Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band. Fleetcenter. Boston, MA

To me Bruce Springsteen symbolizes everything that is great about American rock music: honest, straight ahead driving energy, passion, and a cinematic attention to detail. There are so many of his lyrics that drop me directly into the middle of a story: "The screen door slams...Mary's dress waves...", Thunder Road. (And for you naysayers I'd like to point out that if you think "Born In The USA" is a chest-beating flagwaver...you have totally missed the point).

This year saw the reunion of the 'original' E-Street band lineup. The show at the Fleetcenter was nothing short of spectacular. It's very difficult to describe the 'why' of this. I've been to tons of concerts but nobody comes close to Springsteen's ability to whip a crowd (an older, ageing one at that) into an absolute frenzy. The show was also special for me because my wife-to-be, Linda, was able to attend. She was finally able to experience the phenomenon that I had been blathering about for all these years.

So the hobby, obsession (mental illness) that started in 1978 continues today. There have probably been other 'Oh My God' moments but none has left the indelible marks that these have.

Hmmm....I think I've gotta go listen to Van Halen.

(First posted on Mark Is Cranky)