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Flagging Down the Double E's is a collection of essays focusing on Bob Dylan concerts, providing insights into performances, collaborations, and the artist's evolving music. It features firsthand accounts, exclusive footage, and analyses of setlists, highlighting Dylan's impact and interactions in the music world over the years.

Music History Concert Reviews Artist Collaborations Musician Interviews Photography and Visual Arts Cultural Impact

The hottest Substack posts of Flagging Down the Double E's

And their main takeaways

Bob and The Band Take Madison Square Garden

648 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎶 Music Concerts Bob Dylan
  1. Bob Dylan and The Band had energetic and star-studded concerts at Madison Square Garden in 1974.
  2. The shows were recorded for the live album 'Before the Flood' but only one song from the New York shows made it to the album.
  3. Despite a strained voice and a hectic schedule, Dylan's performances received ecstatic responses from the crowd, leading to multiple encores.

The Band's Role on Tour '74 (by Annie Burkhart)

589 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music History Art Analysis Critique Performance
  1. The Band's role on the 1974 tour was significant, as they played two sets each night with their own big hits alongside Bob Dylan's songs.
  2. The Band faced struggles and burnout in 1974, with some members dealing with substance abuse and creative decline.
  3. The group's performance in Fort Worth in 1974 showcased their vulnerability and struggle, highlighted by songs like 'The Weight' and 'The Shape I'm In.'

The First Tour '74 Soundboard

609 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎶 Music Concerts
  1. The post discusses the first soundboard recordings from Bob Dylan's 1974 tour.
  2. The recordings feature unique performances and familiar songs like 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' and 'Don't Think Twice'.
  3. Despite the setlists becoming more defined, the energy of the performances remains dynamic and engaging.
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Fu Manchu Masks and Drug Busts at Nassau Coliseum

432 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎶 Music Concerts Artists Media Coverage
  1. Tour '74 featured Bob Dylan and The Band in New York City, with notable guests like Carlos Santana and Joni Mitchell.
  2. Local media captured footage of Dylan's performance, violating filming rules set by David Geffen.
  3. Billy Joel missed the shows as he was on tour, but family members including Sara Dylan were in attendance.

Behind the Scenes of Bob Dylan's Farm Aid Surprise

1827 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🎶 Music Music Events Music Performance
  1. Bob Dylan made a surprise appearance at Farm Aid, playing with members of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.
  2. The performance included '60s classics like 'Maggie's Farm' and 'Positively 4th Street', with Dylan playing guitar on all three songs.
  3. The event was kept secret, with even the Farm Aid crew unaware of Dylan's appearance, creating a buzz in the Dylan world.

The Tour '74 That Coulda Been

393 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎶 Music Concerts Bob Dylan Music history
  1. Bob Dylan had a list of potential songs for his 1974 tour, including some he never played live before.
  2. There were possibilities for an alternate Tour '74 setlist with unreleased songs and different arrangements.
  3. Despite not performing all these songs, Bob Dylan's 1974 tour generated excitement and interest among fans.

"Dylan Didn't Sell In Seattle"

255 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎶 Music Concerts Reviews Music history
  1. The Seattle Dylan concert had chaotic fan behavior due to general admission
  2. The afternoon show in Seattle had poor ticket sales and led to national news coverage
  3. Protesters at the Seattle show criticized high ticket prices and lack of inclusion in the live album

Night-Hawks at the Nickelodeon

432 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🎶 Music Concerts History Photography Touring
  1. Bob Dylan was spotted around town in different cities during his tour.
  2. During a Toronto show, Dylan visited Ronnie Hawkins at a local music venue.
  3. The Toronto concerts included the first live performance of 'As I Went Out One Morning' and the cover photo for 'Blood on the Tracks' was taken at one of these shows.

Exit Through the Gift Shop

334 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Bob Dylan
  1. Bob Dylan explored visual art at The Phillips Collection in DC during Tour '74.
  2. Dylan's interest in art influenced his music, like the album 'Blood on the Tracks.'
  3. Bob Dylan took time to appreciate art with friend Louie Kemp on tour.

