A fanatical audience, a sold-out hall in Paekākāriki, two hours packed with Dylan songs, a 10-piece Bob Dylan tribute band with a four-piece horn section – a magnificent way to celebrate Bob’s 85th year!
The Zimmermans are regulars at Paekākāriki, and this year’s concert was pretty special. Sorry to gush, but it was one of those concerts…
Chris Nicol (vocals and alto sax) introduced the brass section, a surprising and successful innovation for Dylan songs: Miro Holland on trumpet, Evie Patterson on tenor sax and Ferdinand Hitchings on trombone. Other band members are: Jeremy Winter (keyboard), Sean Barker (drums), Alan Galloway (guitar), and Murray Costello (bass guitar).
Many tribute bands aim to replicate the music of the original; the Zimmermans celebrate Dylan’s genius and creativity with their own interpretation.
Highlights included: Like a Rolling Stone, Jangled up in Blue, Blowin’ in the Wind, Lay Lady Lay, and Mr Tambourine Man. Paddy Burgin (lead singer and guitar) acknowledged the challenge of remembering all the words to Subterranean Homesick Blues – not to be underestimated, but achieved brilliantly.
Dylan’s All Along the Watchtower was a powerful contrast to the Jimi Hendrix version. AbFab fans were treated to This Wheel’s on Fire by guitarist Alan Galloway, himself a Dylan look-alike!
Kim Bonnington (vocals) and Paddy Burgin gave a special performance of Simple Twist of Fate.
Paddy Burgin said they always love playing in Paekākāriki: “It’s very easy to play here. The audience is so good and we always feel very welcome.”
