For Springsteen Fans, Review of Gillette:

Pete was there, his review is perfect because the show was perfect. How could it not be? PLEASE let there be at least one more tour....PLEASE.

U2's Timing Could Not Be Better!

As Bruce winds down one of the best tours ever, I have been feeling a bit blue. Magic was awesome. The music, the show, the reviews. Bruce proved that he still has the creative talent, the energy and that passion at age 58 that he had at 48, 38 and 28. I can only hope and pray another recording and tour comes around in the next year or two. I am surprised at how sad I feel that this year of The Boss is coming to an end.

(Pete you better keep writing your blog! Gina, I know you will, sister!).

Perhaps the melancholy feeling is related to the fact that, like the rest of us, Bruce is getting older, he'll be 59 next month. He says he will never stop doing what he does, but nothing lasts forever, and the loss of Danny this year was a grim reminder of that. Very few things in life get me as excited as a concert by Bruce.

Ok, now for the real reason of this post!

When I scanned my blog roll this mornning, there it was, the news I'd been waiting to hear for over a year!

New U2 Release in NOVEMBER

November!!!! I can barely stand it. Will it be good? Great? Off the charts incredible? When will the tour start? How many shows in LA? Will I be offered a pre-release copy of it to review and get to hear it before November? My mind is reeling.

The timing could not be better, its as if Bono and the boys knew I needed this to get me through the post Bruce Tour blues.

(I can see some of my readers cringing as they realize that this blog will focus way too much on U2 for the next year or so. I will try not to get carried away like I did with Bruce, but no promises!)

For details you could use Google and find it in a flash, but instead why not visit Jeff at Imagine Echoes, I read it there first and he does a great job with the details.

Friends:

This was Danny's last performance with Bruce and the E Street Band. Of course at that time, no one would know his death would be only a few months away. Take three minutes and 22 second of your life to watch this. You'll see, and maybe even feel, the heart of this band and the love that Bruce had for his long time friend Danny.

The look on Danny's face here breaks my heart because I think somehow he knew...

RIP to him. He's on my mind because as all of Bruce people know - "4th of July" was Danny and Bruce's special song to perform together.

An Amazing Springsteen Site

I recently met Gina, our mutual love of Bruce brought us together. Her Springsteen site is one of the best I've ever seen, she' has the music arranged perfectly. Visit her and say hello!

Oooh, Oooh, Oooh, Oooh Thunder Road, Ohhh Thunder Road.....

Oh, did I forget to mention who was sitting next to me at the Springsteen concert last week? He really got into it!

By now you've probably heard the latest news that Bruce has endorsed Barak. No surprise there.

I asked Pete this question and will ask all of you also:

What do you think an appropriate Springsteen song would be for Obama's "campaign theme song"?

I Love Bruce Springsteen...

...and I openly admit it!

Continued review of the April 7, 2008 concert in Anaheim, CA:

Bruce opened the show with a spirited version of “Light of Day”, stopped to say hello to Anaheim, California, then immediately asked “Is there anybody alive out there?” This is has been his signature for starting each show on the Magic Tour.

The room filled with cheers, clapping and the familiar sound of “Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce” being chanted by an amped up crowd. It seemed that it took longer than usual for the show to get started, but when it did, time stood still for the next 2 and a half hours.

I’ve purposely avoided reading any reviews by music critics today. There are two types of Springsteen reviews: Critics who know he has a reputation for putting on one of (if not the) best rock and roll shows ever; and loyal fans that see him as perfect no matter what he does. Guess what – I think the show was perfect! It WAS perfect and I challenge any critic to come up with a reason it wasn’t.

