Think Budokan may still be the venue with the most live records made
I actually like this album a lot,,, first picked it up around 1984,,, when I was really getting into Dylan. I love when artists rework their songs. The before the Flood album is fantastic,,, the version of Ballad of a Thin Man on that one is my favorite version.
I'm pretty sure the 1969 Isle of Wight show Bob did with The Band pre-dated the 1971 Bangladesh show. Not his finest moment, perhaps, but it really was his first appearance since '66.
I'd say the 1968 Carnegie Hall appearance with The Band, brief though it was, marked the first time Dylan had played before an audience since May, 1966.
Just to set the record straight about of Bob Dylan, having a five-year hiatus when he had his motorcycle accident in 1966… he did perform at the Isle of Wight back in 1969!
Rolling Thunder Review tour? I saw the opening show in October 1975 Plymouth Ma. (My hometown) Outstanding. Watch Scorsese's documentary. As for Budokan, "People hated it...." Overstated. I loved it.
Live At Budokan was one of around 7 or 8 Dylan records in my dad's vinyl collection when I was growing up and starting my love affair with Bob's music. It's a bit naff in parts but I've always had a spot for it and am really looking forward to hearing more tracks.
Very cool, but how many times is one going to pull that out once it goes on the shelf? The 2 lp set with alternate setlist from the OG is the one i'm going to grab.
Finally found where to order and it's fairly priced for 8 records. I'm thinking the deluxe cd box will have most all of the music. Great picture with Dylan and the crowd. Thanks.
The 4CD has identical track list. It's 2LPs per CD - the book, which comes with the CD set too, gives the tracklisting as per the vinyl, broken down into LPs 1-8 sides 1 and 2.
Mazzy, wow beautiful boxset with all the goodies! Top notch presentation! I did not buy the original Budokan, but I'm definitely interested in "The Complete Budokan" 4 CD set. The 12 x12 box for the CDs is something worth having. I have been listening on Spotify and love these arrangements. Even if it's a slick, Vegas style show, Dylan is keeping the music fresh and interesting. Thanks for posting this very informative video!
Isle of Wight is Bob’s first post accident show. 8/31/69. George and Ringo were there. I saw Bob at MSG, NYC in 1978. I was super close. Bob came out plastered. He reached to grab the mike stand and missed it and almost went right off the front of the stage. I literally saw his eyes spring open and he was completely startled. Im not telling that story to belittle Dylan. Im a fan. Always have been and still am. But he was a total drunk in 1978 which im sure played into his im sober and playing for Jesus. Hey whatever works. I liked the 84 tour. Thought Petty blew him away during their joint tour. But something happened around 1993 1994 and both Bob and I have never looked back. He regained his muse and me my fandom. Where we remain to this day. Long Live Bob Dylan. Amen.
I remember the local progressive rock radio station in my town were playing cuts from the import off and on and I went to Discount Records and they were selling the import and I bought it and still own it. Super flat and quiet vinyl. Great album.
1971 at the Concert for Bangladeshi Desh wasn’t the first live show since the 1966 world tour as he was performing with The Band at the Woody Guthrie Memorial…I guess this was in 1968…and then he performed at Isle of Wight in 1969…again backed by The Band.
Great video, that set looks wonderful. Shame that Zeppelin never released their 2 shows from Budokan from 1971. They were recordered, but Jimmy Page found them of so poor quality he erased them. Or being his over critical self and got headaches thinking of all the overdubs and editing he would have to perform.
I think you overstate the Vegas angle. Compared to other tours, sure. And there is a lot of sax (and some flute) but I enjoyed that. I'd even say I prefer it that he focused on musicality. I saw Bob at Blackbushe aerodrome in England on this tour, my first gig ever. I enjoyed it, but the sound was pretty rubbish from however many hundreds of yards away. And I had the At Budokan album, always liked bits of it... but I got this on the 4CD version - which is identical in tracklisting and as you say, much cheaper, but essentially the same package, tacky memorabilia included - and listened to it over the weekend. I think it's beautiful. The remastering from the original 24 track tapes is excellent, much better than At Budokan. He sings with feeling, the vibe is warm, the musicians are great and most of the rearrangements work really well. "One of us must know" is a bit disappointing - but I even enjoyed his more tiresome 60s greats like Times and It's All Right Ma. Thankfully we were spared Gates of Eden, which he played dirgily at Blackbushe. I recommend this! But skip the vinyl unless you're loaded.
