Awesome review that captures so many of my emotions from my first concert experience with Bruce and the band, which was back in june 1985 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Thanks for sharing, Jonathan.
Extremely well-written, thorough, thoughtful review, one of the best I've seen of a show on this tour. Many excellent points -- the indispensable power and glory of Max, the dispensable inclusion of Jack of All Trades, the results of the upgrade in their sound system -- and many interesting insights, not least your discussion of Lonesome Day. (The only thing you forgot is to warn people that when the horns play at the end of Johnny 99, audience members will levitate, and so you need to watch yourself if you're up in the rafters so you don't bump your head.) A real pleasure to read. Thanks for taking the time.
Great review. I went with a friend who also saw Bruce and band for the first time, and we were both similarly blown away. Afterwards, we could not even compare it to any other show either of us had seen in our 50+ years of concert-going - it stood on its own, on a different plane. God, we are lucky to be around to witness this.
Jonathan - fantastic review! Really very well thought out/well put together! You sound just like me when i was your age! Glad you had a blast! Signed, KDiggity frm Somewhere in the Swamps of Joisey
I agree with the last poster. I've seen him on every tour since The River and was completely blown away by last night's show. One thing to add was how many audibles he called... Easily 5, including Backstreets and Johnny 99. I was directly behind Max and saw the show flow being constructed on the fly. His ability to drive the tone and tempo for three hours is masterful.
Jonathan -- Your review made me smile. The first time I heard Bruce was when I was 15 years old. I had a big old set of headphones on my head and was listening to the radio (which is what we had to do in 1975). I heard Born to Run and wondered...if I could get in that car with him where would he take me? I'm going to be 50 years old in June and Bruce has accompanied me on my journies. High school angst, marriage, births of children, divorce, remarriage, death of parents, struggling with one child and his addiction, fears of growing old... I've had the pleasure of meeting one Clarence Clemons, and have corresponded with Bruce via letters. I've been fortunate to have many nights of my elbows on the stage and I totally understand how you felt as you wrote your review. I know how happy he is that he is reaching new generations, and sometimes, because of how long he's "been with me", I feel so much pride for what he's accomplished. Your youth and your review so full of exhuberance and appreciation for what he does would make his day. Congratulations on becoming a Tramp. You've had your initiation and it'll never let you go now. Renee pulleys@comcast.net
21st concert yesterday. 9 in Europe, 12 in the US - first concert was TOL express tour in Rome, Italy, 1988. Yesterday was the best US show I've witnessed - was in the pit, crowd surfing right above my head. Murder Inc. rocks - don't agree with dropping Jack of All Trades, Bruce at his best directing his orchestra, because - yes! - the E-Street is an orchestra
Thank you Jonathan, as mentioned by many you have captured essence and details. We have tickets for the first show in LA near Patti's side of the stage. I was hoping to hear her on "Out in the Street". Will still hold out hope . . .thanks again man. That was stellar.
awesome! my husband and son were there too, and got to shake Bruce's hand!!! my husband said it was the best Bruce concert he has ever seen, and everything you wrote is true to heart, thanks for putting it into words
Great write-up Jonathan! And to do it at 3am after right after the show - bravo! If you're interested, go here for some of my write-ups, including my first in-concert experience (very different from yours) more than 30 years ago: http://www.catchingflack.com/bruces/
Because Bruce and Patti have 3 kids (one just start high school and the other two are in college) who are in school, so being a good mom, she limits her tours while school is in session.
Great review, there is nothing in the world like a Bruce Springsteen and E-Street Band concert.
I have to disagree with you about Jack of all Trades. I was in tears at the end of that song. I've been a fan for 30 years, this song hit me so hard. Bruce gets what's happening in the world. I've not missed a concert in the Bay Area, and have traveled to Boston just to see Bruce. I came extremely close to not being at last night's show, because things have been so tough. I miss the days when I wouldn't question shelling out money to see the man and his band.
Leave Jack in the show. I hope it slows the audience down to realize how lucky they may have it and what difficult times people all around are having.
BTW-I was behind the stage, upper level, sound was bit sketchy, but that's the tank for you. I couldn't have been happier with my cheap seats, last time around I was leaning on the stage in the pit. It doesn't matter where you are, or if the sound is not perfect you will always see the best show of your life!!! Thank you to Bruce and E-Street
I've seen Bruce many times over the last 30 years...Yesterday was the best show yet. Crazy good, a full blown tent revival, and I am reborn this morning with the transformative power of rock and roll!!!
I just want to clarify my point about "Jack," just in case anyone thinks I dislike the song. I love the song. I adored the performance of it last night. I think the live version is absolutely beautiful, and I couldn't be more impressed with it. I just feel that I was in the minority on that, and with all the people walking away or talking loudly, I had trouble enjoying the song as much as I really should have. Thats why I wonder if it's really fit to be part of the set - its not the song's fault, but the audience's. I do totally understand why others here think it should stick around though, because it is a fabulous piece.
