Bruce Springsteen 11/26-12
Rogers Arena, Vancouver BC
The enduring artist’s lament: “Audiences just want to hear the songs they know”. Well, here’s something to consider - try writing new songs that are every bit as good as the ones that made you famous in the first place. From the riveting opening song “Shackled & Drawn”, then on through 3 hours of alternating “hits”, brand-new album tracks and a few killer cover tunes, Bruce Springsteen engaged his Vancouver audience with each and every single note. Engaged being a massive understatement - the crowd in Rogers Arena sang along, clapped, fist-pumped and helped Mr. Springsteen sustain what ended up being an absolute musical wrecking ball.
Yes, fans were treated to favs (“Hungry Heart”, “Badlands”, “Radio Nowhere”) from a variety of albums, but the songs from Wrecking Ball got the same level of enthusiasm as the rest. “We Take Care Of Our Own”, “Death To My Hometown” and the album title track came across as appreciated and seasoned to the audience as was “Spirit In The Night”. If he’s still on the road twenty years from now, they’ll all stand the test of time like the rest of his catalogue.
If you had Googled for a setlist beforehand, some of those songs stayed in the program. Others he picked randomly form audience signs, making the E-Street Band scramble to recall “Red-Headed Woman”. And the classic covers - Patti Smith’s “Because The Night”; Eddie Floyd’s “Raise Your Hand” - unreal...
Moments of inexplicable energy, moments of incredible poignancy (especially his tribute video for passed bandmates), and being in attendance at just the right time of year to have “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” included in the 6-song encore. Like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and I’ve seen a lot of performing artists.
At 63 years old, Bruce Springsteen was as strong vocally at the end of his performance as he was belting out the first song. He has few equals out there that can fit into that category. And every one of those songs the audience was more than eager to hear, judging by their reaction. Even if it was for the first time...