Me and 18,000 other Springsteen fanatics had our heads blown off last night in the temple of Bruce Springsteen. It was a flat-out religious experience. 2 hours and 45 minutes of pure joy.
I’ve seen Springsteen in concert too many times to count. My first show was back in 1978 when Roy and I waited for hours outside the Music Hall for tickets. His shows go from great to transcendent. Last night was the later. He kicked things off with “We Take Care of our Own” from Wrecking Ball. He paid homage to the Apollo Theatre and his heroes with an a capella rendition of Smoky Robinson and the Miracles “The Way You Do The Things You Do” and “634-5789” by the Marvelettes. I’m not going to give you the details of the set list but let me say that the Boss did not disappoint, not even remotely. If you’ve been to a Springsteen concert you know what I mean. No one puts it out like him, no one. He knee slid, body surfed and ran continuously from side to side. He brought the music down and built it up.
17 musicians on the stage, the E Street horns including Jake Clemons, the Big Man’s nephew who has taken over the role of sax player and also does vocals. And by the way, he does the Big Man proud. Along with the E Street Horns was The E Street Choir and of course the E Street Band. Everyone wondered how he would treat the loss of Clarence Clemons. His name was never mentioned but he was there in spirit. When Bruce said “if you’re here, and we’re here, then they’re here” also referring to Danny Federici the crowd erupted in cheers. At the end of the show playing “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out”, with the mike held high at the point where he sings “and the Big Man joined the band” the crowd went crazy again for a good 5 minutes. I know the Boss was touched by this. I think he has a real connection to Boston. One of the numbers he played was what he said was a closing number from his days at Paul’s Mall (that’s going way back), called Thundercrack. And of course, what would a Boston show be without an obligatory visit from Peter Wolf bouncing around on stage singing a cover of Eddie Floyd’s “Raise Your Hand”.
What more can I say, I hurt today and my voice is gone but that’s a good thing. A real good thing!!
Too bad you had such a bad night Gilah!! I’m so jealous..I’m one of the only people who remembers “Pall’s Mall”.. in the basement on Boylston Street. Some “great” talent came out of that place..dark and cozy with very low ceilings..i remember it well.. great jazz..Elias remembers it too!
Brenda
Great review. The show was great, a lot of emotional moments, a lot of singing and dancing and mingling with good people. It was great meeting you two last night !! You really exude a sense of loving life and music and each other, it was a treat !! P.S. I checked out Alabama Shakes today,, and now there’s a link to them on 92.9, that showed up on facebook. Coincidental !! I think they’ll be really having a banner year. Thanks. Hope to keep in touch ! -Caryn from the Bruce show.