Boss fans report 2 nights of bliss at Boston show
We asked people attending one or both of the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band shows at the TD Banknorth Garden this past Sunday and Monday to post their reactions at Wicked Local's Springsteen blog, "Blogness at the Edge of Town" (http://blogs.townonline.com/Springsteen/). A sampling of those responses follow.
Night One
Ever since my first live Springsteen concert at the "old" Music Hall back in 1977, I have searched for words that can adequately describe the experience to those who have never known. The only way to know is to do.
I have been to countless concerts over the years, but the word "concert" suggests a passive relationship between a performer and his/her audience, and a Springsteen experience is anything but passive. Last night's show at the TD Banknorth Garden was no exception. From the opening lines of "Radio Nowhere," the entire crowd without exception was on its feet until the final notes of "American Land," no small feat considering the average age of a typical Springsteen fan is now 40+ and those of us fortunate enough to have scored GA tickets had been standing in line at the venue outside since early afternoon on a very cold November day hoping to score a coveted spot in "the pit" at the front of the stage.
At the risk of making tickets even more difficult to get than they already are, I challenge any music fan to make it a point to get to a live Springsteen show sometime in this lifetime. If you are a true believer in the power of rock and roll and music in general, you will not be disappointed.
<p style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: right" align="right">- Lisa from Norton, Mass.
I will never think of Boston without thinking of the version of "Jungleland" that I witnessed last night. It was an experience that I will never forget. The city itself was fun - LOTS of pubs! But, being it was my first trip there and I got "Jungleland" live, that's what it's now known for in my book! Absolutely awesome trip and show! Wish I could've stayed for tonight!
<p style="text-indent: 0in; text-align: right" align="right">- brucefaninnj
It's all about the anticipation, and this weekend was no exception. Attended the two shows in N.J. and was looking forward to this weekend for the last month. We lucked out with GA and were right up front between Nils [Lofgren] and Bruce. Boston is a great town even though the wind was blowing.
What thrills me the most is watching those attending a Bruce concert for the first time. My wife and I let a young girl ahead of us and she was able to touch the guitar. The band was tight, especially on "Reason To Believe" and "Jungleland." We took a walk before heading home today and saw Nils having lunch at The Four Seasons hotel.
- Dan
This is my sixth show on this tour, and while there were no "surprises" until "Jungleland," I felt that this show had some of the most solid performances that I've seen so far. "Tunnel of Love" was the highlight for me, right up there with "Jungleland," and I was completely blown away that a song I've listened to a million times can sound so fresh when heard live for the first time. Nils rocked the solo and made my night!
- Trigrl