'Like I was on ecstasy': When Bob Dylan is giving a concert only for you
Fredrik Wikingsson may be one of the only people ever to get a solo Bob Dylan concert. Dylan wasn't playing solo — he had his band on stage — but Wikingsson was the only person in the Philadelphia Academy of Music concert hall on Sunday afternoon, Rolling Stone says, and that was the point.
The 41-year-old TV personality from Stockholm, a huge Dylan fan, convinced his filmmaker friend Anders Helgeson to let him be the subject of Helgeson's latest Experiment Ensam (Experiment Alone) film series, which captures people experiencing things by themselves that are usually reserved for large crowds.
"I was smiling so much it was like I was on ecstasy," Wikingsson tells Rolling Stone. "My jaw hurt for hours afterwards because I couldn't stop smiling." Dylan played a handful of covers, and during his rendition of Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill," Wikingsson says he screamed out "You guys are great" to Dylan and his band. "That caused Dylan to burst out laughing," the Swede recounted. "Now, I have two kids and their births were great, but him laughing onstage at some lousy f--king comment of mine was unbelievable."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
You can watch Wilkingsson talks about his experience (in Swedish) at the Experiment Ensam YouTube page, or check back on Dec. 15, when the concert footage is scheduled to be posted. And you can read more of Wilkingsson's amazing quotes over at Rolling Stone.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
The pros and cons of globalization
Pros and Cons Globalization can promote economic prosperity but also be exploitative
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - October 11, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - October 11, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine printables - October 11, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - October 11, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published