Well, just as I predicted, my Springsteen mini-set prediction was incorrect. In my defense, who would have thought he’d open a 12-minute show with “10th Avenue Freeze-Out,” when he often spends at least that much time introducing the band right in the middle of it?
Still, the song rocked, especially with the horn section from the Max Weinberg 7 providing some extra punch. Clarence, of course, stole the show, wailing on his sax in a tremendous long, black, sequined coat. When the grim reaper goes to Vegas, that’s what he wears. A good start for the band.
To me, the setlist shocker was next, when they performed “Born to Run” in the second slot. It seemed almost a given to me that he’d close with it, the house lights blaring with the opening chords. It’s the song that put him on the map and would no doubt put the crowd in a frenzy.
Fireworks explode during Born to Run. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
And of course, B2R worked like a charm. Sure, the crowd was already amped up, but between his delivery (stage slide and all) and the fireworks exploding inside Raymond James Stadium and out, you could almost forget you were watching a football game. Within 5 minutes, Bruce transported his entire audience, 80,000 in Tampa and 30+ million at home, to great state of New Jersey. We were rockin’.
So it was probably a good call to have the audience thoroughly rocking in their seats before introducing his new single. That, of course, was the title track of his new disc, “Working on a Dream.” Backed by a choir reminiscent of his Lincoln Memorial gig, I’m sure he sparked some quick downloads on iTunes and sold plenty of his wares.
“Working on a Dream” was probably the slowest part of the set, but it worked. If nothing else, it let the band show some dynamics and added some punch to his faster songs. Also, WOAD let him bring Patty and Steve out front with him.
For his final trick, the Boss closed out with “Glory Days,” his arena staple. Fully aware of his surrounding, Springsteen adjusted his lyrics to change his character from an old pitcher to a quarterback.
I had a friend who was big football player, back in high school;
He could throw that hail Mary, make you look like a fool.
Bruce tells Steve it might be quittin' time. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
It was a fitting closer that, despite the changed words, could get the crowd singing along. Plus, it gave the world a taste of a real Springsteen show, with Bruce and Steve clowning back and forth. After Bruce told Steve it was getting near “quittin’ time,” Steve responded that it, in fact, was “Boss time.” Then a referee came out and threw a flag, leaving most of the audience confused.
All told, a high-level performance from one of the rock stars big enough to own that stage. He looked and sounded good, with an emphasis on singing his songs and showing off his pipes.
Tickets on sale at 9am. Good luck to all.
