It is over 50 years since a young upstart calling himself Bob Dylan arrived on the global music stage with a bang – and who would have guessed the massive impact he would continue to make long into the following century.
Now, The Bob Dylan Story, a show celebrating his life and music, is coming to the Gala Theatre on Friday, 9 June.
Songs including Blowing In The Wind, The Times They Are A-Changin and Mr Tambourine Man – as well as many more – will be performed in exactly the way audiences remember them in the new multimedia show.
Bill Lennon, who produced the show as well as starring as the leading man, has long been a huge fan of Dylan and says now felt like the right time to showcase his music with a proper theatre show.
“Think of a Dylan concert in his full sixties pomp and prime, throw in some carefully chosen visual projections to set the scene, a few stories about Dylan’s life and songs, and you’re getting very warm,” he said.
“We hope people leave with a nostalgia-infused warmth, a renewed appreciation of Dylan’s music and an eagerness to tell their friends what a great time they had.”
Dylan – whose 76th birthday falls on May 24, was once regarded as the most revered protest singer of his generation, before his legendary Newport Folk Festival appearance in 1965 signalled a completely new direction, spawning classics such as Like A Rolling Stone and Subterranean Homesick Blues.
Artists have long been keen to cover his work – notable hits include Mr Tambourine Man by The Byrds, The Mighty Quinn by Manfred Mann, Hendrix’s classic All Along The Watchtower and Clapton’s version of Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.
As recently as 2010, Adele’s smash hit version of Dylan’s Make You Feel My Love only served to underline his enduring appeal.
For tickets to the performance, visit Gala Theatre’s website at www.galadurham.co.uk, call the box office on 03000 266 600 or visit the venue in person.