Dylan disappoints, but Neil stays Young forever

Bob Dylan at Hyde Park

Peter Foy celebrated a big birthday by seeing two rock giants live at Hyde Park. Here’s what he made of the performance

By Peter Foy

This year is a big one for me, since I’m celebrating a special birthday. My daughter, Steph, marked it by getting me tickets for the Bob Dylan and Neil Young concert in Hyde Park. Two of my heroes, it was a great gift. Six months of anticipation were finally realized on Friday.

When Neil Young took to the stage at, supported by Promise of the Real, I wondered if he would be able to roll back the years. The band opened with Mansion on the Hill and as the music filled the air I knew we were in for a treat. Young’s voice has worn well, and Lukas Nelson’s band is a superb successor to Crazy Horse.Neil Young at Hyde Park

As the set progressed, the 65,000-strong audience lapped it up. Every song was a crowd-pleaser, as familiar as a favourite denim jacket. By the time they played an acoustic Alabama we were all having a great time and when Neil took up his harpoon to introduce Heart of Gold the sing-along started in earnest.

The years hadn’t just been rolled back. I was transported to the time I first heard this music and the bizarre thing was that my eldest daughter was with me. I promise you there was no embarrassing dad dancing, but we shared a joy of being present at a very special gig. Steph had never experienced a concert where four electric guitars jammed together, and she loved it.

    "If he plays Ballad of a Thin Man, I'll be really happy."  

By the time we were being asked to keep on Rockin’ in the Free World, we needed no encouragement. And we still had Dylan to come!

“If he plays Ballad of a Thin Man, I’ll be really happy.” Steph and I were discussing which of the great man’s back catalogue we wanted to hear. I threw in Like a Rolling Stone to our dream set list and, like the 60-year-old man I now am, reminisced about the time I saw Dylan at Blackbushe in 1978.

Between the two sets we talked about Dylan and why we admired him. It was precious Dad and daughter time, anticipating something big. I relished every moment of it.

But here’s the thing: as a poet once said, anticipation can be sweeter than realization. Turns out she had a point.

Dylan didn’t so much make an entrance as appear. The lights came on and there he was, sitting at a piano. He looked to his band, nodded his head and the opening chords burst through the speakers. Ballad of a Thin Man.

I looked at Steph and smiled; joy unbounded. While Neil had taken a couple of songs to really get the crowd going, Dylan did it with two chords. This was a crowd-pleasing opener and we adored it.

“He’s going to give us the favourites,” said Steph, and she was right. Well almost right.

Second up was It Ain’t Me Babe, a classic. Every Dylan fan knows this song by heart, but at Hyde Park it was played to a new tune. No sing-along here. Highway 61 Revisited lifted our spirits, but it was still a new arrangement.

    "...if the song took on human form she would be an Amazonian warrior...now she wore a Laura Ashley print..."  

As the set progressed it began to resemble a round of One Song to the Tune of Another. Steph and I vied with each other to see who could recognize each song first: not what we had anticipated but still fun. Then disaster struck.

Like a Rolling Stone is more than just a song. Written in 1965, a century after the American Civil War and at the peak of the Civil Rights movement, it is a piece that challenges all that is wrong in society. Dylan once described it as an act of revenge. I’ve often thought that if the song took on human form she would be an Amazonian warrior, with a mane of free-flowing auburn hair, fighting for human rights and against all tyranny.

Now, though, she had a blonde bob, wore a Laura Ashley print dress and waited demurely to be told what to think. This wasn’t a re-write. It was an act of wanton vandalism!

We listened to the rest of the set, still trying to recognize our favourite tunes. We laughed a lot when it took us over a minute to work out that he was singing Blowin’ in the Wind. People have been criticising Dylan's live performances for over 50 years; he is what he is. Dylan.

As we left Hyde Park, reflecting on the disappointment, especially Rolling Stone, we noticed a large group of fellow giggers gathered around a busker. The young guy was singing Like a Rolling Stone and a few hundred of us joined in the chorus. It was an unexpected highlight of the evening.

Later, we decided that it had been a great day but that we would remember Hyde Park for Neil Young rather than Dylan.

As Dylan sung: Forever Young. Now there’s irony!

Published June 15, 2019

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: The best 10 albums from the 1970s (in my opinion)

You may also enjoy: What’s the connection between three dead dogs, Bruce Springsteen and a Coconut?

