Comparing Kanye West to Neil and Bob
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
Last night my wife and I froze our butts off at the Molson Amphitheatre watching Kanye West’s “Glow In The Dark” tour. It was our first hip-hop show and was totally enjoyable. Unlike most Toronto rock crowds these days, everyone was on their feet for all four artists on the bill (rapper Lupe Fiasco, N.E.R.D., Rihanna, and Kanye).
Kanye’s stage was what a rock show should be about - it was made to look like a desolate, rocky planet that he’d crashed a spaceship onto. There were lights, smoke, screens, and a hydraulic lift. While I thought all the bells and whistles were very cool, what I found most impressive was the fact that Kanye West was really a captivating one man show. I don’t know if the music was programmed or if there was a band underneathe the stage; either way, Kanye was the only person that appeared during his set. He’s a solid rapper and an energetic peformer who easily managed to keep all eyes on him for over an hour. I think that’s the sign of a great artist.
Bob Dylan had the same qualities for all those years when he’d stand in front of a crowd with just a guitar in hand. Neil Young is the same. In many ways, with his latest tour, Kanye West could be looked at as carrying on those traditions. Granted, Neil and Bob are two icons with two of the greatest canons of songs in the history of the world. Kanye West only has three albums to his credit so far. But given time and his ambition to be the brightest star on the planet, maybe one day West will follow in their footsteps. In the meantime, use West as your bonus code for today.