April 2026
At our meeting in March last year, we briefly discussed whether it was lyrics, or the melody which sparked our interest in a particular track. While a good melody acts as a hook grabbing our attention, it’s the lyrics which add depth and meaning, bringing a personal connection to the song.
This is particularly true of Dylan, who is frequently seen as a musician rather than author, although we shouldn’t forget that the Swedish Academy awarded him the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Our discussion on Wednesday will be around the subject of Dylans lyrics, we would like to hear your thoughts, which are your particular favourites - there are a lot (over 600 songs) to choose from.
13th May 2026
Martin Scorsese’s 2005 documentary ’No Direction Home’ traces Dylan's evolution from folk singer to protest singer to iconic voice of a generation rock star. Live concert footage from the1960's together with press conferences and interviews are used to outline a portrait of the legendary singer-songwriter. Additionally, the film features interviews conducted with some of Dylan's closest friends and fellow artists, including poet Allen Ginsberg, early mentor Pete Seeger and of course former love interest and noted performer Joan Baez.
All of this might sound familiar to those who watched last year's biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’ which of course was the catalyst for starting this Dylan and Friends group. Scorsese’s 2005 version is a documentary, never released in cinemas. Arguably it’s one of the best films he’s ever made, and this from the director of ‘Goodfellas, Taxi Driver’ and ’The Last Waltz’.
There are numerous essays and analysis of Dylan’s work, but 'No Direction Home’ doesn’t attempt to produce theories. The film appears to support claims about Dylan’s personal and professional views backed up by clips of Dylan himself. An often underrated aspect of good documentarians is simply being a great interviewer which Scorsese is. Rather than badgering Dylan for answers when it’s clear that he's not interested in giving them, Scorsese’s approach feels inviting and genial. It's like a conversation between two old friends and not just a line of random disconnected interview questions.
The film is well over 3 hours 28 minutes long, and as an indication of why Scorsese is heralded for brilliant editing in his films, we have not found a way of cutting the film to less than 2 hours. Therefore Part 2 will be next month.
10th June 2026
This month we take a look at Part 2 of the 2005 Martin Scorsese documentary 'No Direction Home.’ - By1966 Dylans world has become one which consists of repeated touring and tiresome press conferences, by the end of the film its clear that from Dylans perspective there may indeed be no direction back home.
6th July 2026
At this month's meeting we will complete our viewing of the Martin Scorsese’s 2005 documentary ’No Direction Home’ If time allows (which it should) I propose we also view a video with stories about the Basement Tapes (which is only about 24 minutes).
12th August 2026
Behind Every Successful Man There Stands a Great Woman
Opinions are mixed. Some feel the above phrase celebrates teamwork, others suggest it's an outdated view. Critics suggest it can diminish a woman’s own identity, or that it wrongly strips a man of his personal hard work. Today, many prefer to view success as a shared path where partners stand beside each other.
However in the case of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez iconic American singer-songwriter and lifelong activist, the original phrase probably carries some credence. Baez was already an established performer and introduced Dylan to mass audiences by singing duets at the 1963 Newport Folk Festival.
Join us on Wednesday 12th August at Mrs Howards Hall, when David Jones will set the scene, with a short presentation followed by a group discussion. Would Dylan have been as sucessful without the mentoring of Joan Baez?
9th September 2026
In my younger days, we used to go and watch bands play concerts. If you’re young and hip - these days they are referred to as Gig’s (apparently a Jazz inspired derivative from the French gigue or Italian giga). However you refer to the performance some were more memorable than others.
Which brings us to this month's topic for our Dylan and friends meeting:
Which was the best concert you have been to? it could be a small Folk Club, a Pub, a Festival or a Stadium etc.
What was the worst concert you attended and why? and
What is the one concert where you really do wish you had been there to witness the event?
I have included a few examples below which are considered to have been quite good.
1969 The Beatles played their famous final performance on the rooftop of their Apple Corps in London before the Metropolitan Police asked them to turn the volume down.
1965 Dylan walked onto the stage at the Newport Folk Festival wearing a black leather jacket and carrying a Fender Stratocaster - you know the rest.
1985 Queen at Live Aid - Freddie Mercury commanded 72,000 people in a communal sing-along.
1976 Lynard Skynard performing ‘Freebird' at Knebworth as they opened for the Rolling Stones.
1969 Jimmy Hendrix performing ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ closing the infamous Woodstock Festival.
1990 Roger Waters - The Wall Live in Berlin a huge wall is slowly dismantled with guests including Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison and backing vocals by ’The Band’
2023 Taylor Swift The Eras Tour' Los Angles - just in case we have any Swifties among us.
We meet on Wednesday 9th September 10:30 - 12:15 at Mrs Howards Hall, if you’ve had a much better offer and can’t join us next week send me your nominations and reasons behind your choices and we will add them to the discussion.
Finally, its been a tough year for loosing people, and another one departed last week. I'll leave you with Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton RIP
