I watched Bob Dylan play an almost perfect two hour set in Edinburgh last night - here are my thoughts

The legendary musician hadn’t played in the capital for over 15 years before back-to-back nights at the historic venue. When it was announced a couple of months ago that Dylan would be returning to Scotland, I just had to be there.

Having already seen the 83-year-old twice, I know exactly what I’m getting whenever I go along to a Dylan concert. I don’t expect to hear his greatest hits from a career which has spanned over 60 years. It’s more like a music experience than a plug for the back catalogue.

He can do whatever he wants, and his adoring fans will be right there for it. I’m not knocking the SEC Armadillo at all - Dylan played there on his most recent visit to Glasgow - but the Usher Hall is a terrific venue and it made it even better that I was only five rows from the front.

Heading into the hall in Edinburgh’s West End, there were even people standing outside with placards looking for tickets. I took my seat early after hitting the merch stall and grabbing a pint.

Many people would be surprised to hear that a Dylan concert is a phone-free gig. You voluntarily hand over your phone and it gets locked away in a small pouch. It’s actually an enjoyable experience disconnecting from your mobile for a couple of hours as you can sit back and truly enjoy the music.

Dylan appeared on stage swiftly at 7.30pm and was met with a rapturous applause. “All Along The Watchtower” kicked-off almost two hours of musical joy and magic. Although he sits behind his piano for majority of the night, there are sudden bursts of applause when he rises out his seat.

We were also treated to Dylan’s unbelievable harmonica playing. “Every Grain of Sand” closed the night before Dylan and his magnificent band to their final bow. If this is the last time that Bob Dylan is ever to appear in Scotland, then so be it. I am glad I got to experience his music once again and sit in the same room as a musical genius.