There’s a reason we love Bruce. If I had to describe it one word I’d say “sincerity”. His passion is real, his views are his own, he means what he says and says what he means. He has no false humility on or off stage, but neither does he have a deluded image of himself as being “better” than anyone else because of who he is. He’s one of us. Bruce doesn’t perform to say “look at me I am here to entertain you” he says “Let’s Rock out together, I’ll provide the music!” Bruce is 100% present at his shows – he connects with his audience, he sweats like crazy giving his heart, soul and amazing amounts of energy to his performance. He and the band are a tight knit unit but there is no question to who “the boss” is, they follow his lead and are on their toes, knowing he could change up the set list spontaneously at any time.

Bruce is a poet, a writer, a master of storytelling. He paints a picture with his words and puts it to music then places his message within it. Never too obvious, the listener deciphers the meanings only if they pay attention to what he is really saying (i.e. does anyone remember the misinterpretation Ronald Reagan mad of "Born in the USA??).

As loyal Springsteen fans we don’t just love the music or the performance – I’ll dare say it, we love the man. We deeply admire him and are not embarrassed to show our alliance even if we don’t always agree with his politics or even like some of the music he’s done.

At age 58, Bruce’s performance indeed has slowed a bit. Just a bit. Considering he still bends over backwards at the mic and is playing guitar and moving all over the stage for over two hours non-stop night after night while on tour, I think he’s in better shape than many men half his age.

Last night was no exception. The other band members seemed to struggle to keep up (I thought poor Max was going to have a heart attack a few times – I don’t think he gets much of a work out on the Conan O’Brien show). But Bruce seemed aware of that and sponged him off several times. Nils did some outstanding solos and was more animated than his usual shy self. Steven was Steven. Clarence had to sit down a few times but considering he recently had two hip replacement surgeries it amazing he stood as long as he did. I love his deep voice and would have liked to have more of it. Danny was not there because he’s in the midst of treatment for cancer. The rest of the guys and Soozie were great. Unfortunately Patti was not there, she was back in Jersey doing “homeland security” (they have three teenagers now!)

Obviously I am not so great at reviewing the specifics of the show, but I could go on and on about the man himself. I will leave you with these two quotes that summarize very well what Bruce is all about and how we feel about him. I’m already feeling a bit blue knowing it will most likely be two years or more till I get to hang out with him again.

Here are a few quotes about Bruce:

From an article by Cornel Boca:

“Springsteen's genuineness and conviction, not to mention his command, embodiment, and extension of rock mythology, feels atavistic. It's also disarmingly heroic: the critics in his corner can hardly believe their own -- and rock's -- good fortune to still have him around.”

“It's a little embarrassing how naked a love we have for him.” (I know what he means, but I still proclaim it to whoever will listen – some of you are shaking your heads thinking I am a fanatical nut and others are nodding your heads in agreement).

This rock critic, Marshall Berman, gets it right.

“It is extraordinary how Bruce Springsteen has worked his way into so many people's lives. Ask them to think of their peak experiences over the past decade: Alongside the intimate private moments with their lovers, spouses, and kids, in deepest privacy, they'll remember moments in immense public spaces with Bruce and 20,000 others.”

(here is an "okay" video from last night of ROSALITA!)

It was a great night! See below for the set list and my personal highlight of the show!

Bruce Springsteen Anaheim, Ca April 7, 2008

See Below For Set List!

It was one of the best out of the 18 I've seen.

Bruce was in rare form - chatting up the crowd and pulling out some great favorites: Rosalita, Trapped, Prove It All Night, Promised Land, Badlands, and of course the songs of Magic. But the highlight for me was when Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine joined Bruce for "Ghost of Tom Joad".

It was THE MOST INCREDIBLE GUITAR PLAYING I HAD EVER SEEN! JEFF, I THOUGHT OF YOU IMMEDIATELY!

The band was ON and the house rocked....very few ballads, we just rocked the place down.

I'm a bit incoherent so will finish this up tomorrow, but lets hope someone captured the Tom and Bruce doing that song so we can see it on YouTube.

