Clinton Heylin:"Bob Dylan: Behind The Shades, a Biography"
ADRIAN RAWLINS - Not a journalist, a poet! When Dylan was in Melbourne in 1966 he got a journalist's ID card as he was writing for a University magazine and wanted to talk to Dylan. He is an eccentric figure, well known on the Melbourne scene - still does readings, etc. I met him at a Dylan concert in '92 - he was in contact with Bob till a few years ago, probably offended him.
He spoke at Melbourne Dylan convention in '94 (I have a tape of his talk - he's not always accurate however!), published a monograph "Dylan: Through the looking glass" (Carlton: All Night Cafe, 1994. ISBN: 0646177125) of his thoughts & reminiscences on Dylan.
Adrian enjoys shocking people & putting them on, rather like someone else we all know & love. A bit of gossip: I know a woman who shared a house with Adrian in the late 60's. According to this lady, Adrian used the "Dylan slept here" line regularly to pick up boys!
True story: Pete Steedman, who later became a Labour politician, lived next door to Adrian in 1966. He was woken in the early hours of the morning by loud knocking & shouting at his front door. Being rather nervous, he grabbed a carving knife & cautiously opened the door ... to find Dylan demanding to see Adrian, not taking no for an answer & pushing his way into the house!
Sorry to ramble on so much, you don't need to use all that, but I thought you might be interested personally. Just put "poet" instead of journalist and Adrian will be much happier I'm sure!
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan
Subject: Adrian Rawlins
From: Tricia J tricia.j@aardvark.net.au
Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 10:39:19 GMT
Organization: Mind Your Language
Adrian Rawlins, Melbourne poet and cultural identity, passed away last Wednesday, September 12. Adrian first met Bob Dylan in Melbourne in April 1966 and spent some time with him during that tour, and later tours. Adrian's wit and wonderful, sonorous voice will be sadly missed in Melbourne. r.i.p.
