Originally posted on Rebelle Society.

“You can’t start a fire
Worrying ’bout your little world falling apart
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancing in the dark”

Let me prefice by saying I have not been to a concert in… well… a very long time. A concert. In a stadium. With more than 1,000 people. Listening to a legend.

I am not a Bruce Springsteen fanatic, but I do dig his art. I know a few songs and can hum a few lyrics. One of the reasons I went was because a friend of mine, Cindy Mizelle, is in the band this tour.

Cindy is a gifted vocalist and I was intrigued to see her with E Street. She has done work with, most notably, the late Luther Vandross.

(Bruce, if you’re reading this… keep her!)

I went with my sister & her husband , Professional Bruce-Concert-Goers. It was helpful to be guided by such experts. We had “seats” in the pit, meaning we stood for the whole concert. Note: these are the best “seats.”

The band is winding down its world-wide Wrecking Ball tour with a stop at the newly constructed Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford. Bruce and the band originate from New Jersey, so it was sort of a home-coming.

The audience consisted of die hard fans, some coming from Europe, just to see this man. The ages ran the gamet. But it was clear. The Boss was home, on his own turf and Jersey was rockin’.

The weather was perfect. The band entered the stage to Frank Sinatra’s Summer Wind, the camera man was singing along. And the concert began. Over three hours of good ole’ rock and roll.

The crowd was bopping, singing and enjoying every moment. Clearly most of the people in attendance had been to his concerts before.

Some highlights:

Jake Clemons, the late Clarence Clemons’ nephew did a fine job with the sax on Night. You could almost hear Clarence come through.

 

Max Weinberg, probably the unsung hero in the band, gave a performance from deep within his soul.

 

Waiting on a Sunny Day and the beat of the drum, I swear, I think you could hear it clear to NYC.

 

Cindy’s duet with Bruce in Shackled and Drawn was strong and powerful.

 

Gary U.S. Bonds, the guest performer, did a get up and dance rendition of Jole Blon.

 

Roy Bittan and his signature Incident on 57th Street intro, another powerful moment.

 

I can’t forget Steve Van Zandt and the always crowd pleasing Ramrod.

 

The most poignant song in the concert was, Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, a tribute to the big man. A slide show was on the screen of Clarence Clemons as Bruce stood and said, “This is the important part…” and let the audience have their moment. I must admit, I teared up. 

“The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.” ~ Bruce

Bruce, you and E Street gave a performance that bands half your age should strive for. You gave your blood, sweat and tears, and for that I am grateful. You have made another “Bruuuuuuce” fan for life.

Look for me in the audience soon.