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
hank rearden
March 19th, 2012
6:05 am
In no particular order, Springsteen, Dylan, Van Morrison and Neil Young. The greatest of the great.
That was
March 19th, 2012
6:31 am
GREAT! You still got it BOSS!!!
Tommy
March 19th, 2012
6:43 am
Great review, Melissa. It’s nice to have one of Bruce’s shows reviewed by someone who truly ‘gets it’. It was an amazing kick off to what will be a milestone tour for the E Street Band, for certain. Thanks.
Skram30082
March 19th, 2012
6:48 am
Another awesome show by Bruce and the band. I was particularly interested in how Jake would handle the impossible task of filling in for Clarence. Musically, he was great, but there were a couple of times when he looked a tiny bit awkward when Bruce brought him down front. However, during the break in 10th Avenue Freeze Out, he was smiling, clapping and pointing upwards in what I thought was a nice gesture, while accepting the torch that has been passed to him.
We’ll never forget Phantom Dan and the Big Man, but even they know the show must go on.
Up the E Street
March 19th, 2012
6:55 am
Received some “free” tixs and really was impressed. Is it too late to become a fan? I think I may have missed the Boss in his prime though.
Dakotah John
March 19th, 2012
7:06 am
Looking Forward To Seeing “the Boss” and his Band at the Coliseum in Greensboro TONIGHT!!
Jersey guy
March 19th, 2012
7:10 am
70’s rockers rule…there is NO comparison!
Phillip
March 19th, 2012
7:17 am
You saw a 62-year old man and the world’s greatest live band kick you-know-what for over 2 1/2 hours.
They didn’t need autotune. They didn’t need lip-sync. They didn’t need costume changes.
Nobody else does that, or even comes close.
Nobody.
Jake
March 19th, 2012
7:21 am
And NO politics!!!!!! So all of you H aters can S T F Up now. Thank you very much!!
Juke
March 19th, 2012
7:25 am
Fun show last night. I would have radically changed the set list, though. That’s what you get with a performer who has so many solid tunes. New album is pretty good, but it shouldn’t have been half the concert.
AwayBBL
March 19th, 2012
7:30 am
@Up the E Street… It’s never too late.
This was my 50th show. Saw Bruce and a motley crew of gypsies way back in 1973 while I was stationed at McGuire AFB in NJ at a club called The Satellite Lounge… been a fan since.
If I had one complaint about last nights show, its the process that the fans who bought general admission tickets had to go through. First they break the lower floor into two sections and a “chosen” few get to be in the first section. The few get chosen by a wristband lottery system which aims to control the chaos, but is itself very chaotic. Bruce… “tear down the wall”… let your fans decide who gets to be upfront by allowing them to queue up on first come first served basis, and do away with the split sections. Last night there was plenty of room in the pit area, but went unfilled because of the “process”.
The tribute to Clarence during “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out” was truly amazing. With 20,000 people giving a fitting tribute to the Big Man as only we could.
Steve
March 19th, 2012
7:31 am
I hadn’t seen Bruce in over thirty years when he toured following the release of Darkness on the Edge of Town. The “Boss” hasn’t lost anything since then and showed everyone present he and the E Street Band can still deliver….BIG TIME! A really great show!
Excellent list, Hank. I’d add Jackson Browne to it.
Bruce Springsteen March 18, 2012 Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA | Bruce Springsteen Wrecking Ball Tour Blog
March 19th, 2012
7:32 am
[...] Bruce Springsteen triumphs at emotional Atlanta tour opener – Atlanta Music [...]
Vimal
March 19th, 2012
8:21 am
Wow, I am from India and a die hard fan of Bruce for the past 25 yrs and plan to make it for the first time to one of his live shows, hopefully in Europe. My daughters think I’m insane!!!
Its my teenage dream to attend his shows, lucky you guys get to attend so many. He is America’s greatest gift! His voice is getting louder in the midst of all the chaos. Rock on “BOSS”
Thanks for the update Melissa, its people like you who keep us up to date.Miss Clemons too.
Tommy
March 19th, 2012
9:03 am
You have still got it boss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ben
March 19th, 2012
9:07 am
Was there last night.
