For music aficionados, the most exciting moment at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony was the surprise appearance of Mick Jagger, allegedly subbing for Bob Dylan, who it is said was invited to be a presenter but declined. No surprise there. A colleague of mine at KPFT told me that, when the Pacifica radio network was doing a nationwide tribute to Dylan a few years ago, the singer’s management was contacted to see if Bob might be persuaded to record a quick promo. The response: “Mr. Dylan doesn’t do that sort of thing.” Hell, he was even late collecting his Nobel Prize in 2016.
Though often mysterious and sometimes reclusive, Dylan did have a memorable series of encounters with an obsessed fan / stalker / critic in the early ‘70s. A.J. Weberman, who identified himself as a “garbologist,” had taken to snatching Dylan’s trash when it was put by the curb outside his Greenwich Village apartment. Weberman would then go through the garbage, attempting to glean insight into Dylan and his goings-on. Eventually, Weberman obtained Dylan’s phone number and (of course) recorded their conversations. Dylan alternated between bemused and annoyed during these chats, which were eventually released on an album called Bob Dylan vs. A.J. Weberman – The Historic Confrontation.
According to the New York Times, Weberman was spotted at a screening of the Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown not long ago, hurling insults at the screen, statements like, “You’re scum!” So I guess it’s no wonder that Dylan chose not to appear at the Academy Awards. Weberman might have shown up too. Because haters gonna hate.
Ticket Alert
The Offspring will headline a package tour this summer, sharing the bill with Jimmy Eat World and New Found Glory. This alt-rock extravaganza will stop at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Saturday, August 23. A variety of presales are already in progress, and the peasants will have an opportunity to buy their tickets on Friday.
George Thorogood and the Destroyers will bring “The Baddest Show on Earth” to the House of Blues on Wednesday, August 27. While many are familiar with Thorogood because of his hit “Bad to the Bone,” an exploration of his song catalog yields gems like “When I Drink Alone, I Like to Be by Myself.” Tickets are on sale now.
You can catch the Pixies performing in support of their latest release, The Night the Zombies Came, on Saturday, September 6, at the White Oak Music Hall, with Austin’s Spoon opening. General admission lawn seats are on sale now.
Concerts This Week
Telecaster-wielding guitarist Tab Benoit has long been known to Houston audiences, going back to the days when he was signed to local label Justice Records. These days, Benoit runs his own label, Whiskey Bayou Records, operates a recording studio in his hometown of Houma, LA and maintains an active performing schedule. Catch him on Thursday at the Heights Theater.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is next in line during a busy week at the Heights Theater, performing Friday night. ‘Cause Knowledge is Power: Band leader Scotty Morris got the group’s name when Texas blues guitarist Albert Collins gave him an autograph bearing the inscription, “To Scotty, the big bad voodoo daddy.” Morris explains. “I thought it was the coolest name I ever heard on one of the coolest musical nights I ever had.”
After beginning her musical performing career singing in a Memphis church choir, Gloria Hallelujah Woods pivoted to the rap genre, changed her name to GloRilla and racked up a ton of hit records. It should be noted, however, that she probably hopes her former pastor hasn’t heard some of her lyrics. GloRilla is on stage at the 713 Music Hall on Friday.
Mixing the blues with touches of psychedelia and R&B, Austin’s Jackie Venson has built a loyal following throughout Texas and across the country. The singer-songwriter-guitarist will perform at the Heights Theater on Saturday in support of her latest album, The Love Anthology.
And then there’s The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Stadium, which kicks off this week and continues through Sunday, March 23. Here are this week’s concerts:
Riley Green Wednesday, March 5
AJR Thursday, March 6
Bun B Friday, March 7
Bailey Zimmerman Saturday, March 8
Carin León Sunday, March 9
Brad Paisley Monday, March 10
Zach Top Tuesday, March 11
