Tues 23 July
words STEVEN GIDDEY
★★★★★
In an age of manufactured TV pop stars, instant online music access and short attention spans, Bruce Springsteen does things the old fashioned way. Known for his blue collar, everyman music and blistering live shows, he once again brought his musical roadshow to Cardiff, lifting the Millennium Stadium roof off in a performance of such intensity that at times it felt like a southern Baptist church service rather than a concert.
With a back catalogue spanning 17 albums and 40 years this was a set that was wide and varied. Bookended by gospel classic This Little Light Of Mine, Bruce and the E Street Band were quickly into their work. He took his much-loved crowd requests early on, including Prove It All Night (“in the key of E right?” he asked his guitarists with a wry grin), and a first ever live performance of TV Movie from 1998’s Tracks Box Set. New album Wrecking Ball was also covered off early on; Death To My Home Town, We Take Care Of Our Own and Wrecking Ball were well received, a sign that his audience are still loyally following his new work.
With no sign of Born In The USA, Glory Days or Streets Of Philadelphia, a greatest hits set this was not. Not that this mattered a dot, Hungry Heart got the first big cheer of the night before we were treated to a surprise duet with Eric Burdon of The Animals on his classic We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place.
14 songs in is generally around the time where most acts would be wrapping up, but not The Boss, he somehow summons the energy to keep going for longer and longer, absorbing the energy of the superb musicians behind him. Steve Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren are tireless on guitar, Roy Bittan and Danny Federici hammer away at the keys, Max Weinberg never misses a beat and Jake Clemons is a fitting substitute for his late uncle, Clarence, on sax. An emotional tribute to long time E Street Band member Clarence left most with moist eyes, as did Waitin’ On A Sunny Day, where Springsteen was joined by a seven-year-old fan from the front row to sing the chorus, before summoning the musicians with a young, high pitched cry of “Come on E Street Band!”
The magic of Springsteen isn’t just his longevity, his incredible back catalogue, or his ability to pluck obscure B-sides out of the air and play them note perfect. It isn’t even The E Street Band. The magic of Springsteen is that he is utterly believable. He connects with every word he sings and every soul in the stadium. He leaves you drained, both from dancing all night and from the emotion of the occasion. His energy is infectious and the smile never leaves his face. By the time he leaves the stage for the first time after three and a half hours, you know you’ve witnessed something very, very special.