My Front Page
by Derek Barker

My Front Page

After an extremely good run of weighty interviews, this month sees a short hiatus in our increasingly popular "Chat With" series. This interlude does however enable us the space to feature the type of expansive interpretative piece that could be said to have been lacking over the past couple of issues. The object for me as editor is to provide a balance over the subscription year and as always, I would encourage those of you out there that would like to put pen to paper, to send their articles into the editorial address for consideration. If all goes to plan, then those of you that thrive on interviews should be in for a treat starting with issue #87.

After ten years with the same printer a set of circumstances has arose that has meant the last four issues of the magazine being produced by three different print companies. We sincerely hope that the magazine that you are currently holding is the best quality thus far. If so, the traumas of the past few months will not have been in vain.

If we are to continue with our program of improvements to the magazine, we need YOUR help. Any form of contribution, no matter how small, is appreciated. In particular though, we are in desperate need of photographs, and interesting interpretative articles. We are always in need of photos for the cover of ISIS, but we are now also attempting to get a few more photos inside the magazine.

Matthew Zuckerman's column takes a break for this issue while he makes good the damage to his office after a flood. The final two instalments of his "Original Thought" column will be an in-depth look at Time Out Of Mind. If anyone would like to chip-in with the possible origins of some of the many "borrowed" blues lyrics that Bob used throughout TOOM, then please contact Matthew at: 13. Audley Grove, Bath. BA1 3BS, or to the ISIS editorial address, or email us at isis@netcomuk.co.uk ot m.zuckerman@which.net

As predicted in the last ISIS after a few tentative shows things did indeed tighten as the Dylan/Simon tour progressed. There have been conflicting reports regarding the commercial success of the Dylan/Simon tour. The official opening night at the World Arena, the smallest venue on the tour, was almost 1000 tickets short of selling out its 8500 capacity. By contrast, the 14000 plus Jones Beach Theatre in Wantagh, NY sold well enough for the two concerts to be staged, July 30 & 31. The two shows grossed a total of $2.117.320, and were the biggest grossing US concert between the period July 10 - August 10.

While some concerts were described by attendees as "half empty", the PNC Bank Art Center, Holmdel NJ (July 28) grossed ticket sales of$1.007.500. As a whole the tour must have been regarded as a success, as promoters seemed happy enough to extend the tour for a further ten dates in September starting September 2, in West Palm Beach, FL.

The lack of support for some of the concerts on this tour has been rightly blamed on ticket prices of up to $125.00 each. If you consider that expensive ticket for Barbara Streisand's recent final concert were sold for $500 for the "cheep seats" and 2.500 for seats that actually allowed you to see the artist!

After the September Dylan/Simon shows it seems almost certain that Dylan will continue to tour USA with Phil Lesh in shows. The tour will probably start October 27 at the Univerity of Illinois, Champaign, IL..

I know that many of you have been following with interest the progress of Cesar Diaz's health since we began his story back in issue 83. Cesar underwent surgery (again) on August 3, and this time around everything looks good. It was confirmed that his new liver is functioning well and that he will not need another transplant, graphs, or biopsies. He will of course be on medication for some time to come, but as Cesar put it, "I don't need no doctor".

Slightly belated congratulations to Anneke Hoftizier & HansDerksen who became Mr and MRS Derksen on the 5th day of May. Long time ISIS subscribers Anneke & Hans sent out their wedding announcement on CDR complete with colour cover. The cd contained what else but the opening line of "Isis" followed by "Wedding Song". From all at ISIS "Congratulations".

Due both to the pressures of work and the hospitalisation of my right-hand woman, I have little doubt that this issue of ISIS will be slightly delayed. Please accept our sincere apologies.

Don't forget to send in those photos and articles.

Until next time
Derek B.

An Introduction To ISIS

For those of you that have come across ISIS Magazine for the first time through this Internet Web Site this a brief introduction as to what ISIS is all about.

The magazine which is based in the UK was founded by myself toward the end of 1986, since which time we have published 73 issues. What you see on this Web Site is of course only a fraction of what is published in the 'paper version, which is usually circa 60 A4 pages. See the full index available from the ISIS home page.

ISIS is published six times per year, and this year for the first time we are also publishing an optional newsletter, giving 12 mailings in all. For full details on how to subscribe see "Subscription Information" via the ISIS home page. Please note that at present we are unable to except credit card subscriptions, so we cannot take your subscriptions via e-mail.

Many thanks to Giulio Molfese for designing and maintaining this Web Site on behalf of ISIS Magazine.




After numerous pleas readers participation has certainly increased many thanks to you all, but remember your ISIS magazine is always looking for contributions of any kind so please, please keep them coming in. Our editorial address is as ever:

ISIS P.O Box 1182, Bedworth, England. CV12 0ZA






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