It’s not too often that you get the chance to shoot these to Legends, on one night, in the same place. However, last night in London it happened. It was in the wonderful Hyde Park. It was billed as a co-headline, but Neil went on first and he allowed us to shoot two songs from the pit, which was nice of hm. As usual, he was quite phenomenal. He also had an amazing band with him including Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson. I didn’t manage to get shots if Lukas.We were allowed in the pit, but only on one side, so, he was not visible to me.
Big Bob, big bad Bob… They look like they should all have revolvers on and just about to rush into a saloon, somwhere in New Mexico or Dodge City in the 1860’s for a shoot out…
After Neil’s storming set, on came Bob. This was a different feel to Neil’s energetic set. Bob allowed our photographers to shoot not from the pit, but he kindly allowed us two songs from the mixing desk about 3 miles north of the stage. He was also playing hide and seek from me, by hiding for most of the two songs behind his piano and a lovely microphone and stand. It was challenge to say the least. When all of the photographers including me were being led out from behind the stage in the media tent, we were split into two groups. When we got out to the mixing desk, one group were taken left and the other right. All of my photographer colleagues who were taken left seemed to have clear shot of Bob straight down the piano. However, us on the right had a side on view and he was mostly hidden. So, it’s a bit of the luck of the draw. I tried shouting ‘Bob. It’s me! Danny! over here’ I don’t think he could hear me though the crowd. It’s times like this that I realise how lucky I have been in the past with access. I sometimes have to stop and think, was that really me at 20 years old and being on tour with him as his official photographer and having such an amazing time and great access. Still, here we are, and we have all moved on a bit since then, I suppose. I at least have great memories and of course, lots of photos! Also, a highlight for me was to see my lovely friend a fellow phoographe, and a brilliant one by the way, Dave Hogan. It’s always so nice to catch up and spend time with him.
Smiling Bob!. I do have some lovley happy shots of him from back in the day and must dig them out.
It really is quite a nice experience for me to photograph Bob at any point in his career (even if he is hiding), oh and Neil of course, as the really are both. living legends. #BobDylan #NeilYoung #Legends #HydePark