Bruce Springsteen triumphs at emotional Atlanta tour opener
Bruce Springsteen played most of his new "Wrecking Ball" album on the tour of the same name, which launched Sunday at Philips Arena. Photo: Robb Cohen
Here’s a rule to live by: It’s OK to get to a Bruce Springsteen concert a little late, but never ever, ever leave early.
Then again, with Springsteen’s new self-introduction – a tongue-in-cheek intonation about “The Jersey devil…the future of rock ‘n’ roll himself …he’s sexy and he knows it” – it was worthwhile to have been standing, camera phones poised, when Springsteen and the venerable E Street Band kicked off their “Wrecking Ball” tour at 8:10 Sunday night at Philips Arena.
It was the first of many “new” things on this 53-date outing. The second one came the instant the lights flooded the open-backed stage and, along with it, the jolting reality of what – rather, who – was missing.
Clarence Clemons. The Big Man. The imposing glue of the E Street Band.
It was a massive shadow that hung over the concert for two hours and 35 minutes – but one that was acknowledged frequently and gracefully, bittersweet sighs mixed with cheers in Clemons’ memory. Early in the show, Springsteen took “roll call” of the band, asking, finally, “Are we missing anybody?” an obvious nod to Clemons and organist Danny Federici, who died in 2008.
“The only thing I can guarantee,” Springsteen said, “is that if you’re here and we’re here…then they’re here.”
But still, no matter that this current incarnation of the E Streeters is bigger than a football team (16 players plus their MVP quarterback). Or that the excellent five-piece brass section is anchored, in a bit of karmic awesomeness, by Clemons’ nephew, Jake.
The Big Man was still missed.
But life – and the E Street Band – goes on, and Springsteen kept a healthy chunk of his 24-song set list current, opening with the double-punch of new songs “We Take Care of Our Own” and “Wrecking Ball,” the latter a slow-build into the inevitable cymbal-crashing crescendo from Mighty Max Weinberg, the human metronome.
The success of “Wrecking Ball,” the album, which hit No. 1 last week (the 10th of his career), hopefully means that fans are willing to embrace the songs live, too.
For every nostalgic glance to “Badlands” – during which Springsteen called Clemons the Younger forward for his first solo – or infectious “E Street Shuffle,” came a handful of new tracks.
But Springsteen is one of the few artists who can play 10 of 13 songs from a new album and still hold a multi-generational sold-out crowd rapt with his intense delivery and distinctively raspy voice. It also helps that as sturdy as many of these fresh tunes are on record, live, they’re dusted with E Street magic.
For the musically adventurous “Death to My Hometown,” featuring tuba, accordion and electric banjo, Springsteen growled the lyrics, thrusting his finger at the crowd, passion flying alongside spit and sweat.
He briefly mentioned the 2009 recession as the impetus for “Jack of All Trades” before quickly heading into the wrenching, yet ultimately uplifting, ballad. Those who have chastised Springsteen in the past for politicking at his shows will find nothing to complain about this time.
He did, however, note that he spent a lot of time in Atlanta the past decade (“The Rising,” “Magic” and “Working on a Dream” were recorded at Southern Tracks studio) and that he was “glad to start our tour off here and see if this [stuff] works…or die tryin’.”
Springsteen is joined at the mic by E Streeters Nils Lofgren and Steven Van Zandt. Photo: Robb Cohen
At 62, Springsteen is still a taut package of rugged masculinity in tight black jeans and a neat vest and button-down shirt; and while he might not slide across the stage on his knees anymore, he’s still insanely active.
He called wife Patti Scialfa to join him a few rows into the crowd for “Easy Money,” gave a quick kiss to the back of her head at song’s end and then took a swing on his mic stand, staying close enough to yelp another, “1-2-3-fah!” to kickstart “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day.” During that one, he tightrope-walked his way across the front part of a lower side section, and, a few moments later, for “Promised Land,” perched on the drum riser to trade harmonica licks with Clemons’ sax riffs.
