Now, understand this: I'm no music or concert reviewer, so this post won't be anything like that.
I have always been fully aware of the mass appeal that Springsteen has, and the loyalty his legions of fans bestow upon him. I'm aware of the passion, the connection and the love that his admirers have for him and his music. But I never really understood it.
I was excited to go to the show. He is, after all, a bonafide music legend, a genuine rock star and an inductee of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. But not knowing most of his songs and not being a big fan, I definitely had my reservations as to how much I would enjoy the show. Those reservations, however, were immediately put to rest the second the show started.
When Springsteen stepped onto the stage the arena errupted into screams, cheers and applause that could easily deafen. He immediately threw himself and the band into Out On The Street and the roar only grew louder. Except this time it was with every voice in the room singing along. And that is pretty much how is stayed.
Springsteen was a force of nature as he threw every ounce of energy and enthusiasm he had into his music. For nearly 3 hours he performed, danced and worked every angle of the stage; making it hard to believe that he is nearly pushing 60 years. Still oozing with charisma and sex appeal, he played up to the audience. Thus, also displaying that he has no qualms about getting touched, grabbed and adored up close.
What was immediately evident was the genuine joy he appeared to have in every aspect of performing. It's rare to find a musician that is not jaded by the industry or downtrodden by a lack of satisfaction in their career. Springsteen displayed none of that; instead he showed a true love of the stage, the song and the crowd.
And the E Street Band, an unflappable machine of talent, kept in stride; they took a second-fiddle seat to no one, and definitely proved that they still have what it takes to rock with the best of them.
Almost as equally great as the show, was the display being put on by the audience. Like a perfectly choreographed danced, throngs of hands and arms and voices raised up in unison. They knew when to clap, when to wave their arms and when to pound their fists in the air; all the while singing every word to every song. Admiration at its finest and most genuine. And like a congregation to their preacher, all appeared to be mesmerized by the man performing before them; hanging onto his every word, following every movement and completely engulfed in his sermon.
Bruce Springsteen is, undoubtedly, the real deal. Someone in it, who loves it and who gives everythings he has for the people who love it too. He is truly a musician who lives up to the hype that precedes him, and who upholds the legend that follows him.
So, while I went in not knowing (for lack of a better term) "what the big deal was," I can say now with confidence, I get it.
I didn't take any pictures as cameras weren't allowed and I would have had a hard time sneaking in my Nikon, otherwise I would share some photos. So instead I post a video of a Bruce Springsteen song that I heard, for the first time, at the show; a song that is very quickly becoming one of my ultimate favourites.
So submitted for your consideration:
Girls In Their Summer Clothes -- Bruce Springsteen
To by the song or record go to: http://www.brucespringsteen.net