Unfortunately Patti was not there last home. Bruce said she sent her love. She was back in Jersey doing "homeland security" since they have three teens now! He mentioned catching them baking "special brownies" :)

The only thing that would have made it better would have been if Jim, Erin, Jessica, Mike, Angie, Becky, Donna V, Michael, Pete, Jeff, Bruce, Bob & Linda, and a few others would have been there with me!

Light Of Day { lyrics } Tour Premiere
Radio Nowhere { lyrics }
Lonesome Day { lyrics }
Gypsy Biker { lyrics }
Murder Incorporated { lyrics }
Magic { lyrics }
Trapped { lyrics }
Reason To Believe { lyrics }
Because The Night { lyrics }
She's The One { lyrics }
Livin' In The Future { lyrics }
The Promised Land { lyrics }
Working On The Highway { lyrics }
The Ghost Of Tom Joad { lyrics } Tour Premiere
Devil's Arcade { lyrics }
The Rising { lyrics }
Last To Die { lyrics }
Long Walk Home { lyrics }
Badlands { lyrics }
Out In The Street { lyrics }

Girls In Their Summer Clothes { lyrics }
Rosalita { lyrics }
Born To Run { lyrics }
Ramrod { lyrics }
American Land { lyrics }

48 Hours and it will be over...

I'll be sitting in the passenger seat of my sister's car. The adrenalin will still be flowing and our ears will be ringing. We'll turn on KLOS and listen as the legendary Jim Ladd talks us home. He knows. He's aware that 40,000 people have just spent the evening with a friend, rocking out. Jim will play Bruce exclusively for the next hour. Neither one of them ever lets us down.

Therese and I will discuss the highlights of the show sharing our personal favorite moments. The rock and roll high will start to fade as we speculate how many years it will be until experience our 19th Springsteen concert. Post Bruce Blues will start to set in, but we'll fight it as long as possible.

Inevitably Jim will play "ThunderRoad" for us. When it gets to the line "roll down the windows and let the wind blow back your hair" we will have simultaneously done just that...two grown women driving down the 405 singing in unison at the top of our lungs, windows wide open, air rushing in our faces.

We arrive home feeling worn out but satisfied, you know the feeling, sort of like a night of great sex that you never wanted to end. I'll fall asleep with a smile on my face and a song playing in my head.

Thanks, Bruce, for another perfect concert. And thanks, Jim, for keeping it alive as long as possible.

Baby if you wanna be wild, you got a lot to learn, close your eyes, let them melt, let them fire, let them burn. Cause in the darkness, there'll be hidden worlds that shine...


----------------
Now playing: Bruce Springsteen - Trapped [Live]
via FoxyTunes

Bruce gave a poor performance?

I just got done reading Pete's post.
It's a bit upsetting and I am trying not to worry about Bruce.
I know he would not intentionally go on stage and not give it his all...he never has before. Something must be wrong.

So to all the critics who love to point out the negative I say: Give the guy a break. Bruce is human and if one out of hundreds of performances is not incredible, there is obviously a reason for it.

Yet, on the other hand - if I were in the audience I would have been disappointed too. I heard that first-timers didn't even know the difference, so that's comforting. Its the old time fans that seem to be complaining. To them I say: Be thankful for all the excellent shows and be forgiving one that wasn't as good as you would have liked it to be.

2 weeks from tomorrow:

2007, Los Angeles, CA:





This man is 58 years old. I've been watching him do this live since 1981. He has not lost an ounce of passion for the music or an ounce of appreciation for his audience.
He has lost very little, if ANY, energy, and aged gracefully.

People either "get it" or they don't about Bruce. Those of us who "get it" are often asked by well meaning and sincere friends "what is it about him exactly???" All I can say is now you can read it in this book, "For You" by Lawrence Kirsch, and look for my entry on page 137. Here's what I wrote:

Bruce Springsteen is known for many things -

• his music
• putting on three-hour concerts full of energy, passion, and fun
• appreciation of his fans
• his patriotism
• integrity in his personal life
• his political beliefs
• generosity
• anti-war views

Although Bruce is often referred to as a "rock star" the label just doesn't fit him. He's a poet, a writer, a performer, a musician, but not a rock star - he rises above that stereotype.