I have been baptized in the rock n roll waters and made clean again!!!
Thanks again Boss. You’ve never let me down;
PhilD
March 19th, 2012
9:20 am
While many earlier concerts were longer (i’ve been to 10 now over the past 30 years), he didn’t take any long breaks and kept the pacing crisp. I was surprised by empty seats in section 105 which should be top dollar seats. I suspect this is the impact of scalpers who couldn’t sell their inventory at overly inflated prices. What a shame. Overall the sound was very good and that is an accomplishment for the acoustically-challenged Philips. I thought Bruce was a bit surprised by the initial slow kick-off by the audience but being a superlative showman, he just rolled with it.
I brought my 14 & 11 year old sons for their first rock concert (with ear plugs, they definitely needed) and noticed that a number of folks brought their kids as well. Talk about multi-generational appeal. Was really great to see the little girl sing a line from Watin’ as well as the young woman right by the stage. Bruce went out into the crowd a lot more and showed the faith and trust between performer and audience.
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! Just honored and happy he played Atlanta and having the kick-off show was cool. There are only 15 cities in America for this leg of the tour so we won the lottery.
Mike.in.VA
March 19th, 2012
9:32 am
Reading your review gave me goosebumps! Great reveiw of what sounds like a great show. Bruce always delivers! You Atlantans are lucky to get the tour opener and you’re lucky to have Melissa there to review it. Reading her review made me feel like I was there!
Hank Rearden
March 19th, 2012
9:34 am
Thanks Steve. I like Jackson a lot also, but before I added him I would have to add
Warren Zevon.
Arch
March 19th, 2012
9:35 am
Melissa, writing better than ever. Felt I was there,
mike
March 19th, 2012
9:38 am
Show #25 for me last night. Unbelievable. If I have 25% of that man’s energy at 62, I’ll be thrilled.
John
March 19th, 2012
9:52 am
Bruce defies imagination and science. How is he 62 years old? Other older rockers will still rock out but Bruce looks young doing it. The new album is great and the songs sounded even better live. He blended everything together perfectly. Jake Clemons would have made his uncle proud. He definitely was front and center and did not disappoint. Can you imagine how nervous he had to be filling those shoes. Incredible show!!!
Pete
March 19th, 2012
10:01 am
@PhilD
Agree with you 100%. Can’t Atlantans read a f… clock ? Falcons games start at 1:00 and there are 20,000 empty seats still at 1:30. What was the excuse last night ? Sunday at 7:30PM ? Were they watching reruns of a 1976 Bulldog football game ? This was my 12th Springsteen concert and my 3rd one in Atlanta and those 3 were the most boring crowds out of the 12. What is it with this town ? This isn’t church.
As usual, the Boss was absolutely great trying to awaken this sleepy town. Leaving before the end of a Springsteen concert ? Really Atlanta ?
La La
March 19th, 2012
10:31 am
Melissa you continue to capture the essense of concerts for those there and those not… Bruce and E Street continue to be timeless… I feel 20 again and am still on a high from last night’s performace.
Charlie
March 19th, 2012
10:37 am
As a native New Yorker who just relocated to Atlanta last summer and who saw Bruce and the band for the 30th time last night (29 of which were in NY or NJ, his home stomping grounds), I have to say this was one of the best shows I’ve seen. It was no legendary 4 hour performance that many of us have gotten used to over the years with every old time favorite included (Rosalita, Jungleland, etc) but it was memorable for so many reasons. The brass section ads a new dimension and the Celtic sound is incredible. I wasn’t sure how Bruce or the crowd would be outside of the NYC Metro area, but I was blown away. No matter where the boss or his fans are, they will always rock! And Atlanta rocked big time last night.
Kim
March 19th, 2012
10:50 am
I have seen the Boss 12 times, and he and the E Street gang have only gotten better. Atlanta was rockin’ last night! Thanks to the Bruce, the Band and the fans. He has always wanted to ensure folks have a great time…. out of the park, Bruce… out of the park!
ATL Beach Bum
March 19th, 2012
10:56 am
This was my first Bruce show and i thought it was great, but I can’t believe he didn’t play BORN IN THE USA!!
