Question: What is the Value of Dylan Touring with Robert Plant and Willie Nelson in 2024.
Answer: Depends On Your Definition Of Value
Over on FB, I posited a question - what do you want me to write 250 words about? Whoa boy, but did people have some great suggestions. Many of them wanted me to write about ice cream for some reason. I think the heat is getting to us. I’ll get to ice cream, I promise.
But for today, a surprising musical interlude about some legends. Ready? Let’s go.
Way back in the early days of the Verizon Center in Manchester, early 2000s, I caught both Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan there on tour.
Both were terrible, terrible shows.
Dylan’s because he seemed bored and mumbled through the whole proceeding. Willie’s because his show was intimate and quiet and Verizon then and now has terrible sound and Willie’s set didn’t translate into a good experience.
None-the-less, I loved them both. And I think I loved both of those shows because I love both of those performers so when we talk about value, there’s that squishy, sentimental aspect of music that can’t be monetized.
For example, I felt I got my money’s worth seeing Willie Nelson not because it was a good show but because he’s a legend and I love him.
Would I feel the same if I saw a SECOND lousy show from him? No. Would I feel the same if I saw a new band and it was a lousy show? No.
Catch what I’m going after here?
So, Willie and Dylan have been touring with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and in Sept. they are coming to NH with John Mellencamp. The show is billed as the Outlaw Music Festival, though my wife would likely call it the Oldman Music Festival.
Tickets range from $80 to $350. So, what’s the value there? Well, it’s a better venue so sound won’t be as much an issue. But I must say I’m always resistant to festival events - too long, not enough time for individual performers, having to stand for a long time, that sort of thing. Seeing them each do a half and hour set isn’t worth it to me.
Still, those are legends and just seeing them - even in crummy conditions for ridiculous prices could be worth it. After all, everyone ought to see Bob Dylan once in their lives.
So, a no from me, because the value isn’t there. But if you haven’t stood in front of Willie Nelson yet in your life, I recommend you do.
What do you think? What is your value line for concerts?
Will and I had a similar conversation conversation about concerts the other night. I would love to see the Cyndi Lauper concert, but he says it’s too much money on the other hand. He’s willing to spend money to go see Trans-Siberian Orchestra Year after year. He says the tickets cost much less. I suggested if I bought one Cyndi Lauper ticket and went by myself it would cost the same as his two tickets for him and Luke to Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He did not agree that that was a good idea. I guess he thinks he’s missing out if he doesn’t go with me to see Cindy, so I guess I will miss Cindy this time around. Maybe I will catch on her on her next last last tour.
The value line is a high bar in my eyes. How much do I enjoy the performer's work? Is seeing them worth the cost, time, and effort? The answer is usually no. That said, plays and musicals are more tempting to me than concerts.