88 LIFE BOB DYLAN
shows and plays to 2 million people grossing $20 million, the
only reaction can possibly be: Really?
If so, Bob, you truly were dreaming.T
he album Street Legal, recorded in April of 1978 in
California (where Dylan was then living, and contin-
ues to live today, with places in Minnesota and New
York as well), completed what can be argued as another land-
mark triptych: Blood on the Tracks, Desire and Street Legal.
These were intensely personal, inward-looking recordsbrimful with some of the most emotionally moving songs he
ever wrote, even if Dylan subsequently disclaimed that they
had anything to do with his own life: Chekhov, ancient my-
thology, the weather, whatever all else—they had absolutely
nothing to do with him, nothing. Dylan’s fans weren’t eager
to argue the matter. Having him back onstage and producing
great record after great record, the fans in the stands were de-
lighted. Their favorite pitcher was throwing fastballs again.
But right about now, how about a not atypical curveball
from Bobby Zimmerman?ALTHOUGH THE NEVER ENDING TOUR WILL
start in 1988, Dylan was ready to get back
out there in 1984—and he did so, in support
of his album Infidels. While in Ireland during
that road show, he told war stories for the
folks at the trailer used by the reggae/pop
band UB40 (above) and was happy to pose
with Bono of the rock band U2 and MTV’s
Martha Quinn (right). Far right: The following
year, Dylan is backed at the Live Aid concert
by Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards,
who is pictured here in a huddle with movie
star Jack Nicholson. No need to indicate “left
to right” with these three, yes?80-96 LIFE_Bob Dylan 2020 Rolling.indd 88 FINAL 1/13/20 4:37 PM