Jobs currently available

New job
Business Development Manager
Sector: Sales
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC14
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to join an exciting company based on the outskirts of Ipswich.

You will play a crucial role in driving the company's growth by developing and executing strategic sales plans, expanding the customer base, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. This role is essential for achieving the company's sales targets and maintaining its competitive edge in the market.

Duties include:

  • Developing and implementing a business development sales plan to achieve company objectives, including: Team leadership, development, motivation, performance monitoring and reporting.
  • Carrying out outbound sales calls to meet sales targets/telemarketing.
  • Managing client sales appointments.
  • Client visits to determine needs and develop proposals to meet these.
  • Securing new sales orders via quotations, proposals and trials.
  • Identifying and targeting new business opportunities to expand the customer base.
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing and potential clients.
  • Monitoring market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.
  • Preparing, presenting sales reports and forecasts to senior management.

Skills required include:

  • Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Highly motivated, proactive, and able to work independently and with the sales team, willingness to learn.
  • In-depth understanding of sales performance metrics and data analysis.
  • Ability to travel as required and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits include:

  • Competitive salary and looking to develop performance-based bonuses.
  • Supportive and collaborative work environment.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Accounts Administrator (Full or Part-time)
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913707
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded and long-standing family business based on the outskirts of Colchester to recruit an Accounts Administrator to their team.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm. The hours can be flexible, including a four-day work week or school-friendly hours.

Please note that due to the location, you will need to drive.

You will need to have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with Sage 50 accounts and Sage payroll, with the ability to work on your own initiative.

The role is focused within the remit of bookkeeping up to the trial balance, using Sage software.

Duties include:

  • Ensuring timely and accurate recording of financial transactions.
  • Daily financial operations, including posting supplier invoices, reconciliation of supplier accounts, accounts payable management, creation of customer invoices, accounts receivable management, etc.
  • Performing bank/credit-card reconciliations, including a factoring banking account and petty cash accounts.
  • Quarterly VAT returns and analysis. (including RTI submission to HMRC).
  • Preparing weekly aged creditors reports and processing the weekly supplier payment run accordingly.
  • Preparing monthly aged debtors reports and providing credit control where required.
  • Maintaining the cashflow forecast for the Finance director to review.
  • Processing monthly payroll, payments, journal entries and year-end procedures (including RTI submission to HMRC)
  • Managing auto-enrolment pension contributions, submissions and legal returns to the pensions regulator.

Skills required include:

  • Significant experience in finance or accounting.
  • Proficiency with accounting software Sage 50 and payroll.
  • Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Excel.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in data entry.
  • Effective decision-making and problem-solving techniques within a finance environment.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
H&S & Facilities Support Coordinator (12 month contract)
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JC13
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for an H&S & Facilities Support Coordinator to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

In this fast-paced role, you’ll play a key part in supporting the Health & Safety and Facilities teams by coordinating procedures, managing documentation, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. The position requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a process-driven environment.

As this is a maternity cover position, you will need to hit the ground running; previous experience within a similar role will be vital to your success in the role.

Duties include:

  • Maintaining up-to-date maintenance records and electronic files, ensuring compliance requirements are met regarding the servicing and repairs at the company premises.
  • Providing reception/switchboard cover (during lunches, absences, and holidays).
  • Assisting with the management of the programme of planned and unplanned works.
  • Taking responsibility for contractors working on the premises.
  • Supporting H&S/ISO team in all aspects of administration.
  • Performing admin support with amendments/updates to H&S/ISO policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Assisting with ISO standards administration.

Skills required:

  • Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
  • Ability to prioritise tasks and manage workload effectively.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a confident telephone manner.
  • Proven organisational and administrative abilities.
  • A proactive, supportive team player with a hands-on approach.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and database systems.
  • Comfortable working under tight deadlines.

Hybrid working is available after successfully completing the probationary period. The role requires 3 days per week in the office, with the option to work up to 2 days from home.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician – Taunton / Gloucester
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Taunton, Gloucester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913724
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Taunton or Gloucester area.

The role will involve Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience.
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Technician – Leeds / Bradford
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Leeds, Bradford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913725
About the role

Due to continued growth, the world’s leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support its customer base in the Leeds or Bradford area.

The role will involve Service and Installation of Car and Commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned and breakdown maintenance, equipment service and repairs, keeping van stock levels to the standard requirement and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Should be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

Hours:

Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more