While many fans relish Springsteen’s cover songs, the selections for this tour (so far) – The Temptations’ “The Way You Do the Things You Do” and Wilson Pickett’s “634-5789” – sounded more like an audition to be the world’s greatest bar mitzvah band. Although watching Springsteen get passed across the crowd on his back, Peter Gabriel-style, was almost worth the soul-revue detour.
While the first three-quarters of the typically no-frills show maintained an even-keeled pace, without the spikes of energy of tours past, the final five songs proved – just in case it still needed verifying – that Springsteen and the E Street Band is the best live act in the business.
It was the usual houselights up for “Born to Run,” a roar greeting Clemons when he unleashed the notes of his uncle’s iconic solo. For whatever reason, in the moment of that song, with 20,000 people singing in unison, there is always a swelling feeling that all is right with the world.
Jake Clemons, Clarence's nephew, handled his uncle's iconic solos in the show. Photo: Robb Cohen
Springsteen also revived “Dancing in the Dark,” a pop tune whose perky melody belies its introspective lyrics and his lone live nod to his ‘80s hit-making period. He appeared to have a ball during the song, though, even reminding us of Courtney Cox’s earliest fame by pulling a young girl onto the stage to dance with him.
But it was the climactic “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” that will stick with fans, both for its eternal melody and now, its more poignant meaning.
Springsteen strolled the stage for the swaggering tune – Steven Van Zandt, with his wonderful cartoon face, mugging appropriately behind him – and when the line, “When the change was made uptown and the Big Man joined the band,” arrived, did the only appropriate thing: Stopped the music.
The song culminated with grins and hugs and bows, and an exhausted yet exhilarated Springsteen proclaimed, “What an audience!” Then, he backed off the stage, blowing a kiss to the crowd before heading back to join his brotherhood.
Set list from March 18, 2012
- “We Take Care of Our Own”
- “Wrecking Ball”
- “Badlands”
- “Death to My Hometown”
- “My City of Ruins”
- “The E Street Shuffle”
- “Jack of All Trades”
- “Seeds”
- “Easy Money”
- “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day”
- “The Promised Land”
- “The Way You Do the Things You Do” (The Temptations)
- “634-5789” (Wilson Pickett)
- “Shackled and Drawn”
- “Lonesome Day”
- “The Rising”
- “We Are Alive”
- “Thunder Road”
- “Rocky Ground”
- “Land of Hope and Dreams”
- “Born to Run”
- “Dancing in the Dark”
- “American Land”
- “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out”
By Melissa Ruggieri, Atlanta Music Scene Blog
Follow me on Twitter: @ajclifestyle
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90 comments Add your comment
Come On
March 19th, 2012
4:47 pm
I am a big Springsteen fan, been to about 15 shows over the years and have been a fan for much longer than that. I am also a Republican. I like his music, enjoy his lyrics, and love his shows. I’m not considering him for elected office, so his politics don’t get me worked up. No need for people to dump on his politics, and no need for others to dump on conservatives. Let’s just stick to the music.
Spanish Johnny
March 19th, 2012
4:58 pm
@Kingzilla. Loved your first post. Brought back my own memories (as I mentioned in mine) back to 1970s in high school in DC area, including summer of ‘75 with about 1,500 people at Meriweather Post on a beautiful summer night before the release of his upcoming album. Seen him in NY several times since. I have a 20 year old daughter and she is getting into his music, too.
Your second post struck a nerve though because, along with my buddies, I was a HUGE fan of The Boss. Knew all the lyrics! But when he started with the Bush-bashing, it was a turn-off. Now, most of my favorite artists are (ahem) liberals….so I get that. However, if you are upset because of what Bush did (with a Democratic Congress the last couple years don’t forget) then you must be outright outraged at what Obama has done. I mean, Bush (and some Democrats) spiked the National Debt from $5 Trillion to almost $10 T in 8 years, but Obama has added another $6T in just 3 years! I don’t care about a lot of the other stuff, but doubling gas prices, tripling the deficit, and spending out of control falls on BOTH parties and conservatives and, yes, liberals.
