Gig Review: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (5.0/5.0)

The Lowdown: The Boss and his E Street Band have still got it delivering a mammoth, rousing performance that’s worth every dollar. And then some. 5.0/5.0

“Are you tired yet?” bellowed The Boss to his enraptured audience close to the end of a three hour plus performance that positively pulsated with energy. They weren’t and it seems, neither was he save for a well earned drenching and some intermittent staggering. But then that may have been his signature tight jeans.

At 63, Bruce Springsteen has lost none of his vigour for performing in this Wrecking Ball Tour (his first tour of Australia in a decade) - a man half his age would struggle to keep up. By the end of the night he’d crowd surfed (singing all the while), mounted a piano and wrapped his legs around his microphone stand in what looked like a cross between a yoga position and some kind of pole dancing stance. It’s clear age has not wearied The Boss.

"The atmosphere was like one massive block party where all ages were invited. Springsteen and his E Street Band were clearly having a ball and the audience loved them for it."

Gyrating and fist pumping as he belted out over 25 songs new and old, Springsteen’s smoky voice and socially conscious lyrics were as powerful as ever. He barely had a chance to catch his breath over the three hours – no costume changes here and no fancy pyrotechnics or bells and whistles - just pure, joyous, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll.

The passion and enthusiasm of Springsteen and his E Street band was infectious. Even if you weren’t a fan, you couldn’t help but get swept up in this consummate showmanship. Of the 18 strong band - most of which danced in unison alongside Springsteen at one stage - special mention goes to the spectacular performances of saxophonist Jake Clemens who fills the legendary shoes of his late uncle Clarence (“Nobody blows like Jake” said one cheeky sign in the audience), vocalist Cindy Mizelle and guest band member Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello whose cracking guitar solo on The Ghost of Tom Joad almost set the stage alight.

The Boss with Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello

Springsteen proved a more than generous performer with a playful affection for his audience and his enduring everyman touch (jutting his guitar out for eager fans to strum, taking audience requests and pressing the flesh with the floor crowd a number of times).

The atmosphere was like one massive block party where all ages were invited. Springsteen and his E Street Band were clearly having a ball and the audience loved them for it.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band play Allphones Arena, Sydney - March 22; Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne - March 24, 26, 27; Hanging Rock, Woodend - March 30, 31. For more info click here. 



Courtesy of Setlist.fm