By the time we reach the section dealing with the concert itself we are in an expectant mood. The author manages to let us experience the atmosphere, the expectancy of the unexpected and perhaps even some of the underlying fear of what was about to be witnessed. Then it's on with the show, through the set list song by song. This section of the book is astounding with Lee giving a blow by blow account of each number. A brief history of each song is followed by a marvellously detailed and acutely observed account of Dylan’s style and delivery along with the audience reaction and the perfomers re-reaction to their reaction! Wow, this is knockout stuff, by far and away the best account and most gripping slant on that crazy, electrifying night.

The aftermath. What have we witnessed? What does it mean? where are we going? Where have we been? C.P.Lee attempts to answer all these questions by using his own encyclopaedic knowledge of Dylan along with interviews of a number of people from both sides of the "folk" divide who were there on the night and does so admirably well, then there's the WHODUNNIT!!!

Conclusion. As I read this memories inside my mind came flooding back.(o.k. I'll admit it, I'm a fan, circa A.B.C. cinema Edinburgh a couple of nights after the Manchester show) This is a remarkably easy read that captures the atmosphere of the time better than any account I've read to date, a real page turner. No fan of Dylan should be without this perfect accompaniment to the 1966 Live album wrongly known as the Albert Hall concert. After you've read this you will listen to the live recording in a new way. If your any kind of music fan then you should read this, just to get the feel of one of the most important events in the history of music, then, what the hell, go and buy the C.D.

Marks out of 10. How come you have to ask me that?

Ecky Lum was born in the Lang Toun and, for his sins, presently resides in Auld Reekie. A veteran Dylan fan, Ecky first saw Dylan live at the ABC Cinema, Lothian Road, Edinburgh on 20 May 1966. At that concert, he sat next to a woman who wore an Egyptian ring. At the end of the concert she asked him what he had thought. ‘Very good, if rather surprising,’ he replied. It wasn’t till after she’d thanked him and promptly scurried off that he realised who he had been talking to. Nowadays, when Ecky is not following Dylan round the country or updating his archive of bootlegs, he supports Raith Rovers Football Club, ties outstanding flies and dispenses wry wit and wisdom over the occasional pint of Guinness.

© 2004 Laura Hird All rights reserved.