But, this is not the place for politics, so in deference to the Dixie Chicks: I like it when the performers just “shut up and sing!”
And for that…Bruce is the consummate showman and I love his music, and from time to time when I play “NYC Serenade” on my CD player while I’m driving my SUV to work, I will again be taken back to the days of cruising in my Firebird in the summer of ‘75, with the E-Street Band playing sweetly on my 8-Track, and I will again recall a time before all the rest of this crap didn’t matter so much. And I’ll wipe the tear from my eye and move on down the road.
Comment Here
March 19th, 2012
5:28 pm
Anyone that can get the crowd moving in a lifeless place like Philips…LOL
brock
March 19th, 2012
5:34 pm
Well done review Melissa; thank you.
I had only seen 3 Springsteen shows before this, and I have to say I enjoyed this one the most. As one from a time when bands would tour to promote their latest album, this really took me back. Knowing I would hear some of Wrecking Ball, I got it last week to familiarize myself, and am glad I did. It’s a good record that really works live.
I thought of Robert Johnson last night. He who allegedly sold his soul to the devil for musical skills. I think Bruce must have made a similar deal to preserve his youth! The man is forever 35.
Fantastic show. I usually avoid arenas like the plague, but am glad to have made an exception.
Kingzilla
March 19th, 2012
5:52 pm
Spanish Johnny,
I think that is what I said in my post. Republicans rally on their right to promote and evangelize their message. Then they distort and create an OPINION of what Bruce actually said in his personal commentary which is 90% in support of the less fortunate who have taken the brunt of the economic crises. WHether YOU like it or not it is their prerogative to make a statement or two about their beliefs. Just like the Rush Limbaugh show it is not political DISCOURSE as you started to engage in above, it is a personal comment.
And just as you mentioned the Dixie Chicks, the conservative media did the EXACT same thing: They created FALSE outrage creating the perception that it was a grass roots uprising and filled the Clear Channel radio stations with that BS. Then they invited all of their listeners to the Clear Channel funded Dixie Chick CD Bonfire saying that it was a public gathering.
Springsteen makes 15 seconds of commentary asking people to support a local food bank that people desperately need because of the near collapse ofd the banking system while Bush was in office. Did that not happen? Should people who need assistance turn to begging in the streets as they did during the Reagan and Bush (1) eras? You are exactly correct, this is not the forum for that.
But the conservative media once again whips several truthful opinions from Bruce and EVERY conservative I know (I don’t think I know you) calls Springsteen a whiner. Don’t get me wrong, the comments that I heard all around last night at the show actually amused me, because I realized that they really weren’t their opinions, they were the opinions of Fox News which had been distorted and fed to it’s audience like the drugs that Rush Limbaugh takes.
Now you in a very nice tone and respectful manner (which I really appreciate) tell me that I should leave this subject out of the discussions about my favorite musician because it bugs you. You don’t know whether I think Obama is doing a good job or a bad job, but you use the opportunity to further try and use my comments to expand into an Obama bashing event. Have at it.
I will take great comfort in knowing that Bruce is changing peoples hearts and minds through his music and clarity. After all that is really the reason conservatives are so mad at him isn’t it?
Whiner? REALLY?
I hope that the conservative media doesn’t try and Dixie Chick the Boss, but if it does I will truly enjoy watching them make utter fools of themselves.
Jay
March 19th, 2012
5:58 pm
This was a great show.It was my 4th. I first saw Bruce and the E Street Band on their Born in the USA tour. I like the new songs but I still miss Born in the USA, Glory Days,The river and My hometown.Why doesnt he do those??? The new music is great and he knows how to perform. Loved the show but woulda traded 2 or 3 songs for the older and classic Bruce
Scott
March 19th, 2012
6:11 pm
I have seen Bruce many times before and this was the WORST show ever. If you really like Bruce – up to 1985 and not really any further, please do yourself a favor and save your hard earned money!!