I can't believe Sony hasn't yet released a comprehensive box set covering the 1978 World Tour. Personally, I have little interest in the first half, but there were some truly monumental shows from June to October and those needed to be released AGES ago already. Yes, I know a huge number of the tour tapes were supposedly erased accidentally, but some survived and, combined with many of the excellent quality audience tapes out there, would be enough for a good box set. That Budokan vinyl set looks stunning...it's just unfortunate that the Japan leg of the tour, IMO, was the weakest.
I always loved the At Budokan album. The weirdly polished presentation is definitely an odd match for Dylan, but it works for me. Likewise, I too have always described Hard Rain as Dylan’s most “Punk” album, the outright rancor unleashed in that version of “Idiot Wind” is downright brutal!
The music, while enjoyable, is a minor release …especially when compared to the whole expanse of Dylan’s archival catalog. The two concerts have been dressed up in absolutely lovely packaging. The CD set seems to be the same as the limited LP set…although not as limited because it’s available at all the usual American outlets (I got mine at Bullmoosse).
I bought Budokan in the summer of 1985, I think it was my 3rd Dylan after after Greatest Hits and Street Legal. Looking back it was strange choice of record for an 18 year old to buy then but I thought it was magic and played it to death. I can still hear his stage talk in my head, 'this one's from the MojavDesert'''s etc. Access to the media not being what it is now, it was a few years before I discovered the general consensus was that it was crap! Still got the record but haven't played it for a while as do not have a turntable but have been meaning to get it on CD for a while, maybe I will invest in the new box set.
Dylan did turn up at Carnegie Hall for a tribute to Woody Guthrie in 1968. The guys from The Band were there too. On New Year’s Eve (‘71/‘72), he sat in with The Band at the Academy of Music. And, after I saw Bob and The Band at MSG in Jan ‘74, I was at a Phil Ochs organized benefit for Chile at the Felt Forum. Bob showed up for that.
I have a feeling you mixed up the timeline between the Christian tour (thankfully missed that) and the tour that Budokan was recorded. Saw him in London in summer 78, and the setlist was nearly identical.
Same tour. I saw him on 15 July - he was playing more from SL as it had been released by then, but it's pretty much the same band and totally the same arrangements.
Not sure why he didn’t ever use that name, but he did talk about it: that was the tour he described with the “Carnival-like” multi-performer four hour show he attended that he found an ordeal to sit through, and the Hard Rain live album is from the later stages of that tour, when a lot of the nonsense had reportedly been stripped away.
I think I read that it contains all the 11 songs from the new release that didn't appear on the original Budokan release (plus I guess a few that did, but maybe from the other performance each time).
Couldn't disagree more about Renaldo and Clare - to me it is a classic film and wish it were available in its original form - not the disappointing version by Martin Scoursee.
@@mazzysmusic Thank you! Also thanks for all great videos you do about vinyl and music! Keep on rocking! Greetings from Slovakia(a small country far far away)!
Yeah, the later part of this (Budokan/'78) one. It came out in I think around May/June, when he was in Europe. At Blackbushe he played... checks bootleg... Baby stop crying, Changing of the guard, Senor, Is your love in vain, True love tends to forget and my personal favourite, Where are you tonight? So about 2/3 of the album.
The ´74 tour is one of Dylan´s least interesting tours. Too much speed both in the songs AND in their bodies I guess. All that hurry destroys the songs. The 75-76 is the real deal. The Bootleg Series ´75 box set is great and the box set too. Hard Rain is a great live album but way too short. I really hope the´ll release a box set out of that tour. The Budokan was my way in to Dylan when I was 15-16 y old but the sound is way too thin imo and the summer shows are so much better. The autumn ´78 is a great leg too. The 79-81 Bootleg Series box set is magnificent. The way he changes direction from Street Legal and Slow Train Coming is far out and very, very brave.
I can only imagine the putrid stench of body odor at the Dylan show. The audience doesn’t exactly look as if bathing was a high priority. I imagine you reeked also. Yukadoo!