Thank you for the write-up. It was my 15th Springsteen show since 1984, and easily one of his best! I thought I was being a little biased about that point but I have seen numerous commenters say the same thing. I was in GA--that is the area where I find the Springsteen experience to be the most amazing. Admittedly, I took my only bathroom break/beer run during Jack of All Trades, and some of the comments here are making me feel a bit guilty about missing it. On the other hand, I'd feel even guiltier if I did that during any other part of the show (like the folks not familiar with Thundercrack filing up the ailes en masse). Glad you had a great time in SJ!
Great review, love that Bruce has younger fans that understand his music like you do. The only songs I would take out of that setlist is Sunny Day and Dancing In The Dark, not faves of mine. Let's see how Jack sounds, I will be in LA tomorrow night.
I agree usamade...Sunny Day and Dancing in the Dark are fun songs but they have been played too often on recent tours. But not going to complain too much.
My first bruce show, im from illinois my daughter lives in san jose . No breaks for me either but i did sit for some of the show. Guess i cant compare it to other shows because i never been to one. But when other people say it was the best show when they been to sevaral shows that makes me happy. Couldnt believe he keeps that kind of intensity for 3 hrs. and just keeps going.
Just an unbelievable show. Far and away the best I’ve seen since Winterland ’78. I’ve been to lots of shows since then, nothing compared until last night. Three hours of such intense passion, energy, emotion, and insanely great music. Jake Clemons did an astounding job stepping in and filling those giant footprints. You could close your eyes and you’d never know… That Winterland show was the first date I had with the lady I eventually married, and last night, 34 years later, she was still dancing next to me. Thank you, Bruce, for another incredible night.
Great passionate review. I was there too and I agree with all your comments. In my opinion Bruce is the greatest live performer currently active and very likely of all time. I've been to just 4 shows (Oakland '07, Sacramento '08, San Jose '09 and San Jose '12) and every time it's better. Thanks Johnathan! Brought it all back. Cheers to you.
Awesome review that captures so many of my emotions from my first concert experience with Bruce and the band, which was back in june 1985 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Thanks for sharing, Jonathan.
ReplyDelete"RIGHT ON" Jonathan. WRITE ON! What a great adventure!
ReplyDeleteExtremely well-written, thorough, thoughtful review, one of the best I've seen of a show on this tour. Many excellent points -- the indispensable power and glory of Max, the dispensable inclusion of Jack of All Trades, the results of the upgrade in their sound system -- and many interesting insights, not least your discussion of Lonesome Day. (The only thing you forgot is to warn people that when the horns play at the end of Johnny 99, audience members will levitate, and so you need to watch yourself if you're up in the rafters so you don't bump your head.) A real pleasure to read. Thanks for taking the time.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I went with a friend who also saw Bruce and band for the first time, and we were both similarly blown away. Afterwards, we could not even compare it to any other show either of us had seen in our 50+ years of concert-going - it stood on its own, on a different plane. God, we are lucky to be around to witness this.
ReplyDeleteJonathan - fantastic review! Really very well thought out/well put together! You sound just like me when i was your age! Glad you had a blast! Signed, KDiggity frm Somewhere in the Swamps of Joisey
ReplyDeleteI agree with the last poster. I've seen him on every tour since The River and was completely blown away by last night's show. One thing to add was how many audibles he called... Easily 5, including Backstreets and Johnny 99. I was directly behind Max and saw the show flow being constructed on the fly. His ability to drive the tone and tempo for three hours is masterful.
ReplyDeleteJonathan -- Your review made me smile. The first time I heard Bruce was when I was 15 years old. I had a big old set of headphones on my head and was listening to the radio (which is what we had to do in 1975). I heard Born to Run and wondered...if I could get in that car with him where would he take me? I'm going to be 50 years old in June and Bruce has accompanied me on my journies. High school angst, marriage, births of children, divorce, remarriage, death of parents, struggling with one child and his addiction, fears of growing old... I've had the pleasure of meeting one Clarence Clemons, and have corresponded with Bruce via letters. I've been fortunate to have many nights of my elbows on the stage and I totally understand how you felt as you wrote your review. I know how happy he is that he is reaching new generations, and sometimes, because of how long he's "been with me", I feel so much pride for what he's accomplished. Your youth and your review so full of exhuberance and appreciation for what he does would make his day. Congratulations on becoming a Tramp. You've had your initiation and it'll never let you go now. Renee
ReplyDeletepulleys@comcast.net
21st concert yesterday. 9 in Europe, 12 in the US - first concert was TOL express tour in Rome, Italy, 1988. Yesterday was the best US show I've witnessed - was in the pit, crowd surfing right above my head. Murder Inc. rocks - don't agree with dropping Jack of All Trades, Bruce at his best directing his orchestra, because - yes! - the E-Street is an orchestra
ReplyDeleteWas Patti with the band last night?
