Move on Down to the Scene (Madison Square Garden, June 17, 2000)

Welcome to the magical world of Madison Square Garden, the most famous arena in the world.

The first arena event I ever went to -- Rangers 2, Blues 1, sometime in 1970 -- was here. Knicks, Rangers, circus, whatever, the Garden was home. Section 112 -- orange. That's where my father's employer had seats, and a few times a year we'd get to use them. Going up those escalators with the view of the post office, I was momentarily transported back to another time -- a time when the Eddie Giacomin poster hung on the wall and the Knicks won championship. I may be from New Jersey, but when it comes to arenas, the Garden is home.

But I never saw Bruce at the Garden.

There were some things about the Garden last night that were new to me. The multiple layers of sky boxes in the back. And the champagne service. I don't care if it was $7.00 a cup, that was very nice.

Bruce and the band came on stage very late last night, dressed all in black -- except for Clarence, who was sporting a purple shirt to go with his black pants. "Code of Silence" opened, and this song is growing on me. The opening lines may be about a relationship, but in the context of the recent media uproar over "American Skin," seemed to take on a different meaning.

The show's highlight was "American Skin." Placed after "The River" (the former slot for "Mansion on the Hill"/"Factory" having been eliminated), this song is simply monumental. From the opening line, sung by Clarence, to the 41st shot (yes, the words "41 Shots" appeared exactly 41 times during the song), it was simply an awesome performance of a great song.

Another highlight was a nice funky rendition of "E Street Shuffle," probably the first performance of that song since 1975 or thereabouts. Also, a powerful rendition of "Atlantic City."

Several new dance steps were introduced by the resplendent men and woman in black, some of which were particularly goofy. For the pelvic thrust during "10th Avenue Freeze-Out," Bruce had Clarence and Max join him, as Max's tech help stood in on drums. Later, Bruce did his finest imitation of the Rockettes -- not bad, actually.

Finally, Bruce pressed a number of hot buttons for all us New Jersey natives during "Light of Day." "Lawwwwwst... at the Statue of Liberty -- which is actually in New Jersey!!! Lawwwstt... in New York Giants memorabilia. Oh, wait! The Giants play in New Jersey! Maybe they be called the New Jersey Giants! I'll show you some controversy!!!" I may just have to dig out my old New Jersey Giants T-shirt, circa 1975.

There were also a few flubs -- most notably a complete whiff on the cue for "Rumble Doll" -- and a few less than inspired performances (note to Bruce: "Ramrod" really dragged last night, and those dance steps with Clarence didn't save it). "Spirit in the Night" was a nice ad lib for the people behind the stage with the sign. Apparently, "Incident on 57th Street" was on the written set list, but was skipped.

In all, a special night and a fine show. Last night we moved on down to the scene. Not the best show of the tour, but a great night in a magical place.

The Setlist
Code of Silence
The Ties That Bind
Two Hearts
Rendezvous
Atlantic City
The River
American Skin (41 Shots)
The Promised Land
Youngstown
Murder Inc.
Badlands
Out in the Street
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out
The E Street Shuffle
Born in the U.S.A.
Racing in the Street
Light of Day

Further On Up the Road
Ramrod
Spirit in the Night
Born to Run

Thunder Road
If I Should Fall Behind
Land of Hope and Dreams