Bruce is known for having some of the most loyal fans in rock and roll history (maybe THE most loyal fans). He has our respect because he remains true to the music, he's willing to take risks and make music he likes regardless of the commercial popularity, he doesn't compromise.

Simply put, his fans love him. We're young, old, male, female, and can be found not only in the USA, but in Canada, Europe, South America (probably even Australia!). He never disappoints any of us and our loyalty is solid. Many of us feel that we know Bruce personally because he's written the soundtracks to our lives, and because he has proved over and over that if he had the time, he'd sit down and talk to any one of us.

You won't see a light show or a fancy stage production at a Springsteen concert, what you'll see, hear and feel is pure rock and roll. The band gives their hearts and souls to every show as if it were the most important one they'll ever do.

Looking out over the audience you can pick out the longtime fans from the newbies. We're the ones in well-worn Springsteen t-shirts from tours gone by. We're the ones who know every word to every song. We're the ones who can't possibly sit down for a song unless its a ballad. We know when to lift our first in unison during certain songs and when we're expected to carry the chorus for Bruce. We may even shed a tear during "If I Should Fall Behind" or "Empty Sky".

Each of the 16**times I've seen Bruce, its been a magical night of music followed by post-concert blues. But he always comes around again, and I will always be there...in my old concert t-shirt, singing along and smiling till my face hurts.

Bruce Bruce Bruce

Its that time again - he just started the next leg of his tour. There are a few things I have to point out for those of us who can't get enough of him :)

First, a great article (thanks, Pete)

USA Today - including what's on his iPod

Second, here you can check out some of the photo's in the book "For You" that I mentioned earlier (the one that includes one of my Bruce memories - I still haven't got around to sharing what I said in there cause I don't feel like typing it all out but I will soon)

Rolling Stone article with Photos from FOR YOU

Third, speaking of the book, here is the website for the book (also the above photo credit goes to L. Kirsch, its from the book also)

ForYou
Lawrence Kirsch
www.Foryoubruce.com
Original Stories and Photographs by Bruce Springsteen's Legendary Fans

and last but not least the one blog has it ALL for us Bruce fans:

Blogness on the Edge of Town - I read it every day and Pete never fails to find something relevant and entertaining to say about BS

Free Springtsteen Tickets

Well, Bruce will be back in my area in early April and guess what - I have two extra tickets!

What should I do with them?

1) Sell them on Ebay or Craiglist?

2) Not sell them and have twice as much room for my sis and I to dance around (since the seats are next to ours)

3) Give them away to someone deserving - someone that LOVES Bruce and really wants to see him.

4) Invite one of my friends who think he's "okay" and let them experience firsthand what its like to see him live.


Here's the thing, money is not the issue. I want someone sitting next to me that is having fun.

SO - If any of my regular blog readers would like the tickets and are willing to fly out here - let me know, you can have them.

Bruce Springsteen and Eddie Vedder to Perform Together!

I am proud to pass on this rumor and since I live ON THE WEST COAST I look forward to it becoming a reality!

Pete's got the details

Grammy Results for Bruce

Here is my latest complaint about the Grammy Awards, and I will drop this subject (for another year)



If you didn't read the post I linked to the other day about the Grammy's and why they have nothing to do with true talent - you really should read it. It's FUNNY, its called "The 7 Most Unforgivable Grammy Award Snubs of All Time". I'd like to add this years snub to Bruce to the list.

Bruce one 3 out of 4 of the nominations he was up for.

Congrats, Bruce.

Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance - Radio Nowhere
Best Rock Instrumental Performance - Once Upon a Time in the West
Best Rock Song (songwriter's award) - Radio Nowhere

BUT...

