The First Union Center is everything the Spectrum is not -- big, friendly, comfortable. But with many of the same people. And those who came for both nights were treated to a show that, save the dozen "core" songs of the current setlist, was different at every step than the previous night's show. Whereas Friday's show made light of Bruce's 50th birthday and included 4 often goofy renditions of songs from Bruce's first album, last night was epics night -- the two tracks from Bruce's second album, plus other more frequently performed classics such as Point Blank and Jungleland. In effect, the two shows were bookends, and I suppose that if one were to pick any two shows on this tour to revisit, these would be the shows.
Highlights? Too many to remember, but here are some. Max laying out the
tempo for "Incident," and then Bruce signalling Roy to start. And the
opening notes. The crowd reaction as they figured out what those notes
were. A searingly perfect rendition of The Ties that Bind. Bruce and
Steve completely botching their call and response portion of Prove it All
Night -- and loving it. The opening drum beats of Atlantic City.
Point Blank. The best solo yet for Youngstown, with Nils playing so
hard that he broke a string. Danny cracking up seeing Nils playing
5-string. Bruce getting to the Red Headed Woman portion of Tenth
Avenue Freeze-Out, hearing the scream and realizing that, yes, the red
headed woman from Detroit (her name is Patrucia, wouldn't you know?) was 3
seats over in the next row. Bruce telling Kevin to lost the acoustic
guitar and skipping Working on the Highway to get to Streets of
Philadelphia. "He's singing... singing... singing..." You Can't Sit
Down. And Bruce's little flapping "fly fly fly" signal -- it's spasdic,
but, hey, that's part of the fun. The "re" words during Light of Day --
my favorite being, of course, "recomboobulated." Clarence lining up right
in front of the aisle for about half of his solos -- very convenient,
since I was seated on that aisle. The little extra guitar notes in
Thunder Road. Seemingly the entire front section of the floor jumping
up and down with Bruce during Land of Hope and Dreams. Steve's reaction
to Bruce's somersault after Raise Your Hand.
For me, though, one song stood out. If I Should Fall Behind, which has
been a highlight ever since the first show in Asbury 6 months ago, and was
presented as a redidication of the band, involved all 9 band member for
the first time. The five singers in one circle down front, and the rhythm
section gathered around Max in back. Garry played stand-up bass for the
first time on this song, Danny played maracas, and Roy had sticks. And
they were all clearly loving it.
There were a few -- very few -- warts. Too much feedback too often.
Clarence's mike (or was it his playing?) went dead during Sherry
Darling. The Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out rap was plainly stale -- to the
extent that most of the audience didn't bother hiding their boredom with
it and sat down. And the audience itself, while revved up most of the
night, didn't have the energy of the Spectrum crowd.
Now I'm back with Aaron and his grandparents, his tape is playing My
Bonnie, he's examining the speakers, and my ears have stopped ringing.
Back to Detroit, and the rest of our lives. For a while.
The Setlist
Incident on 57th Street
The Ties That Bind
Prove It All Night
Two Hearts
Atlantic City
Factory
Point Blank
Youngstown
Murder Incorporated
Badlands
Out In the Street
Tenth Ave Freeze-Out w/ Red Headed Woman and Take Me to the River
Sherry Darling
Streets of Philadelphia
New York City Serenade
Light of Day w/ You Can't Sit Down
Jungleland
Born To Run
Thunder Road
If I Should Fall Behind
Land Of Hopes And Dreams
Raise Your Hand