Real Moments: Bob Dylan By Barry Feinstein
by Barry Feinstein

Ain’t so low down to be shot by the man who was your friend

In 1966 Dylan adopted the look which would define him for evermore: the bird’s nest hair, Carnaby Street suit, Cuban heel boots and shades. It simultaneously projected the ultimate hipster cool, while defying penetration (and perhaps hiding the eyes’ evidence of “medicine” intake). One man managed to break through it, however, and in Real Moments publishes a large amount of unseen photos from Dylan’s 1966 European tour, along with a few from his 1974 return to the road.

Barry Feinstein’s are some of the most intimate Dylan photos available. His brief captions cut through the nonsense, giving context while allowing his pictures to say more than words ever could. Throughout the madness (of course we see an exhausted Bob surround by fans and journalists alike, all waiting for the Oracle to speak) Feinstein’s lens captures an eye-of-the-storm-like calm, whether Dylan’s wringing himself out on stage, or simply taking a moment to try some shoes on in Carnaby Street.

The handful of 1974 photos show Bob relaxed, having needed the eight-year break from the road before facing another tour. Feinstein never hit the road again “because it would never be as great as this”. Dylan photo books don’t come much better either.

ISBN 9781847721051

Reviewed by Jason Draper
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