The Communicative Shape of Liveness: A Case Study of When Dylan Covered the Dead

ABSTRACT

This paper provides a roadmap for the application of dialectics to the study of liveness. The roadmap incorporates the utterance chain from relational dialectics theory to describe live performance in terms of the discursive interplay it generates which gives it meaning. As such, this paper addresses a stated need in the literature on liveness for theoretical development and refinement. The paper also positions itself in approaches to liveness that emphasize relational and communicative elements of performance. It is presented as a case study of Bob Dylan’s Rough and Rowdy Ways World-Wide Tour where he surprised audiences by performing Grateful Dead material.

KEYWORDS:

• Liveness
• relational dialectics
• Bob Dylan
• Grateful Dead

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Noah Franken

Noah Franken is an associate professor of communication studies at West Texas A&M University. His research has focused on matters of identity in interpersonal relationships, and on popular culture topics such as golf and popular music. He has published articles on the narrative rationality of Tiger Woods, the accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of modern golf, and Bob Dylan.