Is it true? Is "The Boss" really back?
Now I'm not just talking about Bruce Springsteen — the guy who had been experimenting with musical styles, playing the troubadour and singing the songs of Pete Seeger — but The Boss. The oh-so-proud to be from New Jersey native who has been pouring out his heart out on stage since the '70s, alongside his crew of E Street hooligans, with his take on and visions of real America. His songs have struck a chord with millions who gladly scarf up tickets at any cost to witness his concerts.
His long time faithful fans who (justifiably) brag about witnessing his passion filled concerts, which sometimes ran nearly four hours, are no doubt more than relieved Springsteen reunited with the E Street Band for his latest CD (Magic – which debuted on Billboard at #1) and current tour, which played the next to last night of the first US leg at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston on November 18, 2007.
From the opening of the cut "Radio Nowhere" (one of the strongest tracks from Magic), it was clear that Springsteen's showmanship and presence were back in full force. While he did spend a bit too much time plugging the new CD (he played most of the songs off Magic), there were so many stellar moments during the night that the audience was more than a happy to let Springsteen show off his newer creations.
Killer versions of classics "She's the One," "The Promised Land," and "Badlands" were more than enough to make up for an unfamiliar cut or two, although a few more chestnuts from the '70s or '80s would have been welcome. Enough cannot be said about having the E Street Band back in the picture as they are essential (even mandatory) to a ensure a classic Springsteen rock show. The triple guitar threat of Springsteen, Nils Lofgren, and Steve Van Zandt were at many times a main focus as the trio showed unbelievable chemistry.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
One wonders if hard feelings from Springsteen's original dismissal of the E Street Band still linger between the two.
one wonders this if one doesn't know what one is talking about.
The sole encore was when...
the show ended with "American Land"
2 - Donald Gibson
This is your first time at a Springsteen show, yes?
3 - Bill Gauthier
I'd read somewhere (and also seem to remember reading when it happened) that Clemons has had both hips replaced, which may be a factor as to why he was so far off stage and actually sat down at least once during the show (he had a tambourine or something).