August 1 is a special day for me. It's the anniversary of my first date with my wife. Every year we break out a bottle of champagne and observe the passage. This year, we're delayed a day -- if I recover in time. This year, I had a date with Bruce, with chaperone service from my ticket angel, Bill McSteen.
Another show, another chance to gawk at the souvenirs. Calendars! Suggested retail, $12.99, and, look, Bill, they're only charging $15!! I bought one. Bill bought one, too.
We made it over the to the tailgate area, and met some long time friends that we had never seen, and some that we had. A few of them had bought calendars. Our kind of people. Bernie had beer, Bobby had hair, Debbie had pictures, and a splendid time was had by all.
Into the arena, and down to the floor. There's Lisa Kroll one row up, and Sue B. across the aisle. Behind us, a couple taking their 10 year old boy to a concert. I offered to get them earplugs; the boy refused.
The concert started with a jolt. Piano! Backstreets!! And, after a massive performance of it, into a dual guitar assult into "The Ties that Bind." An amazing opening, but unfortunately not quite sustained this night. The transition to "Prove It All Night" was rough, and the next segu into "Two Hearts" broke down altogether. Feedback marred several songs. "Youngstown" didn't quite cook the way it had in previous shows, and by the time "Badlands" rolled around I was paying as much attention to the light show as to the song. Cool lighting. Wow, that blue light is really something. Awww, SHIT THAT'S BRIGHT!! Free advice: When Bruce hits the chouse of "Badlands," Don't look up.
But if this night's show didn't quite resonate in the manner of the two shows I had seen previously, it still contained more than enough high points for one evening. A performance of "Independence Day" that topped the surprise performance on the 20th. A strong debut for "Trouble River." Many strong sax performances from Clarence, and the best dance yet at the end of "10th Avenue Freeze-Out." A drop-dead perfect rendition of "Ramrod" to open the encores. And, above all, a transcendent performance of "Racing in the Street" that ranks among the finest I have ever heard of any song from the E Street Band.
There was also some addition by subtraction. I didn't care for "Out in the Street" following "Badlands," nor was I in love with "Hungry Heart." Both were gone last night. Maybe time for "Thunder Road" to get a rest as well? I'm less certain, however, about the decision not to play any material from "Tracks"; I'd still prefer to hear some of those songs.
The low point of the night came after the first set of encores. I had heard about the "Rosie" signs; now I had the misfortune of having to experiece them. And, even worse, some attendees had the bright idea of starting a "Rosie" chant. NOT* our kind of people. Hopefully they'll get an appropriate response soon.
After the show, I could hear the boy behind us saying, "That was great!" I asked him, "How are your ears?" ... "How Are your ears?" ... "HOW ARE..." ohnevermind.
Then out to tailgate some more. Summer in New Jersey. And retire to the Café to make a plan. They'll be back tonight. And, just like last time, I'm wondering just what I'm doing here in Michigan today. In withdrawal. But I'll be back.
The Setlist
Backstreets
The Ties That Bind
Prove It All Night
Two Hearts
Trapped
Mansion on the Hill
Independence Day
Youngstown
Murder Inc.
Badlands
Darlington County
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out
Trouble River
Working on the Highway
The Ghost of Tom Joad
Racing in the Street
Light of Day
Ramrod
Bobby Jean
Born to Run
Thunder Road
If I Should Fall Behind
Land of Hope and Dreams