Crazy Janie and the Mission Man
March 19th, 2012
6:24 pm
Hope he comes back at the end of the tour to close out the tour, and to inaugurate our re-elected President
N2knees
March 19th, 2012
6:57 pm
Saw Bruce 32 years ago for the river tour, multiple Born in the USA shows, last time Tunnel of Love before last night. Still rocks longer than most but set list was weak. We really don’t need more than half the show of new music. And Patty is just window dressing. Last time I saw her she was just dancing around with a tambourine, now playing a little air guitar. Loved tenth avenue freeze out though, that saved the show for me. I’m going tonight in Greensboro and really hope he shakes up the set list. Glory Days anyone?
lallie
March 19th, 2012
7:42 pm
So looking forward to seeing Bruce in Manchester England in June.First saw him in Leeds at Born in the USA tour in 80s.This will be the 12th time but will be so sad without the Big Man as it was last time I saw him without Danny.Hope he does include a lot of oldies as well as new. Agree that Jackson Browne should be on the list but so should Tom Petty.
Debi Speaker
March 19th, 2012
7:51 pm
Great review! Going to the Philly show! I saw 10 of his shows in last 10 yrs–including Seeger Sessions, an AWESOME show proving(though certainly NOT necessary) that the man is always “in his element”! Bruce’s new cd took me back there. If you didn’t see the Seeger Sessions Tour most likely you just don’t & won’t get it! Squirrelly, Bruce toured w/old school(Darkness, Born in USA), did you miss them? I didn’t they took us BACK…just in case you haven’t heard…THIS IS “The Wrecking Ball” Tour-taking us FORWARD!
finally
March 19th, 2012
8:09 pm
We were there and really anticipated seeing this performer for the 1st time ever-THE BOSS-he’s gonna absolutely rock right? Not so much, after being there from 8:20-9:50 and only recognizing the cover songs and a bit of the E Street Shuffle, we were very disappointed. Yes, l fully understand that tours are to sell the latest album/shirt/bandana and I know we will here some new songs, but really? That Waitin on a Sunny Day was pure awful dreck and some people were acting like it was one of his biggest hits, maybe because l was sober it was a bit more awkward. He has some really awesome songs, too bad we didn’t hear many of them. I should be glad that we didn’t hear Santa Claus is coming to Town….but I would have actually enjoyed that over some of the slow and depressing durdges. I have seen some really bad performances by ZZ Top and Clapton, Bruce still has the chops and ability, the song choices were just not good.
Dee
March 19th, 2012
8:48 pm
I was at last night’s concert (3rd for me). I always have a great time and he definitely gives you a bang for your buck! Thought the concert was a little shorter than usual and was waiting to hear more of his older music (classics). Still, great concert!
Plague4
March 19th, 2012
8:55 pm
I’ve got tickets to the Jersey shows. Saw the set list. Can we get some Thundercrack!!! Please!….Also, several songs from Nebraska would fit perfect…..Johnny 99, Nebraska, and REason to Believe would fit great…I’ve been going to concert for 30 years….Rock on Bruce!!!!!
drive-all-night-for-bruce
March 19th, 2012
9:16 pm
It was a great concert and the beginning of a new era for The Boss and the E Street Band.
Bruce was even more generous to his fans, and he’s always given his all. While in the past, he and Clarence worked their magical chemistry to make us all feel like family, last night Bruce alone brought the band and fans together in joyous unity. Closing with “Tenth Avenue Freezeout” was the perfect touch to a powerful, poignant evening.
For those who miss the older songs, please give the new members of the band time to learn the E Street repertoire. This is a huge transition, and you know Bruce won’t let his gems be displayed unless they’ll shine. Let’s all support The Boss and his band with the
appreciation, respect, and sensitivity that he’s always given us.
Tom Waits
March 19th, 2012
9:44 pm
Who is this guy?
