The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Dates and venues for Dylan 80th birthday tribute
John O’Connell’s Simply Dylan Band will be back next year for a new headline tour across the UK to celebrate Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday.
As straightforward as the title suggests: no frills, no gimmicks, no pretense; Simply Dylan is John’s exploration and celebration of the rich work of Bob Dylan.
O’Connell, formerly of Groundpig, has had his name indelibly written into the tapestry of Liverpool’s music scene, has collaborated with other highly reputable musicians to form his Dylan Band.
The combination of the band delivering high energy renditions of the prodigious songwriter’s work and John skillfully singing and enunciating the lyrics, has seen the project go from recognising
Dylan’s 70th Birthday, to selling out the Cavern Club six times, to receiving fantastic reviews from audiences across the UK and most recently having the privilege to open up the Isle of Wight Festival last year on the big top stage.
Reviews of his gigs have been five star.
“This was a great night of music which had something for everyone, from the more casual listener to the Dylan die-hards. Great songs performed by musicians at the top of their game,” enthused The Reviews Hub.
“It is incredible to consider that Dylan has been writing and performing for six decades and continues to do so up to the present day.
“The talent he has for story-telling and developing a song is extraordinary.”
O’Connell commented: “My greatest challenge is deciphering a set-list when there is so much choice and an array of genres to select from. Everyone has their own personal favourite.”
2021 tour dates ... Saturday May 22 – Leeds City Varieties Music Hall
Monday May 24 – Bush Hall, London
Tuesday May 25 – Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham
Friday May 28 – Sage 2, Gateshead
Saturday May 29 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
Monday May 31 – Lowry Quays Theatre, Salford
Friday June 4 – M&S Bank Arena Auditorium, Liverpool