Jersey Mike
March 19th, 2012
11:01 am
Jersey’s favorite son did us right! Clarence..Clarence…Clarence…too frigging cool! All I can say is Wow! Thanks Boss
Jamie Fields
March 19th, 2012
11:36 am
Best concert of my life (and I’ve seen U2, the Stones, the Dead, Aerosmith….)—there is just no way to communicate the love and energy and community at a Springsteen show. Long live Bruce!
Jamie Fields
March 19th, 2012
11:37 am
Enter your comments here
Oh! Forgot to say I saw Bruce in 92 in Frankfurt–but without the E Street Band. NO COMPARISON to this show. It was outstanding.
Rhoho
March 19th, 2012
11:39 am
Atlanta last night was somewhere between my 15-20 Springsteen concert and second with my son. Way cool that 10 of the 12 people sitting around us were Father’s with their sons. Last night was the first show, since my first one way back when, that I went into with some apprehension, not knowing what to expect. The show was great. I was in the first row of the upper deck, 310, and up there where the real fans are, guy next to me said it was his 17th show, there was no shortage of enthusiasm and we all stayed till they started taking down the stage. Bruce accomplished exactly what he stated he wanted to do at the outset, help you forget about your troubles and have FUN!
Steve
March 19th, 2012
11:51 am
I have seen Bruce over 30 times. I was introduced at a young age during the “Darkness” days by a very dear friend (that was a Bruce maniac) who was part of our pack of guys that have been friends for years. We lost him to 9/11 and with every Bruce song played or concert attended, we feel our friend’s presence. Bruce’s memorializing of his “brother”, THE BIG MAN, Clarence Clemons,is such a close reminder of how his music can powerfully unite the spirits and the souls of the living and the dead in one monster house of Rock and Roll. I am seeing the show in a few weeks in NY. Your review makes me want to jump on a plane and head to Greensboro, NC tonight!!! Thanks Bruce for keeping it real and still getting it done like you did 35 years ago!!!! I don’t think we ever need to see Bruce as a judge on American Idol. He will be too busy rocking and rolling until his last breath of air on this earth!!!
Spanish Johnny
March 19th, 2012
12:03 pm
My buddies Wild Billy and Hazy Davy and I were in the PIT! Couple people back from the stage. Awesome! Of course, I saw Sprinsteen (and my fave guitarist Nils Lofgren) back in high school (1974) before “Born to Run” made him nationwide. When Nils joined up with him in 1985 or so, it was the thrill of my life to see two of my childhood icons on stage together. Fun seeing Kevin Bacon in the pit, too.
Warren
March 19th, 2012
12:15 pm
Excellent Review…. Your article has me ready for Friday’s concert in Tampa!!!!!!
Thanks
Christine
March 19th, 2012
12:19 pm
My first Bruce concert, and I was blown away! Such an emotional journey, and it was incredible to see, hear, and feel the tributes to Clarence & Danny. Our section was rocking out- only a few times did any of us sit, can’t imagine that anyone could sit for the entire concert or even for the majority of it as one poster says….guy, you should have come over to section 116!! The joy on Bruce’s face was evident, and his tongue-in-cheek intro was hilarious. Awesome to see him interacting with the little girls on “Sunny Day” and “Dancing in the Dark”….next generation of rockers!
Comment Here
March 19th, 2012
12:39 pm
Where was Kevin Beacon? Anyway, anyone know the drunk old guy that fell down in the club section after the show?
Wild Billy
March 19th, 2012
12:52 pm
A great time was had. About my 200 th show. New material was great. Encores rocked. Lot of new material but the new folks in the band are still in training. How about those two maniacs in the pit with spanish Johnny who had the Clarence heads on a stick. They were huge. What a great ingenious tribute to the Big Man. Tons of love in the house for him. Off to Greensboro with our Clarence heads !!!
Kingzilla
March 19th, 2012
1:04 pm
Loyal Bruce fan since ‘75 and saw my first show in Pittsburgh in 1980. Unfortunately I wasn’t paying attention through the late nineties and early 00’s but when I found him again in 2006 I was impressed by his progress and direction and it felt almost like discovering Springsteen again for the first time.
