You’re doing great work Ray. Great to see Larry opening up about his time with Bob. He’s not usually been as forthcoming and also in previous interviews I always sensed a touch of irritation around Bob, so this was great!! Thank you to you both.
The first Auckland show was the only one I skipped on this Aus/NZ tour.
I was scheduled to fly home direct to Dunedin on 20 February and then fly back up to Auckland on the 22nd for the second show. When I arrived at Sydney airport, I was told my direct flight had been cancelled and I had been rebooked to fly back via Auckland. I would also have to wait for several hours for the new flight. I spent those hours wandering around the airport shops and only when to the gate when the final call was made. On arriving in Auckland, I spotted George, Billy and Tony at the baggage carousel and then noticed Larry collecting a guitar. I went over and started up a conversation about his cittern which he used on It's Alright Ma. Pretty chuffed to realise that the band has been on my flight. I boarded the connecting flight to Dunedin and recognised a couple who had also been on the flight from Sydney. I asked them if they had known that the band had been on the flight. They said yes, and "Bob was too". They said he had been at the departure gate in Sydney for a while and then was standing against the wall in the Auckland baggage area while the crew collected all the bags. So, I consoled myself with the thought that Bob was pleased I didn't approach him and I had only spoke to the band. I also think it was highly likely I would have made a fool of myself if I had noticed him.
My flight back up to Auckland for the second show was running late and it was a long taxi ride to the North Shore venue. I entered the arena as the lights were going down and raced towards the stage. I was almost tackled by security who thought I was part of the stage rush. I showed them my A8 front row ticket and Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum kicked in.
You’re doing great work Ray. Great to see Larry opening up about his time with Bob. He’s not usually been as forthcoming and also in previous interviews I always sensed a touch of irritation around Bob, so this was great!! Thank you to you both.
What a great interview, really gives a rare glimpse of insight in my favorite period of Dylan live.
Hi Ray - great interview, thanks. A small correction: the 21 February 2003 concert was not in Australia, but in Auckland, New Zealand (I was there!).
Thanks Fred - fixed!
The first Auckland show was the only one I skipped on this Aus/NZ tour.
I was scheduled to fly home direct to Dunedin on 20 February and then fly back up to Auckland on the 22nd for the second show. When I arrived at Sydney airport, I was told my direct flight had been cancelled and I had been rebooked to fly back via Auckland. I would also have to wait for several hours for the new flight. I spent those hours wandering around the airport shops and only when to the gate when the final call was made. On arriving in Auckland, I spotted George, Billy and Tony at the baggage carousel and then noticed Larry collecting a guitar. I went over and started up a conversation about his cittern which he used on It's Alright Ma. Pretty chuffed to realise that the band has been on my flight. I boarded the connecting flight to Dunedin and recognised a couple who had also been on the flight from Sydney. I asked them if they had known that the band had been on the flight. They said yes, and "Bob was too". They said he had been at the departure gate in Sydney for a while and then was standing against the wall in the Auckland baggage area while the crew collected all the bags. So, I consoled myself with the thought that Bob was pleased I didn't approach him and I had only spoke to the band. I also think it was highly likely I would have made a fool of myself if I had noticed him.
My flight back up to Auckland for the second show was running late and it was a long taxi ride to the North Shore venue. I entered the arena as the lights were going down and raced towards the stage. I was almost tackled by security who thought I was part of the stage rush. I showed them my A8 front row ticket and Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum kicked in.
Sorry for missing your birthday Larry.
Awesome 👏 thanks 🙏