Taken from a professional VHS recording. The tape consists of three run-throughs of My
Back Pages, which are preceded by, interspersed with, and followed by congenial social
intercourse between the gathered musicians. When the tape was offered by Brett Y., one of
the Library's Patrons, he wrote: "I have a first generation video of the rehearsal at
S.I.R. studios in New York a day or two before the 30th Anniversary Concert. It is just
the rehearsal of "My Back Pages" with Young, Petty, Harrison, Clapton, McGuinn and of
course Dylan. I am at work so I am not sure of the length but it's about 30 minutes. It's
like being a fly on the wall!"
On viewing the tape, I E-mailed and asked Brett if he could provide any background on the
source tape. He wrote: "When I worked in the music video industry as a prod. coordinator,
I had a friend who helped produce the 30th Anniversary concert. This footage was intended
for use in a "making of" documentary but was never used. My friend knew what kind of
Dylan fan I was and handed me the footage when he saw that it was just gathering dust. I
don't know why it was shot on plain old VHS but the quality is good so I didn't ask any
more questions."
Nor will I. I'd add just two observations to the above. The running time is just under
thirty seven minutes and G. E. Smith is quite clearly the coordinator and director of the
event. Thanks very much, Brett! Dubbed 01/26/98. 60 min. Video of the source is
available on 120 min. VHS.