ReplyDeleteThank you all so, so much for your extremely kind praise, wonderful stories, and contributions to the discussion. I love hearing from all of you.
ReplyDeletePatti was not with the band last night, but Bruce did a very funny bit during the band intros where he hugged Gary since "his baby" was gone.
Thank you Jonathan, as mentioned by many you have captured essence and details. We have tickets for the first show in LA near Patti's side of the stage. I was hoping to hear her on "Out in the Street". Will still hold out hope . . .thanks again man. That was stellar.
Deleteawesome! my husband and son were there too, and got to shake Bruce's hand!!! my husband said it was the best Bruce concert he has ever seen, and everything you wrote is true to heart, thanks for putting it into words
ReplyDeleteGreat write-up Jonathan! And to do it at 3am after right after the show - bravo! If you're interested, go here for some of my write-ups, including my first in-concert experience (very different from yours) more than 30 years ago: http://www.catchingflack.com/bruces/
ReplyDeleteGreat write up!
ReplyDeleteBecause Bruce and Patti have 3 kids (one just start high school and the other two are in college) who are in school, so being a good mom, she limits her tours while school is in session.
Great review, there is nothing in the world like a Bruce Springsteen and E-Street Band concert.
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with you about Jack of all Trades. I was in tears at the end of that song. I've been a fan for 30 years, this song hit me so hard. Bruce gets what's happening in the world. I've not missed a concert in the Bay Area, and have traveled to Boston just to see Bruce. I came extremely close to not being at last night's show, because things have been so tough. I miss the days when I wouldn't question shelling out money to see the man and his band.
Leave Jack in the show. I hope it slows the audience down to realize how lucky they may have it and what difficult times people all around are having.
BTW-I was behind the stage, upper level, sound was bit sketchy, but that's the tank for you. I couldn't have been happier with my cheap seats, last time around I was leaning on the stage in the pit. It doesn't matter where you are, or if the sound is not perfect you will always see the best show of your life!!! Thank you to Bruce and E-Street
I've seen Bruce many times over the last 30 years...Yesterday was the best show yet. Crazy good, a full blown tent revival, and I am reborn this morning with the transformative power of rock and roll!!!
ReplyDeleteI just want to clarify my point about "Jack," just in case anyone thinks I dislike the song. I love the song. I adored the performance of it last night. I think the live version is absolutely beautiful, and I couldn't be more impressed with it. I just feel that I was in the minority on that, and with all the people walking away or talking loudly, I had trouble enjoying the song as much as I really should have. Thats why I wonder if it's really fit to be part of the set - its not the song's fault, but the audience's. I do totally understand why others here think it should stick around though, because it is a fabulous piece.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the write-up. It was my 15th Springsteen show since 1984, and easily one of his best! I thought I was being a little biased about that point but I have seen numerous commenters say the same thing. I was in GA--that is the area where I find the Springsteen experience to be the most amazing.
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly, I took my only bathroom break/beer run during Jack of All Trades, and some of the comments here are making me feel a bit guilty about missing it. On the other hand, I'd feel even guiltier if I did that during any other part of the show (like the folks not familiar with Thundercrack filing up the ailes en masse).
Glad you had a great time in SJ!
Great review, love that Bruce has younger fans that understand his music like you do. The only songs I would take out of that setlist is Sunny Day and Dancing In The Dark, not faves of mine. Let's see how Jack sounds, I will be in LA tomorrow night.
ReplyDeleteI agree usamade...Sunny Day and Dancing in the Dark are fun songs but they have been played too often on recent tours. But not going to complain too much.
ReplyDeleteMy first bruce show, im from illinois my daughter lives in san jose . No breaks for me either but i did sit for some of the show. Guess i cant compare it to other shows because i never been to one. But when other people say it was the best show when they been to sevaral shows that makes me happy. Couldnt believe he keeps that kind of intensity for 3 hrs. and just keeps going.
ReplyDeleteJust an unbelievable show. Far and away the best I’ve seen since Winterland ’78. I’ve been to lots of shows since then, nothing compared until last night. Three hours of such intense passion, energy, emotion, and insanely great music.
ReplyDeleteJake Clemons did an astounding job stepping in and filling those giant footprints. You could close your eyes and you’d never know…
That Winterland show was the first date I had with the lady I eventually married, and last night, 34 years later, she was still dancing next to me. Thank you, Bruce, for another incredible night.
Great passionate review. I was there too and I agree with all your comments. In my opinion Bruce is the greatest live performer currently active and very likely of all time. I've been to just 4 shows (Oakland '07, Sacramento '08, San Jose '09 and San Jose '12) and every time it's better. Thanks Johnathan! Brought it all back. Cheers to you.
ReplyDelete