Glorious tribute to mark the occasion of Dylanâs 80th birthday
At the end of 2019, âDylanâs Never Ending Tourâ made a stop at The Anthem, Washington, DC. After âIt Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cryâ, Bob was to take a Christmas break and then head to Japan in the new year. Unfortunately, a virus forced Dylan to do something that no Bobcat (a fervent Dylan-fan) thought possible: cease performing (for the moment).
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Despite the adage âNobody sings Dylan like Dylanâ, you can fill libraries with Dylan-covers. The master has been covered in all forms, genres, and â particularly â specific gravities.
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In honour of Bobâs 80th birthday, Stef Kamil Carlens streamed his own quirky selection from Bobâs oeuvre this spring under the title âBob, Till We Drop - A Midnight Specialâ. The playing pleasure burst from the screen and those virtually present unanimously praised the surprising arrangements. A stray listener even thought they heard a reference to âLive at Budokanâ in a reggae-ish âShelter from the Stormâ.
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Five days prior to the Olympic Games in Japan, Dylan decided to break the silence by streaming âShadow Kingdom: The Early Songs of Bob Dylanâ, a pre-recorded concert featuring inspired versions of tracks from his youngest years.
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Thereâs no such thing as coincidence. Today Stef Kamil Carlens announces that he is to perform his tribute to Bob live together with The Gates of Eden. Whether Dylan will also announce his return to the stage, only Bob knows.
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Line-up:
Stef Kamil Carlens â vocals, acoustic, resophonic & electric guitar
Lize Accoe â vocals
Karoline Leki Kamosi â vocals
Geert Hellings â electric & acoustic guitars
Simon Pleysier â electric guitar
Matt Watts â upright piano, Hohner Pianet T, mandoline
Thomas De Prins â Wurlitzer, Fender Rhodes, Hammond L-100, Moog Grandmother, Hohner Symphonic 31, Mellotron
Mirko Banovic â bass
Sam Gysel â drums