The enduring appeal of Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan’s influence on music and culture is timeless. Dylan’s ability to continually reinvent himself has kept audiences dedicated to his craft for decades. The enduring appeal of Bob Dylan is now explored through tribute acts like ‘Tangled Up In Dylan’ and the recent biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’ starring Timothée Chalamet. 

While Dylan continues to perform, his live appearances are scarce, leading to a rise in tribute acts aiming to capture the pure essence of his style of music. ‘Tangled Up in Dylan’, a new tribute act fronted by Clark Gilmour, offers audiences a chance to experience Dylan’s music live. Where Dylan’s music spans decades, it’s difficult to focus on one era. Clark Gilmour discusses how he decides the structure of his show: “The band has only had two shows, and I’ve done one solo gig, so we’re still starting out. The focus is mainly on his songs from the 60s and 70s for the time being, but it would be good to include some material from the 80s and 90s.” Gilmour continues, “The idea is to give people a chance to hear their favourite Bob Dylan songs the way they sound on the records. Dylan doesn’t replicate his records live; he is constantly reinterpreting them, and most people who cover Bob Dylan also do their own interpretations, so there aren’t really any bands doing the songs like they sound on the records.”

‘A Complete Unknown’ and the ongoing performances of tribute acts highlight the multiple ways that Dylan is celebrated. The biopic offers a portrayal of the early years and how he was shaped to become the musician he is today, influencing many generations. Tribute acts allow audiences to experience the energy and emotion of Dylan’s songs, which is the next best thing. Both preserving Dylan’s influence and educating audiences about contributions to culture and music, the film notes the journey of Dylan’s life, including individuals who shaped his music career, such as Woody Guthrie (folk singer-songwriter). “Several scenes in ‘A Complete Unknown… capture Dylan’s ingenuity and songwriting brilliance with little interruption. One of the film’s greatest strengths is how much it relies on actual performance to tell its story… choosing often to let the music do the talking,” says film reviewer Brian Tallerico. 

Much like a tribute to Bob Dylan, “the music does the talking,” where the main tools of preparation for a tribute are learning the discography and memorising the lyrics. “Pretty much all Bob Dylan’s albums from this era were recorded live in the studio, so we like to keep that fresh, loose feel. The records are our reference and we’re not reinterpreting them, but we’re also not meticulously replicating every single note because the songs were generally recorded with session musicians or a touring band with much of the arrangements improvised or busked and fleshed out in the studio,” says Gilmour. The appeal of Bob Dylan is reflected through the reinterpretation of tributes, highlighting how relevant and timeless Dylan’s music is.

‘Tangled Up in Dylan’ evokes a sense of nostalgia for audiences, fostering a deep appreciation among viewers for tribute acts and the film ‘A Complete Unknown’. Gilmour mentions how he interprets Bob Dylan in his act, “It’s more a traditional tribute in the sense that we mostly stick to the original arrangements, wearing something Dylansque and using similar arrangements. I’m singing the songs the way I hear them on the records, but I don’t try to imitate Bob’s voice 100%. I’m conscious of not crossing the line into a parody.” James Mangold’s ‘A Complete Unknown’ is also aware of not falling into the same parody trap. Carlos Peritorie from This Is Film said, “Dylan has a very recognisable singing style and voice, and there’s always a danger that any portrayal could fall into parody. The physical look is an easy act to nail down, but Chalamet does a lot with the teethy mumbling of the artists, sometimes a little too well.”

Dylan’s enduring appeal is evident in the growth of tribute acts and the creation of biopic films seeking to capture the essence of his music and artistry. Tribute not only honours a musician’s legacy but it ensures the music resonates with new generations. In the tribute industry, there’s cynicism about the job role; there’s a side to it where people may think it’s a cheap imitation or cashing in on someone else’s talent. Gilmour said, “I think you have to get across how much you appreciate the music you’re playing. I understand why people would have a certain type of attitude, but lots of people like to go out and watch/ hear music being performed live.”

Tribute acts serve as extensions of the music industry, allowing fans to experience the magic of his music in new and inventive ways. These musicians are merely impersonators, they embody many eras of a musical icon. Clark Gilmour embodies Bob Dylan’s sound and look, bringing a brand new perspective on his entire discography. Parallel to the biopic film, ‘A Complete Unknown’, Chalamet offers an insight into Dylan’s early years and work when he was carving out his identity as a musician. It certainly succeeds in capturing a great artist. Together, storytelling and tributes reflect artists’ personas and the enduring capability to ensure music is reinterpreted for new generations.