I am bitter - not because of what he won but for what he was not even nominated for, he deserved to be considered in these categories and the dissed him. What a joke.

Bruce was not nominated in

Album of the Year

Song of the Year

Record of the Year

I'm in a book about Bruce!

The long anticipated book "For You" by Lawrence Kirsch was well worth the wait! I received my copy yesterday and immediately flipped through to find myself quoted on page 137. What a thrill! The book is one of the best I've ever seen on Springsteen because its a compilation of stories, thoughts and photos from HIS LEGENDARY FANS. I can't wait to read it from cover to cover. Its a large coffee-table style book. I highly recommend it.

Be sure to check out his site and if you know someone that loves Bruce as much as me - this book is a MUST OWN item!

Blogness at the Edge of Town

A few wonderful things occurred in 2007:

1) Bruce came out with a new CD, Magic, and it got rave reviews - which it deserves!

2) He's on tour! Saw him in October '07 and have a ticket in hand for April '08 - something to look forward to!

3) Peter Chianca (a famous writer!) started a blog all about Bruce. This is a guy after my own heart, a brother in Bruce, a kindred Springsteen spirit. He even has a music player on there LOADED with Bruce's music! I love it: Blogness at the Edge of Town.

4) A new book was published about Bruce and I am in it. No sh*t! I am not joking - more on that later.

Grammy Nominations Announced

From previous posts on the topic of Music award shows - I don't think too many of you who read here think too hightly of them. I don't either really but I do like to check out the "Rock" categories. I'd really like to see who wrote the definition of "Rock". Does anyone know who Lucinda Williams is? She's wearing a COWBOY hat, can she really be a rocker? Would I like her? At least Bruce is being recognized (and deserves to win, imo) in all three:

ROCK FIELD

Nominations for Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance go to:

"Timebomb" -- Beck

"Only Mama Knows" -- Paul McCartney

"Our Country" -- John Mellencamp

"Radio Nowhere" -- Bruce Springsteen

"Come On" -- Lucinda Williams

Best Rock Album nominees are:

Daughtry -- Daughtry

Revival -- John Fogerty

Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace -- Foo Fighters

Magic -- Bruce Springsteen

Sky Blue Sky -- Wilco

Nods for Best Rock Song go to:

"Come On" -- Lucinda Williams, songwriter (Lucinda Williams)

"Icky Thump" -- Jack White, songwriter (The White Stripes)

"It's Not Over" -- Chris Daughtry, Gregg Wattenberg, Mark Wilkerson & Brett Young, songwriters (Daughtry)

"The Pretender" -- Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nate Mendel & Chris Shiflett, songwriters (Foo Fighters)

"Radio Nowhere" -- Bruce Springsteen, songwriter (Bruce Springsteen)

i'm trying to remain calm...

I won't mention any names...but someone just announced another show in my area for April! Hell yes I am going again! He'll be here in Orange County for only the second time ever. Save your money to fly out here if you want to see him...I'm getting an extra ticket to give away to some lucky person :)

One More Bruce Thing....

Thank you Bruce O for your comment that made me realize I may be a bit over the top about Bruce S (I deleted the post over on WFTIO) :)

Still, I have to say these two videos kick ass and are the best footage I have ever seen taken from a fan in the audience:





Found these from via Blogness at the Edge of Town, by journalist/humorist/blogger extraordinarie, Peter Chianca. Thanks again for GREAT STUFF!

A Man After My Own Heart....

Finally, someone who really RELATES on a level beyond the basic "Yeah, Bruce is cool" kinda way!

I know some of you love Bruce, and some of you are pretty damn sick of me writing about him...But check THIS out!

A famous person, a person who's name I recognized immediately, sent me and email to say he started a blog all about BRUCE. It's not the first or the only Bruce Blog out there, but I think its the only one I need or want.

Check it out, there's some cool news about iTunes/Bruce:

Blogness on the Edge of Town

by well known journalist, blogger and seemingly nice guy: Peter Chianca