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Description: The folk and rock scene veteran performs tracks from album, Modern Times.
Phone: 0870060 0870
Website: www.whatsonwembley.com
Trains: Tube: Wembley Park 
Extra info: Air Conditioning, Pub, Parking, Food
Basking in charisma: Bob Dylan, left, spent most of his two-hour Wembley set at the back of the stage
These are the very best of times for Bob Dylan. Seemingly a commercially spent force in the Eighties and Nineties, the 65-year-old is enjoying such a renaissance that his imperial current album, Modern Times, was his first American chart-topper in 31 years (it shuffled to an admirable No3 in Britain) and last night was the first of two Wembley dates.
Like many pensioners, Dylan has embraced new hobbies to keep his brain agile; hence successful stints as a radio DJ and Chronicles, a thoroughly entertaining, so-called autobiography, which told us little about its elusive author, save the possibly fictitious "fact" that he once almost purchased a factory that made wooden legs.
More importantly, Dylan's status as a 20th century titan who transformed not merely popular music but popular culture itself, seems as unshakable as his unyielding refusal to compromise on his career or his concerts.
Nobody else could get away with what Dylan does (or more accurately, doesn't do) on stage. The formerly chatty scamp who joked about Mary Had A Little Lamb being a protest song with his Sixties audiences and who confused late-Seventies crowds with long lectures heralding the imminent arrival of Jesus Christ, spoke not a word until he curtly introduced his five-piece band during the encore.
He wore a hat which covered his face and he spent the entire show towards the back of the stage, first hunched over his guitar and then crouched behind his piano, playing songs which ranged from much of Modern Times (although not, somehow predictably, its outstanding tracks, Workingman's Blues #2 and Ain't Talkin'); random album tracks such as the opener Cat's In The Well and even the occasional hit, such as a radically reworked Like A Rolling Stone. Naturally, such new-fangled accoutrements as big screens, or a light show, were not for him. Oh no. In truth, he didn't need them.
Even inscrutable and basking in charisma as unmistakable as it was underplayed, Dylan did indeed get away with everything in a two-hour set; even the pubby The Levee's Gonna Break and singing in a voice so husky it was a minor miracle he didn't arrive on stage via sled.
Stomach-tighteningly transcendent versions of Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again and the rarely played Blind Willie McTell saw the rumours of Dylan's genius made flesh in thrilling fashion. The new songs, especially the gorgeous Spirit On The Water, the ominous When The Deal Goes Down and the despairing Nettie Moore confirmed that said genius is still extant, while, of the older fare, Highway 61 wasn't so much revisited as repaved with a wry wink. A towering performance.
• Bob Dylan plays Wembley Arena this evening.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
My girl and I went to the Sheffield gig which was great, although we were at the back it was still good to hear him. I do a tribute show to Bob so it was an experience just to listen to him. On the way back from the M1 we stopped off at the Wembley Arena and just enquired if there were any tcikets for the show. got 2 front row seats and that was the icing on the cake for me! Thanks Mr D.
- Fred Dylan, Bromley
I went to the sunday gig and it was the first time I had seen Bob Dylan. I am ashamed to see but my first Dylan album was Modern Times and I thought the concert was amazing although I would have loved to of heard some of his more popular songs. I was also quite dissapointed that he didn't interact with the crowd but being the legend that he is, he can get away with it. All in all, one of the most amazing gigs I have ever been to.
- Ari, London, Uk, London
I was at Monday's concert. For me a brilliant concert. Feel sorry for Tina, sound was fine where I was. If Bob ever speaks or interacts with the audience again I think most of us would fall in a dead faint. Personally I find it amusing, and I think he probably does too. There were many highlights for me. John Brown was a very moving performance. Most Likely You Go Your Way, Summer Days & the ever present All Along the Watchtower were rocking. All from Modern Times were great, obviously suiting his voice nowadays. Got to say, why does Wembley keep the bars open through the performance? I had two prats next to me constantly going for pints or the loo - very annoying. They got told! Otherwise a great night.
- Jenny, Crawley
I was at the gig on the 15th at Wembley, and it was great. 5 stars from me.
- Nick, Guildford, UK
I was there on 16th at Wembley, and it didn't sound too good.
I was 2nd row middle seating at front, and Bob didn't interact with the crowd at all until the end, introducing his members, then disappearing.
Very disappointing, I give 1 star for his excellent backing band.
- Lee, London
I do not know was it just me or where I was sitting but I could not hear either artist or the sound, as it was too loud for Wembley Arena so not much was heard under the rattle of resonance. I wish on such events sound technician would sit in audience for a while without headphones to experience how the quality of sound is. I went to listen Dylan and his band but could not hear anything, really dissapointed.
- Tiina, Cambridge
The times are not 'a changin' too much, it seems.
- William Oliver, Canada
It was a very good concert. I've been to quite a few over the past 15 years and this one probably belongs in the top 5. Highlights for me were fantastic arrangements of "It Ain't Me, Babe" and "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" and a rocking "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again". So if you can get your hands on tickets for tonight, don't hesitate...
- Andreas Gustafsson, Croydon, UK
