Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson: An In-Depth Look at Their Timeless Hollywood Bowl Performance

In answer to the many readers who asked after last week’s column, I did not find Bob Dylan’s house 40 years ago. But I did find him on stage at the Hollywood Bowl last week. I also found a piece of myself in the ’60s living in Greenwich Village when his songs entered my life, a visitor, that never left. Among the audience members of every age at the performance, I felt a kinship with the 20-something women with long hair parted in the middle, not unlike I looked at their age. I remember listening to Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’ ” coming from opened windows all over the Village as I walked to work. I didn’t yet realize it was becoming the anthem for the civil rights and antiwar movements. I couldn’t have imagined how those words would resonate all these years later.

Watching him in action at the Bowl, I fell in love with him all over again. This time there was the added affection for his agelessness, the obvious result of continuing to live his passion. At a time when older age is often thought of as a negative rather than a privilege, the 83-year-old Dylan walked onto the stage with the confident nonchalance of his youth. No introduction. No fanfare. Just Dylan doing Dylan as if his age didn’t exist. When he started performing, it was almost like a poetry reading. His singing voice was secondary to the eloquence of his words. Every word blended into the next with anticipation. I love the idea of living that way. Apparently, so does Willie Nelson, who shared the spotlight with Dylan. At 91, with seemingly little effort, he continues to remind his fans that they are always on his mind. And he has so much fun doing it.

A Journey Through Time

Sometime around 40 years ago, my brother and I, both big Bob Dylan fans, went looking for his house in Malibu. Of course, we had no address, but I had read enough about him to predict a vague area. Very vague, it turned out. Peter patiently drove as I directed him. “Wait, let’s try this canyon; I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that he lives near here,” I said. When that didn’t pan out, I moved on to, “Turn here. Doesn’t this sound like the name of a canyon he would live in?”

Eventually, we got pretty close to an estate where I was sure the man who wrote the words, “Hey lady, hey, lay across my big brass bed,” would live. “Can you see what I mean?” I asked my brother who protested all he saw were tall fences and private property signs. I love the boy but sometimes I worry about his lack of imagination. A few hours of curvy roads later, now tired and hungry, Peter suggested maybe finding Bob Dylan just wasn’t meant to be. “Have you forgotten who you are talking to?” I admonished him. Then I segued into a reminder of his sister, at 13, who took two buses in a strange city to get to the hotel where Elvis Presley was staying, climbed 20 flights of stairs and waited in the stairwell for hours until he came out of his suite. The girl for whom he picked up his guitar and played “Love Me Tender?”

I don’t give up easily. Keep driving. Over the years, he has mercilessly teased me about being stubborn. But this year, this week, it is paying off. Recently I read that Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson were performing at the Hollywood Bowl on July 31, the day after my brother’s birthday. “Stop what you’re doing and fly to Los Angeles for your birthday,” I texted him, “The brass bed man is coming to town.”

A Night to Remember

Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings announced Tuesday, July 9, 2024, plans to release a 27-disc CD box set of Dylan’s memorable 1974 concert tour with The Band on Sept. 20. This announcement added an extra layer of excitement to the Hollywood Bowl performance. The audience, a mix of ages and backgrounds, was a testament to the timeless appeal of Dylan and Nelson. The Hollywood Bowl, with its historic significance and stunning acoustics, provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable evening.

The concert was not just a performance; it was a journey through decades of music history. Dylan’s setlist included classics like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” songs that have become anthems for social change and personal reflection. Nelson’s performance was equally compelling, with hits like “On the Road Again” and “Always on My Mind” resonating deeply with the audience.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to attend future concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, the Bowl Shuttle offers a convenient and affordable way to get to the venue. Continuous service from locations closer to the Bowl ensures that you won’t miss a moment of the performance. Shuttle tickets are available online until 1 hour before the start of each concert and in-person at each shuttle lot. Onsite parking rates are also reasonable, with various options to suit different needs.

Travel Tip for Occasional Travelers: If you’re visiting Los Angeles for a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, consider arriving early to explore the surrounding area. The Hollywood Bowl Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of this iconic venue. Additionally, the nearby Griffith Observatory provides stunning views of the city and is a great spot for pre-concert relaxation.

Travel Tip for Expert Travelers: For those who have been to Los Angeles multiple times, consider exploring the lesser-known canyons and hiking trails in the Malibu area. These hidden gems offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and provide a unique perspective on the natural beauty of Southern California.

In conclusion, the Hollywood Bowl performance by Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of timeless music and enduring passion. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to their music, the experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, keep exploring, keep discovering, and most importantly, keep the music alive in your heart.