By 1976 Bob Dylan was at the peak of his powers. After controversially going Electric in 1965, his fan base had only grown bigger and stronger. In 1975, Dylan had his 8th (UK & US inclusive) No 1 Album – Blood on The Tracks, and was touring with legendary – The Band – as his backing musicians. Enjoying the experience, but with a yearning to facilitate his own touring band, Dylan auditioned a succession of established session men and women, with the goal of recording his next studio album – Desire, and subsequently embarking on a 50 state American + Canada nationwide tour …..
Rob Stoner had made his name on the 1970 No1 American Pie hit single, playing Bass Guitar on the Don McLean international worldwide hit. In 1975, with a string of subsequent musical highs, to what was already a stellar career, one day Rob got a call out of the blue from Dylan who was busy putting his master plan in place. Both Rob and Dylan soon realised that a band leader was essential to manage the day-to-day issues of the band, and so, Rob took up the mantle …
January 5th 2026 – is the 50th Anniversary of the release of Bob Dylans 9th No1 album – 1976s Desire.
In the spring of 2024, Aycliffe Radios Stephen Hindle interviewed Rob Stoner in his New York City home, the interview with Rob covers this Mid 70s period, and is a first hand account of what life was like with the biggest music superstar the world has ever known, both in the studio and on the road. This exclusive interview is now ready for broadcast – this Sunday 11th January on the Steve & Col Folk/Rock Show: 4pm-6pm on local DAB channels as Aycliffe Radio, or listen live on the Aycliffe-Radio webcast link:

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