I took my wife and 15yr old daughter to tour opening show in Atlanta in 2009, and with bad seats – and the Atlanta crowd (a solid show by all accounts), it lacked the intensity and stamina that I had remembered. The next week I saw him in New York and was in awe once again. What a difference.
I spent the years that followed trying to convince my daughter that she had seen a legend and that it was some of the best music she would hear. She wasn’t convinced – until last night. Call it a re-do, This time, with seats right behind the stage, (Possibly better for a Springsteen show) and after a 2.5 hour non-stop Rock-n-Roll assault by Bruce and the E Street Band she has been delivered!!
And here is the amazing thing: SO WAS I!
Bruce Springsteen – and the E Street Band continue to lay the concrete and steel foundation as the very best Rock and Roll band of all time. And I sure don’t know how these things are judged, but I think that Bruce has pulled along side and quite possibly has overtaken the Legendary James Brown as the Hardest Working man in Show Business.
It finally became clear to me last night: Even though I was an avid fan, even though I had seen him several times and had followed his career and musical documentation of the American Life, it was as if I was seeing Bruce and the band for the first time again last night.
I am sure that everyone has other favorite bands or musicians that they have followed over the years. Maybe the Stones or Tom Petty, etc., but if you go to see them now you would most likely see a fantastic show that brought back memories from the glory days, and maybe you would even enjoy some of the newer materials you hadn’t heard before, but would you expect the experience to take you in with it leaving you with the incredible feeling that you had seen two shows?
For example, I would prepare my daughter for what was surely coming next so that she would not miss anything this time. As predicted those trademark features were there as if on cue, and there is enough classic ,material to convince you that you had seen a genuine Springsteen show.
After you are sure that you had definitely seen the classic Springsteen you remember from (Insert DECADE here), (early/late 70’s, 80’s, 90’s 00’s 10’s) it strikes you that you had also seen something completely different – a new set of material complete with Springsteen “features” added that defines the current chapter of the artists epic journey. The great part is that he picks you up and carries you on that journey with him!
That is what I felt last night.
Kodac Harrison
March 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
I first saw Bruce in Oakland in 1975 (he played a club in Atl on that tour). Before that I had seen James Brown in 1967, The Stones in 1969, The Who in 1971, and many others, but no one puts on a show like Bruce. I put last night’s show among my favorites starting with the 1975 show, when he did five long encores until he wore his young audience out.
SUSAN D
March 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
Can’t wait till Friday. Going to see Bruce in Tampa. 14th show I’ve seen, and it’s true ….Come late, don’t leave early ! Also glad that the reviewer understands the band and the fans ! Sounds like it was a great show as always !
brian
March 19th, 2012
1:28 pm
can’t wait for apr13th in buffalo ny.
E
March 19th, 2012
1:40 pm
I had the time of my life last night at the concert!!!!!!!!!
GREAT MUSIC by a GREAT BAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I reach my 60s (I’m now 34), I only wish I can be as cool as “The Boss.”
Clark
March 19th, 2012
1:48 pm
First saw Bruce at Electric Ballroom in Atl, I think 1975 and often since. Agree with Kodac that this may have been the best. I think without Clarence he had to stretch it a little and it worked. The vocals were choir like, while the horn section and synth’s produced more intricate and flexible arrangements.”Have a little faith. There’s magic in the night.” Lot’s of exclamation points in this thread!!!
gerry lreland
March 19th, 2012
2:05 pm
great review by melissa sounds like a fab show by the boss roll on dublin in july….!!!
John
March 19th, 2012
2:09 pm
@Away BBL…I think the reason why there’s all that room in the pit area is because of fire codes. It has something to do with the way it’s zoned, the fact that it’s standing room only, it’s general admission, and the number of exits in the arena. But I’m with you, I’ve been on the other side of that barrier looking at 15-20 feet of space.
So pumped for DC and NYC. As a native Atlantan transplanted up to DC, I’m glad he started the tour at home and psyched the crowd gave the tour a great start.
m villalba14
March 19th, 2012
2:38 pm
bruce i got to see you a couple of years back in phoenix ,AZ…im 46 and have been a fan since i was 16…..!ROCK ON BRUCE!!!!!!!!
