Stealing Dylan from Woodstock is a hard look into the music festival era of the late 1960s. Bob Dylan, one of the most iconic men in the history of the music business comes out of seclusion to do a show on the Isle of Wight, 50 years ago today. How did 3 brothers with no experience manage to get this man to headline their show? This book tells all.
- Title: Stealing Dylan From Woodstock
- Author: Ray Foulk and Caroline Foulk
- Publisher: Medina Publishing Ltd. on June 4, 2015
- Genre: Non-Fiction
- Pages: 312
- Format: Hardcover
- Rating: 5/5 Stars
Synopsis from Goodreads:
“Reclusive star Bob Dylan had been holed up in the artist-town of Woodstock for more than three years, following a serious motorcycle accident. He toyed with playing the Woodstock festival – brought to his own front door – but it was the Foulk brothers who succeeded where all others failed, luring Dylan 3,000 miles away from home to their Island, to create a Woodstock of his own.”
“Landing the music biz coup of the decade, the three Foulk brothers – a printer, an estate agent and an art student – became pioneers in pop promotion by signing for the world exclusive appearance of the reluctant ‘voice of his generation’.”
“For the organisers, short on experience, resources and time, the ensuing public response was almost overwhelming, and the challenge of delivering the most eagerly-awaited musical event of the era daunting. The world’s media covered the phenomena, gave the event global coverage and marked it as a suitable climax as the swinging sixties drew to a close.”
“The 1969 Isle of Wight Festival was Bob Dylan’s one and only full concert appearance in seven-and-a-half years and played its part in a highly transformative period of the artist’s life. Stealing Dylan from Woodstock tells, from a unique perspective, of an extraordinary event which seismically altered the lives of the author, his family, all those involved with it and many of those who attended.”
My Review of Stealing Dylan from Woodstock:
In August 1969, I was not yet born, but, oh, how I wish I had been a teenager with spirit back then. What I would not give to have been a part of this phenomenon. I grew up with music in my soul. I participated in the normal activities that other kid did growing up in the 70s, but music was then and still is my passion. Stealing Dylan From Woodstock gives us an inside view of the workings of putting on a festival in the time of Dylan.
I loved reading about the back end of running a concert festival. Yet, the book came alive for me when it talked about the festival itself. One of the most interesting tidbits in this book is the story of The Who coming in by helicopter. They landed on a makeshift helipad made of plywood. However, when the propeller blades got close to the ground, the plywood went flying and nearly annihilated the band. There was a large lump in my throat while reading that. I also enjoyed the part where Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and John Lennon were playing tennis while on the Isle.
I will tell you that the pictures alone are worth every penny of this book. The memorabilia is fascinating and the still photos are priceless. Everything is on display in this volume.
Nowhere else will you see Bob Dylan as you see him here.
Yet, the book is a bit dry in places, so it took me longer to read than normal. This is a book to peruse at leisure. You will not want to sit down and read it in one night as you would a novel. I genuinely believe that you will not be sorry for picking up this book. I recommend it to anyone who loves music and if you are a child of the 60s, you will be able to relate well to the stories.
With that said, I feel it fair to award this book a full 5 out of 5 stars. I would also to thank Ray and Caroline for bringing this book into my life. And, also, for giving me yet another stop on my bucket list of places to visit.
Happy Reading!
Kimberly xoxo
If you have not read it yet and would like to pick up a copy for yourself, you can purchase it on Amazon.com. If you use my special link in the image below, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Thank you once again Kimberly for an in depth and carefully very considered review. We are really grateful for the trouble you take.
It’s my pleasure Caroline.