PhilD get a life
March 19th, 2012
9:59 pm
Atlanta – really, how hard can it be to get there by an 8pm start, especially when the ticket says 7:30pm? And to all you who literally started leaving before final bows – SERIOUSLY? You couldn’t stay 1-2 more minutes? And to all the folks in my section who sat the entire show, ok, some of you are clearly on the senior side but for the younger (say below 60) its a Springsteen concert!!! Like the Boss said, you gotta Rise Up!
When you buy the tickets, you can set the rules, otherwise STFU
Tommy
March 19th, 2012
10:03 pm
I saw bob seger at the Phillips arena last April and That will hold a place in my heart forever but saw Bruce last night he is second to know one
jlou55
March 19th, 2012
10:36 pm
This was a great review to a terrific concert. I feel like i literally grew up w. Bruce; his music is such a huge part of who I am, to this day. The last time I saw him in concert was almost 30 years ago..Born in the USA. We are all getting undeniably older, but last night proved he is still THE BEST.
jlou55
March 19th, 2012
10:41 pm
Oh yea…and the only way the night could have been more perfect would be if he had played Rosalita …. but I knew that was a long shot! “I’m coming to liberate you, confiscate you, I want to be your man…someday we’ll look back at this will all seem funny”.
Jimmie
March 19th, 2012
10:50 pm
kingzilla can kiss my conservative a–
brock
March 19th, 2012
11:59 pm
@Finally, you say “we,” meaning at least two of you. So, you spent $113 x 2 for tix (plus parking, etc), and can’t buy a $10 album to get prepared for the show, billed as the Wrecking Ball Tour? That is penny-wise, pound foolish. Or simply poor planning skills. And you get the album that you might actually like!
There are plenty of has-been acts out there that will play all their old hits, because they rest on their laurels and don’t make new music. Thankfully, Bruce is still a working musician who creates.
N2knees
March 20th, 2012
12:35 am
Just got back from Greensboro show after seeing him in Atlanta last night. Same list except b/c the night & Rosalita. These shows don’t hold a candle to The River, Born in the USA or even Tunnel of Love tours. What happened to mixing up the set list? We don’t need or want to hear 10 of 13 songs off the new album. If I like it I’ll buy it, but shoving it down our throats won’t encourage us to buy it. Very disappointing, I know he’s older, but he’s gotten soft & forgotten the fans that got him to this point. I would tell you if you don’t want to hear almost all new material don’t waste your money. The energy while better than many just wasn’t half of previous tours. And what exactly does Patty do or add to the band? I’ve been wondering that for years.
Kingzilla
March 20th, 2012
2:09 am
Jimmy, I’ll go kiss a hole in the ground because I am sure that you wouldn’t know the difference.
finally
March 20th, 2012
6:56 am
Brock, I completely understand your opinion and in the past l have done exactly that so I would enjoy every minute of a show and l would “get” all the songs but I don’t think many of the people in our sec, 112, knew those songs. In this case we assumed/hoped/thought with 40 years of material the new songs would be represented slightly but not completely. I have to echo N2knees, on this tour he has forgotten the “old school” fans that want to have a Glory Days, Tunnel of Love, I’m on Fire moment. Lastly, no, I would not buy the new album based on what I heard.
R.F.
March 20th, 2012
7:48 am
He’s STILL the future of Rock n Roll!
John
March 20th, 2012
8:13 am
The new album is great and I don’t think it is self-indulgent for him to play alot of material from his album that just debuted at #1 on the charts and has been getting rave critical reviews. What separates Bruce from other acts is that he continually stays relevant and good. He does not have to rely on his past and continues to move forward. I thought he played a good bit from the old days. If anything he skipped the mid-80s phase, which most “hardcore” fans think was his weakest period. I have no complaints about the show. Of course there were some songs that I love that he didn’t play, but when you are a fan of someone who has so many great songs, you are always going to miss out on some of your favorites.
Bernie Quinn - Castleknock, Dublin, Ireland
March 20th, 2012
9:54 am
Best album I heard in years! Great set list for opening show..bring on RDS in July! The BOSS still has it!
