When the Pacman met the Tambourine Man
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Dylan.
He is a musical icon. He is a singer-songwriter in the purest sense of the word ? a poet with a legendary voice. He is an influential figure in American music and culture. His songs provided the soundtrack to some of America?s socio-political struggles and became the anthem of a generation.
Millions pay to give homage to hear his music and his poetry. But today, Bob Dylan was a spectator when he visited a star from another field practicing his craft ? Manny Pacquiao.
He still sports his disheveled hair, graying though at his tender age of 72, and with a large aviator Ray?Ban covering those deep penetrating eyes that pierce the souls of enthralled listeners when he sings and performs, Dylan clad in a dark blue jacket walked in unnoticed at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood one Thursday afternoon in the spring to watch a sports superstar hone his skills for an upcoming match.
?In his prime, Bob Dylan would have filled the Wild Card parking lot with shrieking fans trying to get a glimpse at a music icon. Today, at the sparring session of Emmanuel Pacquiao Sr., old and gray, he watched unnoticed by boxing guys as if nobody knew the guy from way, way back. Good to see legends of their crafts, once in a while,? described Philboxing colleague Winchell Campos.
Pacquiao at first had to be reminded of the legendary figure who was watching him train Thursday according to Campos. But when he learned of the songs that Dylan was famous for, the 1962 hit song ?Blowing in the Wind? as an example, Pacquiao, who at one point released a musical album of his own, was all smiles in the presence of the influential American musician.
Dylan and Pacquiao then obliged for photos with the customary fist-up pose. No details were released if Dylan gave Pacquiao some pointers on singing or if the boxer gave the musician some tips on the Sweet Science.
We will have to see, if Pacquiao will sing one of Dylan?s songs in one of his future TV and stage appearances.
His rendition of Dan Hill?s ?Sometimes when we touch? is getting old anyway. It?s time for the Pacman to belt some new tunes.
A Dylan classic will be a welcome change. Rumors are Pacquiao can strike a mean chord in the strings as well.
You can reach the author at rrmaze24@aol.com and on Twitter @Freemazon910.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rich Mazon .
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