Kingzilla
March 19th, 2012
2:59 pm
I just can’t help but comment on the Politics.
I have been to three concerts since 2009, and in total I think I heard at tops 45 seconds of combined Political commentary. I never heard the audience complaining about anything until the conservative media took it, distorted the meaning and context and regurgitated it as opinion to the people who listen to that stuff.
Most commentary you see about a Springsteen show is about a Springsteen show. Occasionally you will get a rant about how someone just couldn’t accept the fact that Bruce talked for 15 seconds about supporting a local food bank because of people struggling after the economic crises that started in 2008 during the Bush Presidency!
I heard even less commentary from Bruce last night, but I heard a constant onslaught of 47ignorant and misinterpreted commentary coming from all sides of my seat. In front of me two guys made sarcastic commentary to the effect that they would stay at the show even though they knew that Bruce would vote for Obama.
From one side I had to hear about how he lived in a Mansion on a “Farm” that he used for tax evasion, and other comments in an attempt to disqualify him as the voice of the working man.
From behind me there were four drunk guys that continually reinforced the fact that they were ultra conservative even though they were at a Springsteen concert. They also kept commenting that it didn’t appear that Springsteen “whined” as much as they had heard.
So, that is the conservative rhetoric and talking points. Bruce is a whining millionaire who couldn’t possibly understand the working man’s condition so was not qualified to speak for them. I even heard one idiot state that Bruce was taking advantage of the working class by charging $100 for admission.
Anybody who knows Springsteen knows that all of these comments are ABSURD, and those of that political persuasion who don’t know Springsteen should never go to a Springsteen show and make genuine Springsteen fans nauseous. Incidentally, the four guys behind us were so involved in convincing themselves and the people around them that they were really really conservative that they dumped an almost full beer on my daughter!
I have heard singular unison from every conservative I know that Springsteen is a “whiner”. These same people always say that Bruce should not have ANY comments that could be construed as political in his shows. Many go as far as to TELL him to Shut the F___ Up!
So, it is OK for Conservatives to say whatever they want wherever they want, but they want to censor and intimidate ANYBODY who may be of a different opinion, but a “Liberal” can’t even include factual documentary commentary into their show? There is something VERY wrong with this.
By the way, there may be less political commentary at his show, (he managed to shave it down to like three seconds from a tediously agitating high of 10-15 seconds) but the actual songs are wholly focused on current political conditions that were created by the conservatives who now whip up the false outrage targeted at Bruce.
For anybody who would tell Bruce Springsteen or any other American Citizen to Shut Up I would say “I’m rubber and you’re glue so whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you!” Now get as far away from me as you can and let me enjoy Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
Oh yeah, and SHUT THE F___ UP!
count_schemula
March 19th, 2012
3:24 pm
Not really a Springsteen fan. Only know maybe 3 albums, Nebraska, Born to Run and the River. Just thought he was someone I should pony up and go see live. Even playing mostly all new stuff, of which I knew none, that was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. Anyone who take a soulless place like Philips and has it on its feet and fist pumping for 2+ hours, has “it.” Decided to got on a whim at 5:30pm. Got on Craigslist, scored some 100 section seats and glad I did.
Kodac Harrison
March 19th, 2012
3:36 pm
Who says Bruce is not a working man. He has been working his ass off everytime I’ve seen him, including last night. His philosophy has been consistant from the beginning. Not like some republicans I know. “A working man’s hero is something to be.” – John Lennon – Maybe it was “a working class hero is something to be,” anyway you get the point. I’m just glad I wasn’t sitting next to those guys.
squirrelly
March 19th, 2012
4:46 pm
I have always been a Bruce fan, and the show was best when he did the old standards; 10th ave freezeout, Badlands, etc. I thought the show was very self-indulgent, playing too much of his new album (10 out of 13 songs from the new album were played). That’s not what we came to hear, Bruce. No Born in the USA, no Human Touch, no Because the Night, really?? Those are the songs the people want to hear, Bruce!!
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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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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