Current:Home > ScamsAlgosensey|Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band still rock, quake and shake after 50 years -WealthFlow Academy
Algosensey|Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band still rock, quake and shake after 50 years
TrendPulse Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-10 22:40:51
WASHINGTON – In a couple of weeks,Algosensey Bruce Springsteen will turn 75.
His hair might be lighter and health setbacks more frequent, but not even age can quash his unabashed zeal when he steps onto a stage, clutching the neck of his recognizable butterscotch-hued guitar and belting the first of many, “One, two, three, fah!”s.
Also celebrating a September milestone: the “heart-stopping, pants-dropping, house-rocking, earthquaking, booty-shaking, Viagra-taking, lovemaking – le-gen-dary E Street Band,” as the merry band of musical musketeers is introduced by their boss.
Though only bassist Garry Tallent remains from Springsteen’s early band in 1972, a mighty pack of E Streeters – drummer Max Weinberg, guitarist Nils Lofgren, pianist Roy Bittan and colorful consigliere/guitarist Steven Van Zandt – have shared the stage with Springsteen since being christened for a street in Belmar, New Jersey, 50 years ago this month.
So it was only appropriate that a dozen songs into Springsteen's typical marathon three-hour show Saturday at Nationals Park (a makeup date from last summer’s tour postponement), the Motown-esque brass that powers “The E Street Shuffle” blasted from the stadium stage.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Springsteen revived the rollicking rocker that introduces 1973’s “The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle” album when this ongoing world tour commenced in February 2023, a subtle nod to the band’s legacy as well as a showcase for Weinberg’s breathless sticks work.
Sting talks upcoming tour:Plus, his friendship with Billy Joel and loving Austin Butler in 'Dune'
A communal spirit soars at a Springsteen show
But here’s the thing: Even if Springsteen is having an off night (he wasn’t) or the E Street Band muffs a cue (they didn’t) or the set list doesn’t include everyone’s pick for “Springsteen’s best song” (debatable) … it doesn’t matter.
The feeling of solidarity at a Springsteen concert is matchless.
Whether it was the opening “Seeds” – an infrequently played track from Springsteen’s 1986 live box set – or the houselights-up encore of “Born to Run,” the 40,000-plus fans packing the stadium sang as a cohesive congregation worshipping at Springsteen Chapel.
The communal spirit is different, stronger at a Springsteen show, both in the crowd and on the stage.
Watching saxophonist Jake Clemons – who replaced his revered uncle Clarence after his death in2011 – lean an elbow on Springsteen’s shoulder and grin as they played “Prove It All Night” or Springsteen and Van Zandt mug for the cameras with wide eyes and guitar notes rocketing to a frenzy during “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” epitomizes the camaraderie of the E Street Band.
But observing the audience throughout the show – some giddy bros taking selfies, moms and teens alike shouting the words to “Hungry Heart” as Springsteen mingled among them, hardcore fans reciting the words to a recast “Atlantic City” – is as heartening as hearing these durable songs.
New 'Sopranos' documentary:The show's creator discusses why prequel movie wasn't a 'cash grab'
Why Bruce Springsteen will never retire
As usual for a Springsteen show, the first half is contemplative, filled with probing lyrics (“Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “The Promised Land,” “Long Walk Home”) and camera close-ups of Springsteen’s furrowed brow and cocked eyebrow, indicators of how deeply he still feels these songs.
The latter part of the show is a barroom bacchanal of finger-waving, chorus-belting anthems (“Badlands,” “Thunder Road,” “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out”). These songs still resonate, whether the middle-aged malaise treaty wrapped in a bow (“Dancing in the Dark”) or the perfect-song-for-the-moment written as a post-9/11 resurrection (“The Rising”), but the drums beat a little harder and the choruses grip a little tighter.
Through it all, the focal point is always the unassuming guy and his guitar, dressed on this night in a spiffy tie and vest to rival his drummer’s – they could moonlight as the law firm of Springsteen and Weinberg – and conjuring gritty vocals and robust yells.
There is always the feeling when witnessing our remaining legends that this could be the last tour, the last visit to your city, the last time.
But watching Springsteen sweat, snarl and smile as he tears through nearly 30 songs, one gets the feeling he will need to be dragged off stage by the belt loops of his jeans rather than retire.
Church may now continue.
veryGood! (33)
Related
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Watch: Alabama beats Auburn behind miracle 31-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal
- Pakistan’s army says it killed 8 militants during a raid along the border with Afghanistan
- What’s Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023? Hint: Be true to yourself
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- Attackers seize an Israel-linked tanker off Yemen in a third such assault during the Israel-Hamas war
- 3-year-old shot and killed at South Florida extended stay hotel
- Officials in Texas investigating the death of a horse killed and dumped on Thanksgiving
- Bodycam footage shows high
- Behind the Scenes Secrets of Frozen That We Can't Let Go
Ranking
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- South Korea, Japan and China agree to resume trilateral leaders’ summit, but without specific date
- John Travolta Shares Sweet Tribute to Son Benjamin for His 13th Birthday
- The body of an abducted anti-mining activist is found in western Mexico
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Prosecutors decry stabbing of ex-officer Derek Chauvin while incarcerated in George Floyd’s killing
- Tom Allen won’t return for eighth season as Indiana Hoosiers coach, AP sources say
- 2 deaths, 28 hospitalizations linked to salmonella-tainted cantaloupes as recalls take effect
Recommendation
A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
Baltimore man wins $1 million from Florida Lottery scratch-off ticket
Russia puts spokesman for tech giant and Facebook owner Meta on wanted list
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders out for season finale vs. Utah, freshman Ryan Staub starts
Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
Jordan’s top diplomat wants to align Europeans behind a call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza
Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter were not only a global power couple but also best friends and life mates
Heavy snowfall in Romania and Moldova leaves 1 person dead and many without electricity