Bob Dylan turned 80 on monday. And he’s still writing, recording and performing. 

There are so many words that could be used to describe him, by those who love him ( like me) and those who claim to hate him. 

But if we judge him purely on the songs, even the haters will probably discover that there are Dylan songs that they love…they just didn’t know that Dylan wrote them. 

He is, among other things, prolific and relentless. And it’s unlikely that any songwriter will ever match the levels of quantity and quality that he has achieved, and continues to achieve.  

I also love the fact that on June 7th 1988 he began his “Never Ending Tour”. And only the pandemic has managed to slow him down. Temporarily I am sure. 

Sadly, the only area that I would criticise him for (and this is a common criticism) is that he hasn’t always given his fans (who pay good money) a decent performance. I saw him the once a few years ago at an arena, the SECC in Glasgow. It was very underwhelming. He is notorious, for, as they say, not hanging around, and not making eye contact. And, to be honest, for murdering some of his own great tunes. 

And yet some of his recorded live shows (try Live In Budokhan) are absolutely amazing. Stunning. 

I think he is missing a trick though. His Bob-ness should seriously consider reconnecting with his audience when he starts playing live again, and do a few impromptu Homesong gigs. 

Come on Bob. 

I’m only going to Blind Willie McTell you once. 

ps But thank you so much for the songs.