PROMISE OF THE NEIL

I’ve just read Allan Jones’ review of the Hyde Park show by Dylan and Neil [October issue]. I’m incredulous! I’ve long understood that Dylan gets an easy ride in the UK press and has for some time. I say that as a lifelong Dylan fan who has seen many Dylan shows going back to 1981 at Earls Court and one who has a pretty much complete set of recordings (excepting the horrible Sinatra-inspired albums). The crowd around me were far from “ecstatic”, with many laughing out loud at Bob’s wrecked voice and his third-rate blues sludge. “It Ain’t Me Babe” and “Like A Rolling Stone” were pretty much unrecognisable and it wasn’t long before many of the punters were heading for the exits.

Neil Young + Promise Of The Real, on the other hand, were simply magnificent. Neil and his cohorts seemed to be having a whale of a time on stage, while Neil threw off splintered guitar solos and delivered a fantastic romp through his impressive back catalogue, including four tracks from the wonderful Ragged Glory, with a stunning “Over & Over” and “Love & Only Love” being special highlights. Greg Johnson, Newcastle I guess it’s all perspective. Having known Allan for more than a few years, I can confirm that he didn’t go to the gig with a dastardly plan to denigrate Neil’s set. Personally, I thought the first half of Neil’s set was pretty spectacular – you’re right to pick out the Ragged Glory tracks – but it dipped with Harvest/ Harvest Moon and didn’t quite regain momentum (though my fouryear-daughter has since declared “Rockin’ In The Free World” her favourite song of all time).