Entertainment For Lively Minds
The Boss & Scotland
Went to see Bruce Springsteen at Old Trafford last night. No surprise that he was fantastic, had the place eating out of his hand within the space of the first 30 seconds and then went on to do 2 hrs 45 mins. No messing about, no support, just turned up, played the gig and even after that time still left us wanting more.
And he didn't manage to fit in at least a dozen of the songs I really wanted him to play and was still utterly fantastic (the setlist from the last night in Dublin looked like the stuff of dreams...)
The best big stage performer I've ever seen.
But the question I'm hoping some wise Word reader can answer is this - why does Springsteen never come to Scotland? Think he's only played one solo show here in the past 28 years or so.
There's a two-week gap between the Emirates gigs and Cardiff - anyone want to book him for Hampden?
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Can't help you on the Scotland question...
although for some reason (and I'm not even Scottish) I did find myself wondering the same thing when I saw the tour schedule. However, I was also at Old Trafford yesterday and it was indeed fantastic!
Top Tip for those going to see Bruce in London and Cardiff ....
There was a General Admission Pit at the front of the stage at Old Trafford , for those with Standing tickets.It was well organised - check around the ground for flyers on the stadium walls for details of where to queue.We got there at 4pm ,by 4.10pm we had a queue number written on the back of our hand (organised by a group of Scandanavian/Dutch fans I believe),followed shortly after by official stewards who gave everyone a green wristband - which got you into the Pit. You can then do your own thing ,unless you want to stay in the queue to get right to the front.There was loads of room in the Pit - no crush and a great view.I think it held 2,000 at Old Trafford ,but it may be different organisation/times/numbers elsewhere. Good luck !
And what a gig!
No idea about the Scottish issue but...
... I was at that Sunday night show in Dublin.
Breathtaking!
as was i...
and i'm convinced that Bruce is the hardest working man in showbusiness. We got 2 and 3/4 hours of energy, no pyrotechnics, no props, bog all in the line of shite banter, a blistering 'Because the Night', album tracks that were causing grown men to almost cry, and to cap it all, 2 bonus tracks after he played the normal 'closer' American Land.
I've seen the Stones and enjoyed 'em and thought they had something in Jagger, but having seen and heard Bruce & co for the first time on Sunday night, I think that the fact that he still sings a discernable song as opposed to shouts and yelps the words to a song gives him a not inconsiderable edge over Jagger in the 'legendary frontman' stakes.
Amazing stuff. Any of you going to forthcoming gigs - have fun.
The Boss
Have to agree with the two lads, the Sunday night in Dublin was something else and, if anything, The Friday night was even better. Best weekend o' rock in Dublin since the last time U2 took over Croke Park.
I was having...
...dinner in Paris on Mrs B's birthday when Germany 1 England 5 was going on. I skipped the Seeger Sessions gigs as I decided that Wembley Arena and I were finished, whoever was playing. This weekend? We're going to a wedding in Sevenoaks. But if any of you are going to the Woolwich Arsenal stadium, let us know how it was. There's a jazz band at the wedding, apparently, so at least I won't be doing the cocking-of-the-legs to Come on Eileen or Hi Ho Silver Lining. Pity, in a way.
Last night
was awesome especially Because the night with an incredible solo from Nils. However I was conversing with a friend in New York about setlists on the tour and I was particularly keen about him playing Trapped which is a particular favourite of mine. It was played intermittently recently so I was bowled over that it featured last night.
Thats the beauty of a bruce gig - everyone is different.
I saw him at Madison Square Garden early on in this tour and the performance has evolved quite a bit - strangely last nights gig was more intimate despite being at Old Trafford. I think the band fed on the enthusiasm of the crowd who were wild from the off.
I also managed to fluke my way into the 'pit'
There was a massive queue into the signposted 'standing' area to which I thought 'I'm not queueing there - there must be another way in'. So I walked round the stadium until I heard one of the stewards on one of the 'seating' gates say that standing punters were also allowed - which got me a green wristband and access to the front of stage.
I was the daft get in the Ramones t-shirt, leather jacket and Bluejays baseball cap, by the way.
Anyway, wonderful set, loved the little balding chap in leathers and (remaining) hair which was rather too long for a gent of his age, who was prowling the pit, miming his way through the setlist, and also loved the slight confusion on the Boss's face when he praised ManYoo's recent performances to an Old Trafford crowd which had more than its fair share of non-United fans in place...presumably he'll have better luck at The Emirates as it's not so far from Surrey and the West Country?