Saturday: Bob Dylan + Willie Nelson

No matter how many times you’ve seen Bob Dylan, you want this time to be different. You want him to acknowledge you, damn it, even if it’s the phony, “We love you, [insert your city here]!” sort of attention you get from every other artist. But that’s not Dylan’s way: He might not look at you, but there’s always the chance that this notoriously hit-or-miss performer will be great on this particular night, a chance that brings fans back every time he comes through town.

But before you and your BFFs pack into that beat-up station wagon and drive all the way to South Bend, Ind., to see Dylan and Willie Nelson tonight, July 4, you should know that the same bill at the same venue in 2005 was, well, unforgivably horrible. Dylan, as only he can, spent most of the show either with his back to the audience or not onstage at all while still singing. Perhaps he had to pee—the trips offstage certainly weren't to check his lyrics. Nelson salvaged the show somewhat with impressive musicianship, his soothing voice, and the requisite joke that implied he smokes weed. This means one of two things for this Independence Day show: It will either serve as a make-good concert or be just more of the same. The former would be preferable, as it's an impressive lineup, but don't say you weren't warned.

Here's Dylan, in simpler times: