Absolute gold Ray! GE tells these amazing stories so casually, I love it! Nov 4th, 1989 they played Fisher Auditorium at my college, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Hometown of Jimmy Stewart. I win the Bob Dylan campus scavenger hunt and scored two tix, front row center stage. They come out and open with Subterranean Homesick Blues, and tear it up. The whole show and experience of being so close while they played is something I’ll never forget. I remember so well when they did the acoustic numbers and GE was right there just barely outside the spotlight. It was incredible, couldn’t stop thinking about for weeks. And I still do all these years later. Keep up the great work and thanks!
Fantastic read. It was so good, I just couldn't wait to comment. It was so so good, I even went along and shelled out the dough to be a founder (and although I looked , I don't think I found her), and still just wanted to say, GREAT ARTICLE!
When I would occasionally go on the bus with Bob or go in his hotel room or something on a day off, he’d be sitting there playing. And he’d be playing his ass off. I mean playing acoustic guitar, fingerpicking, super high quality. He can really play. I know that he’s had like carpal tunnel or whatever. He’s had troubles. His playing might be a little bit different than it used to be, but he could really, really play. And listen to stuff on especially the first six or eight records where he’s fingerpicking stuff. He’s a great, great guitar player.
Great interview. I was at one of the early shows where Neil sat in at Mountain View, but way up on the grass, and had no idea who the guitar player boppin' all over the stage was. Learned later it was Neil! So is this going in Volume 2 of the book? Maybe you can get Neil too and some of the other people who've say in at different shows!
Amazing interview! I have always wondered if they might play together again one day, there was real chemistry there. Would love to have heard G.E. on a Dylan studio album too.
Another great one Ray! Wonderful to get GE on the record about his experiences. He was there at the beginning of NET (no matter what you call it!). Fascinating to hear his stories and get his inside look. Thanks!
This is beautiful and I appreciate it so much right now. I read some of it aloud to my wife this morning, and during the Tambourine Man section, I just started weeping. There's a lot going on in my life, hell, in everybody's lives, and stories like this cut through all of it and remind us of what's real and what matters. Thank you.
GE is one of my favorite guitarists. Some of my favorite concerts of all time were Dylan in this era. GE Smith always brought the thunder and Dylan would breathe fire on the audience. It was a completely different sound compared to the Dylan and the Dead tour, more menacing, Bob looked like he could pull out a switch blade from his boots at any moment. So good.
I remember one show at the Orange County Speedway (up the thruway from NYC a bit), we rolled in and a Marine asked us if we smoked weed. Yes. He told us his girlfriend had too much and he gave us a handful of joints. We all became instant fiends, and I made sure to bring back a beer for him every time I went to concession. Thinking of that night brings a smile to my face.
Thanks for this article, and bringing me back to those long forgotten concerts.
Lovely interview! Smith is right up there with Koella and Bloomfield in my personal Dylan guitarist pantheon, and I'm happy you referenced that incredible "Water is Wide" from '89.
Absolute gold Ray! GE tells these amazing stories so casually, I love it! Nov 4th, 1989 they played Fisher Auditorium at my college, Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Hometown of Jimmy Stewart. I win the Bob Dylan campus scavenger hunt and scored two tix, front row center stage. They come out and open with Subterranean Homesick Blues, and tear it up. The whole show and experience of being so close while they played is something I’ll never forget. I remember so well when they did the acoustic numbers and GE was right there just barely outside the spotlight. It was incredible, couldn’t stop thinking about for weeks. And I still do all these years later. Keep up the great work and thanks!
This was nice! Thanks to both of you.
Fantastic read. It was so good, I just couldn't wait to comment. It was so so good, I even went along and shelled out the dough to be a founder (and although I looked , I don't think I found her), and still just wanted to say, GREAT ARTICLE!
Thanks Dean!
Big appreciation you two. I love reading the interviews and remembrances…
I LOVE that you got this quote Ray:
When I would occasionally go on the bus with Bob or go in his hotel room or something on a day off, he’d be sitting there playing. And he’d be playing his ass off. I mean playing acoustic guitar, fingerpicking, super high quality. He can really play. I know that he’s had like carpal tunnel or whatever. He’s had troubles. His playing might be a little bit different than it used to be, but he could really, really play. And listen to stuff on especially the first six or eight records where he’s fingerpicking stuff. He’s a great, great guitar player.
Fantastic stuff! A completely enjoyable, illuminating read, as per usual.
Great interview. I was at one of the early shows where Neil sat in at Mountain View, but way up on the grass, and had no idea who the guitar player boppin' all over the stage was. Learned later it was Neil! So is this going in Volume 2 of the book? Maybe you can get Neil too and some of the other people who've say in at different shows!
Thanks! Feel so lucky that I got to see GE and band with Dylan two times. Great shows.
Great interview! Thanks to you both. nm
Amazing interview! I have always wondered if they might play together again one day, there was real chemistry there. Would love to have heard G.E. on a Dylan studio album too.
Another great one Ray! Wonderful to get GE on the record about his experiences. He was there at the beginning of NET (no matter what you call it!). Fascinating to hear his stories and get his inside look. Thanks!
In '88, I thought DAYDREAM NATION was Epic and would certainly attain Legendary Status....
Can you share with me a audio file from 88 with DAYDREAM tracks live.....
If i send you a email address..
This is beautiful and I appreciate it so much right now. I read some of it aloud to my wife this morning, and during the Tambourine Man section, I just started weeping. There's a lot going on in my life, hell, in everybody's lives, and stories like this cut through all of it and remind us of what's real and what matters. Thank you.
A wonderful interview, so many memories came flooding back. My favourite period of the 'never ending tour'.
GE is one of my favorite guitarists. Some of my favorite concerts of all time were Dylan in this era. GE Smith always brought the thunder and Dylan would breathe fire on the audience. It was a completely different sound compared to the Dylan and the Dead tour, more menacing, Bob looked like he could pull out a switch blade from his boots at any moment. So good.
I remember one show at the Orange County Speedway (up the thruway from NYC a bit), we rolled in and a Marine asked us if we smoked weed. Yes. He told us his girlfriend had too much and he gave us a handful of joints. We all became instant fiends, and I made sure to bring back a beer for him every time I went to concession. Thinking of that night brings a smile to my face.
Thanks for this article, and bringing me back to those long forgotten concerts.
Love this story, thanks for sharing
Thank you for this amazing interview!
GE needs to do an autobiography if he hasn’t already. Great post.
Lovely interview! Smith is right up there with Koella and Bloomfield in my personal Dylan guitarist pantheon, and I'm happy you referenced that incredible "Water is Wide" from '89.