Lori
March 20th, 2012
10:16 am
OK…I’m getting teary-eyed just reading about the Big Man tributes. I’m afraid I might openly weep at the show in Cleveland.
Cali Pam
March 20th, 2012
2:36 pm
I Saw bruce in Los Angeles sports Arena in 2009 they drew my number in a lottery which landed me front row one of the best experiences of my life, I’m headed for my 13th show in LA can’t wait thanks bruce and the band for all the joy,spirit,and last but not least the music oh! that music.
JMac
March 20th, 2012
6:43 pm
All I can say is that Finally and Scott have no idea of what a “Good” concert is all about, much less what constitutes a “Great” concert. Sunday night in what is normally a calm concert crowd, The Boss lit up the building like it has been lit up on just a few occasions since it open in 1999. The crowd was a little slow to get caught up in the awesomeness, but once they did, it was wide open for the remainder of the night.
I was happy to hear the 10 new songs, because it is his best work since The Rising, and if he did not have the new CD, I doubt if he would be on the road at all. He has hit the road again and in great form. The band was tight and all the new people really fit in well. The Big Man was indeed missed, but a couple of times I closed my eyes, and I could tell Clarence was guiding his nephew.
Would I have liked to hear more of the classics….. YES, but what I will not question is what music The Boss gives us, because what he gives us is always spectacular.
Sunday night March 18, Atlanta, Ga., Bruce Springsteen gave his heart to our city. I, for one, am very thankful I was there.
Richard
March 20th, 2012
8:17 pm
I was at the show and this review nailed it! Awesome show and great review … Thanks!
slab
March 20th, 2012
8:43 pm
I’ve been to 12-15 shows since 1981 and this was as good as any. Bruce and the E Street still give their all every time. I don’t care who Bruce votes for or supports I went for the music and they delivered as usual.
Chuck
March 20th, 2012
10:52 pm
Insightful review. Especially relevant comment regarding the fact he can (AND DOES) play a lot of new music, unlike virtually everyone else in his age range.
PS He did do the knee slide across the stage the next show in Greensboro, NC.
Mary Buoni
March 21st, 2012
12:12 am
This was my first Springsteen concert. It has always been on my list but never came true until Sunday and it was a great experience. Wish I saw them years ago . A great way to spend my 40th Wedding Anniversary!
Laser Jim
March 21st, 2012
2:22 am
So… was the show sold out? I really wanted to go, but I was disgusted with the cluster**** ticket sale arrangement. I was on the web trying to buy 4 tix within 5 seconds of 10AM on the day they were “first released”. Of course none were available, though they were already available on the scalper sites. I kept checking back over the next few weeks, but I’d be damned if I’d pay $ 113/seat to sit behind the stage, or $ 200+ for a nosebleed seat. I also got sick of acting like a trained monkey typing in nonsense words only to find no tickets available.
Bruce has previously taken Ticketmaster to task for this very issue, but so far it seems to be only lip service. The phantom schemes to “protect ticket buyers” are B.S.
It would have been the 8th or 9th Springsteen concert for me. I hope to catch this tour somewhere else without having to play ticket roulette.
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March 21st, 2012
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jay
March 23rd, 2012
8:38 am
I have seen Bruce 63 times after last night and for those of you who remember the epic 4 hour, in your face rock shows of the 70s and 80s know Bruce isn’t what he once was. That said, they r still a great show and better than 95% of anything you can buy a ticket for. I just wish the political preaching Bruce would remember the beach bum, vagrant, maniac who left you breathless and amazed after a show. I also don’t like the new album of now typical politically charged music Bruce has turned to. Dear Bruce, shut up and rock.
Frank Furter
March 23rd, 2012
8:58 am
Not Quite Devils…Steps From Fallen…Sound Syndrome…Live at the The Wishing Well on Hudson Bridge Road in Stockbridge , Ga on March 31st, 2012. Show starts at 9PM. GREAT food so come hungry! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Not-Quite-Devils/189460134436969
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