My fog offically lifted when the first verse passed and that Bo Diddly beat flew into high gear. I felt a little adrenaline surge as some electric pricklies crawled up the back of my neck. Man oh man, I even broke out in a little sweat.
This being the E Street Band's first visit to London, it's fairly safe to say that they (the audience AND the band) had no idea what was about to happen. You can sort of hear that with the crowd reactions: fairly reserved at the start, cranked up a little more after the blistering combination of "She's The One" going into "Born To Run", and flat-out jubilant at the conclusion of the insanely great "Kitty's Back"->"Jungleland"->"Rosalita". If you've only read of legendary Springsteen performances, you owe yourself a listen to this disc.
I'm not big on pitting one group against another, but after my first Springsteen show, I almost laughed at the notion of The Rolling Stones being the greatest rock 'n roll band in the world. It was the first concert I'd ever been to where I was actually a little relieved that they didn't play any more songs. At nearly four hours in length, I couldn't take anymore! On that one night in London, those folks got a big taste of what I'm talkin' about.
Article comments
1 - Lisa McKay
Hah! I knew this would show up on the Friday Morning Listen this week! You do not disappoint, Mark. I am looking forward to cranking this one up in the car when the weather's warmer and the windows are rolled down...
2 - Mark Saleski
i'll admit that this wasn't a tough call. ;-)
3 - Mary K. Williams
I am looking forward to cranking this one up in the car when the weather's warmer and the windows are rolled down..
Thanks Lisa - you reminded me I've GOT to get my CD player fixed in my car..and SOON!
Good write up Mark - makes me glad I got the 30th Anniv. package for Christmas.
4 - DJRadiohead
Well done, Saleski. I was working on one of these myself and might fling it onward at some point.
Completely agree with the version of "She's the One" being stellar. "Rosalita" is the one that got me dancing in my chair. I am sure there are scads of live versions of it out there in the cosmos but for right now, today, the Hammersmith version is the definitive version of that song.
One of THE best live albums I have ever heard.
5 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
Glorious, Sir Saleski.
Being in possession of the Born To Run set, i doubt i'll pick this up, i'm content with the DVD. MORE than content. i loved hearin you yack about it, mind.
6 - Lawrence
We are looking for photos of the Marquee of the Hammersmith Odeon for Bruce's two concerts.
Can anyone help? cheers.