The work of Bob Dylan to be discussed at academic conference to mark 70th birthday

The UK's foremost Bob Dylan scholars will come together on Tuesday May 24 to celebrate the legendary icon's 70th birthday as well as reflect on his career as singer, composer, poet and performer. The conference will present a series of fresh, informed academic papers on Bob Dylan’s work from a number of different perspectives, with the keynote speech being given by Michael Gray, a leading authority on the work of the man. It follows a two-day conference at Fordham University of Law, New York entitled 'Bob Dylan and the Law' held last week, which dissected and examined the social commentary in some of Dylan's best loved songs.

May 24 is also notable for the 'Salute Him When His Birthday Comes' Dylan tribute gig happening at the Button Factory, which sees the Fleadh Cowboys reforming for the first time in 10 years since a similar concert to celebrate Bob's 60th birthday. The first wave of guests have been announced for the gig with those joining the Cowboys including Liam O'Maonlai, Mundy, Eleanor Shanley, Kevin Coneff, The Mighty Stef, Colm Querney, Bree Harris, Gay Woods, Chris Meehan, Phil Callerly, Siobhan O'Brien, The Lost Brothers, Ed Deane, Nigel Mooney and Henry McCullough. Admission is €22 and tickets are available now. And of course, Dylan himself plays the Marquee, Cork on June 16 with tickets selling fast for that one too.

2011 is a busy year for Mr.Zimmerman who aside from bringing his 'Never Ending' Tour to China, Vietnam and Australia is also the subject of a new 'tell-all' documentary 'Bob Dylan Revealed', which will show a behind-the scenes look at 50 years in the music business. The trailer looks at least a little promising..