"That was the ultimate concert..."
19 · 10 · 2025
Bob Dylan’s transition from acoustic folk to full-on electric rock 'n' roll marks a crucial creative shift of the 60s. This change is portrayed in the recent biopic A Complete Unknown, and it elicited strong reactions, particularly in the UK. Dylan's 1965 tour of Britain has become legendary, causing a rift among fans regarding their experience. Interestingly, Paul McCartney was present to witness it firsthand.
The tour included a show at Manchester’s Albert Hall, which was recorded and later released as part of the Bootleg Series.
Another standout moment was a performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where Dylan opened with an acoustic first set followed by an electrifying second set with The Band.
Among the audience was Paul McCartney. The Beatle was already captivated by Dylan's artistry and was profoundly impacted by the performance.
McCartney shared with MOJO that it was “the infamous show where all the folkies thought he’d sold out. How ridiculous is that? It was amazing.”
“The first half was folk, and then the second half was electric with The Band – it was the ultimate concert. But of course, some people started saying, He’s left the folk scene! Well, no surprise, look at you. That was the first time I’d ever heard it live. A really great song, perfectly representative of the era. He completely captured that year. I feel fortunate to have been there.”
Bob Dylan’s ‘Bootleg Series Volume 18: Through The Open Window, 1956-1963’ will be released on October 31st.
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Bob Dylan's transition from acoustic folk to full-fledged electric rock 'n' roll represents one of the key creative transformations of the 1960s. This shift is portrayed in the recent biopic A