Dylan knockin’ on Chch’s door
Owner of one of the most successful and longest-lasting voices in pop music, Bob Dylan has announced he will play a show in Christchurch this year.
The 76-year-old musician has been touring since 1965, forging a 53-year music career and profile as one of the great songwriters.
He last toured New Zealand in 2014, when he turned down Auckland in favour of Christchurch and Hamilton. This time Auckland will, however, be included.
When he last performed in Auckland, in 2011, the American was introduced to the crowds as ‘‘the poet laureate of rock ’n’ roll’’. He has since been awarded a Nobel prize in literature and has released three albums.
His publicist said he would perform at Christchurch’s Horncastle Arena on Tuesday, August 28, after playing Auckland’s Spark Arena two days previously.
Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday next week.
Despite his commitment to music and touring, it was noted during his previous New Zealand tour that he was, seemingly, over it. He made no attempt to talk to or interact with the crowds, according to reviews of the time.
His 2018 tour started in March. He had spend most of the previous year playing to American and European crowds. This year’s focus appeared to be on Asia and Australasia.
In November, The Washington
Post confirmed Dylan’s disinterest with the crowds – or vehement focus on the music, whatever way you want to look at it – was unfaltering. ‘‘Over the years that lack of interest has compounded. During the 90-minute show, he neither acknowledged the crowd nor spoke a single word,’’ The Post reported. His music, however, has been lauded.
Some of his most recent albums, 2015’s Shadows in the Night, 2016’s Fallen Angels and 2017’s Triplicate have been well received.
He has now released 38 studio albums.
During his most recent shows across Europe, Dylan’s set lists have omitted some of his most well known tracks. Songs such as Like a Rolling Stone, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door and Jokerman have been left unplayed in recent shows, according to fans at his concerts.
His return to Christchurch in August puts him down as one of the biggest stars to visit the city this year, after big-name acts such as Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar opted to play to stadium crowds in Dunedin instead.