Give Florida a Shot

235 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎶 Music Concerts Artists Venues
  1. Florida was booked for a concert without knowing the artist's identity
  2. The Dylan tour was a well-kept secret in the history of American pop music
  3. Venues were booked in advance without revealing the artist's identity

A Rolling Stone Sit-Down in Montreal

235 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎶 Music Interviews Concerts
  1. Dylan was reportedly not giving interviews during a tour, but many articles managed to get interviews with him.
  2. Montreal hosted a notable Rolling Stone interview during the tour.
  3. Access to the full post archives requires a paid subscription or a 7-day free trial.

Tonight in Chicago

609 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🎶 Music Concerts Touring
  1. Dylan played a show in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre.
  2. There were surprises with cover songs during the tour.
  3. A 7-day free trial is available to read more about the show.

The Late Gregg Sutton Remembers Bob Dylan's 1984 'Real Live' Tour

432 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🎶 Music Concerts Interviews Cover songs
  1. Gregg Sutton, Bob Dylan's 1984 bassist, was a huge Dylan fan and had a deep connection with him during their tour.
  2. The 1984 Bob Dylan tour had memorable moments with famous musicians like Santana, and unique experiences like Bono's extended rendition of 'Blowin' In The Wind'.
  3. Bob Dylan's live record 'Real Live' from the 1984 tour didn't capture all the magic of the performances and had shortcomings according to some band members.

Last Night in Kansas City (by Steve Paul)

511 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🎶 Music Concerts Bob Dylan Tour
  1. Bob Dylan surprised fans by opening his fall tour with the song 'Kansas City'.
  2. The concert in Kansas City featured a mix of familiar setlist songs and newer tracks from 'Rough and Rowdy Ways'.
  3. Dylan's performance was well-received, with standout moments like 'Key West (Philosopher Pirate)' and 'Gotta Serve Somebody'.

Bob Dylan Drummers Summit: Jim Keltner, Stan Lynch, Winston Watson

471 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
🎶 Music Interviews Rock Performances Musicians
  1. The Dylan Drummers Summit brought together three legendary drummers who reflected on their time playing with Bob Dylan.
  2. The conversation was engaging, charming, and at times moving as they shared memories and anecdotes.
  3. Body language and subtle cues were crucial in playing with Bob Dylan, and drummers had to be fearless and attentive to contribute effectively.

Protests, Makeup, and a Whole Lotta Grateful Dead in Tour '74's Penultimate Stop

78 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Music History
  1. Tour '74 made a significant stop in Oakland, California, 50 years ago, with high anticipation and popularity in the music scene.
  2. The event featured local bands like Jefferson Airplane, Santana, and more, showcasing the vibrant music culture of the San Francisco area.
  3. A paid subscription is required to access the full post archives on Flagging Down the Double E's, with a 7-day free trial available.

Listening Back to Bob Dylan in Sioux City 2001

314 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🎶 Music Concerts Live performance
  1. At this show, Bob Dylan debuted the song "Floater (Too Much to Ask)" from his album _Love & Theft_.
  2. Bob Dylan mixed new songs with old classics in his setlist, offering a variety of music for the audience.
  3. The setlist of this show featured mostly songs from 1970 or earlier, with a few exceptions.

Two More Nights in Chicago

353 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🎶 Music Concert Review
  1. The post discusses Bob Dylan's performances in Chicago over the weekend.
  2. The author provides a comparison between Dylan's Saturday and Sunday shows.
  3. The post includes some audio excerpts to illustrate the performances.

Bob Dylan and Tom Petty's Farm Aid Rehearsals

353 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🎶 Music Concerts Collaboration
  1. Bob Dylan and Tom Petty rehearsed together for Farm Aid 1985, marking the start of their collaboration
  2. The rehearsal included covers and original songs that were not part of Dylan's usual setlist
  3. The event captures a unique moment in music history, showcasing Dylan's versatility and collaborative spirit

New Video Footage of Dylan's Second 1966 Concert

235 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
  1. New silent video footage discovered of Bob Dylan's 1966 concert in White Plains, NY.
  2. The footage shows young fans, a soundcheck, and an audience focused on Dylan's performance.
  3. Audio recording captures the entire acoustic set and first two songs of the electric set.