Bob Dylan, whose enduring lyrics and original sound have touched many generations spanning several decades, will perform live at the Bancorp South Center in Tupelo Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. “An Evening with Bob Dylan” is part of Dylan’s Southern U.S. tour, which began Jan. 31 in Florida and will conclude in Texas on Feb. 24. Dylan and his small band will then leave the United States for a 28-show tour overseas, ending in London, England.
Dylan, who is now 60 years old, released his self-titled debut album in 1961. Forty-three albums later, he is still pounding away and creating great music. The music legend recently released “Love and Theft.” The album has received reviews that many artists work a lifetime for. Rolling Stone magazine gave the gold-selling record an unprecedented five stars.
Dylan does not seem to be venturing far from the formula that has achieved him status as a musical genius. His concerts, like in the past, do not contain pyrotechnics or special effects-just quality, well-crafted music. The live concert consists of a 20-song setlist, and Dylan mixes old with new, with many of his classics revamped to give it a whole new feel.
Dylan’s show does not have an opening act, and he uses the minimalist approach as far as the musicians surrounding him. Guitarists Charlie Sexton and Larry Campbell accompany Dylan while he wails away with his ever-distinguishable vocals. The trio has been received with great enthusiasm and praise thus far.
“With a world class band and an ever-growing repertoire of sterling material, Bob Dylan’s live show is as good now as it’s ever been,” Nick Marino, the Times-Union music writer in Jacksonville, Fla., said.
“I’ve always like the way he’s played his music, regardless of whether it’s popular or not at the time,” Ethan Langston, a sophomore from Memphis, Tenn., said. “He’s never catered to the masses.”
Dylan’s appeal still touches people of all ages. Tickets for the show can be purchased at the BancorpSouth Center Box Office in Tupelo, BeBop Records in Starkville, or by calling Ticket King at (662) 841-6528. For more information about Dylan’s BancorpSouth Center live concert, call Rob Henson at (662) 841-6573.