Knocking On Heavens Door

[The Prez]

20 years ago, this song was performed live at Freddies tribute...IMO legendary performance. No wonder it was used as a video and became a major (summer) hit that year.
I remember quite well that at some point, I disliked the song because it was just played too often! (on (m)TV, radio,..) ... But now, so many years later, I miss the way how GN'R played it! By coincidence, I saw the song today again, and what the hell!! The song is just brilliant, much better than the original version.....no discussion needed!!! OK,we can discuss about the 'hey hey hey hey heeeyyyy...', but let's face it, most people in the world became familiar with the song because of Guns! Hey(!  ), I even know some friends who became a GN'R fan because of the song!!

This summer, I saw Guns performing the song for the 3rd time (2006 - 2010 - 2012) in the 'new - more original - Dylan style', and...OK, no remarks on the musical quality...but somehow it is..yes, more boring. (IMO)
I miss the drive, energy, (rock n' roll) they brought back then with the UYI style of the song. Still don't get it why they changed it? Is there an article/interview with some reason behind? Just don't get it... I mean, 'Knocking On Heavens Door' in UYI style, I just miss it!!!! I really want to see it again (live) someday. Who else?

Just looked a bit and didn't find a thread about this topic so far, therefore I started one - bye

[GnR-NOW]

I really liked how they played it in 2002 and 2006. But for the past few days I found myself listening to the UYI version too

[LIGuns]

I love the stripped down version since it was 1st performed at the Vegas HOB show.

[StoneTempleRoses]

I love the Rock am Ring 2006 version a lot, I think that one rivals the Wembley version but I can't decide which one I like better.

[The Prez]

Ok,  judging the responses... I have to conclude the original version is a personal thing...meaning I like more - no, I mean miss more - the UYI version. Nobody seems to 'bother' the new style.
Fair.

Although suprised
 

 

[Tyson]

"KOHD" is one of my favorites from the Illusion albums. 

[Chuzeville]

I also thought the live version on the last tour didn't work--as a singalong anyway.

[Tomek 1985]

I'm with u man, new version sucks imho

[nick6sic6]

I wouldn't say it sucks,this current version is nice but they should drop it for a few years.I don't think people would notice anymore if it's in the playlist or not..

[LongGoneDay]

I like the rendition they've been playing. It's cool when bands change things up, and I'm glad I got to hear it live.
That said, I do prefer the UYI version to it. I think my favorite though is the version they played in Argentina 1993.

[Axlspants]

I must admit KOHD is one of the only songs I prefer the original line ups performances of, I think that the Freddie tribute version is immense and I haven't heard the new band match that performance on this particular song. I do like the more subtle version that the new band do. I actually think its more to do with Axl that the band, cos they can play the shit out of the old songs. Have you heard Brownstone live in the last few years? My god it is immense!

[volcano62]

All versions are great even Dylan's.

I must admit KOHD is one of the only songs I prefer the original line ups performances of, I think that the Freddie tribute version is immense and I haven't heard the new band match that performance on this particular song. I do like the more subtle version that the new band do. I actually think its more to do with Axl that the band, cos they can play the shit out of the old songs. Have you heard Brownstone live in the last few years? My god it is immense!

Agreed about Brownstone. It has never sounded better especially with that beautiful groove.

[Pinball Wizard]

I like the new version better. The guys play the shit outta the guitars, specially Fortus!

All versions are great even Dylan's.

Even Avril Lavigne's? 

[Spirit]

I'm a fan of the RIR 2001 version, that was beautiful.

[Bodhi]

All versions are great even Dylan's.

Even Avril Lavigne's? 

Avrils was ok for what it was, a short acoustic cover.  I like it more than the Dylan one, but thats me, I don't like anything Dylan has done, not my style at all. 

I prefer the "Illusion" one to the current one or any of the live ones from the "Illusion" era for one simple reason, its short and sweet.  Like I said Im not a huge fan of the song to begin with and even less of a fan of it when you make it 12 minutes long with multiple reggae jams in it.

[volcano62]

I like the new version better. The guys play the shit outta the guitars, specially Fortus!

All versions are great even Dylan's.

Even Avril Lavigne's? 

Holy shit dude forgot about Fortus' epicness!!!!! Definately the new version is the best.

Avril's version is alright   

[LongGoneDay]

All versions are great even Dylan's.

Even Avril Lavigne's? 

Avrils was ok for what it was, a short acoustic cover.  I like it more than the Dylan one, but thats me, I don't like anything Dylan has done, not my style at all. 

I prefer the "Illusion" one to the current one or any of the live ones from the "Illusion" era for one simple reason, its short and sweet.  Like I said Im not a huge fan of the song to begin with and even less of a fan of it when you make it 12 minutes long with multiple reggae jams in it.

There's gotta be SOME Bob Dylan song out there you can dig!
He's got so much material.

In my opinion, greatest lyricist ever, with no close second. I know his voice turns a lot of people off.

I thought the only thing missing from his KOHD was it was too short, kind of an abrupt ending.
The Illusion version fixed that, making it feel more complete. Adding an epic solo never hurts.

I wasn't into the reggae versions either. Those could be a bit cringe worthy.

[One.In.A.Million]

I've come to view this comparison between the styles as two different songs that you can't compare. The UYI style was really cool, but since 2001 it has totally changed for the better in my opinion. I loved the 2002 version because of it's stripped down essence but still having awesome solos. I especially love the Leeds 2002 version. In 2006 they stripped it down even more, and gave it more if an improvisational feel which I thought was awesome, Rock In Rio 2006 and Inland Invasion 2006 are standout versions. I too must admit that I'm not a huge fan of the 2010,11,12 version. But for a song that's been performed in so many ways it's understandable to like different versions more than others.

[westcoast_junkie]

I don't understand you guys. The current version kick ass. "Ladies and gentlemen, have I mentioned Mr Richard Fortus?"   

[LIGuns]

All versions are great even Dylan's.

Even Avril Lavigne's? 

Hands down the best Bob Dylan song is One Headlight....Oh wait, nevermind....