Springsteen @ Xcel
Posted on March 17th, 2008 – 12:37 AMBy Jon Bream
I enjoyed this one more than the Nov. 2 show. How bout you?
Here’s Sunday’s set list:
1. Night 2. Radio Nowhere 3. Lonesome Day 4. Darkness on the Edge of Town 5. Gypsy Biker 6. Magic 7. Reason to Believe 8. Prove It All Night 9. She’s the One 10. Livin’ in the Future 11. Promised Land 12. Waitin on a Sunny Day 13. Backstreets 14. Devil’s Arcade 15. The Rising 16. Last to Die 17. Long Walk Home 18 Badlands ENCORE 19. Girls in their Summer Clothes 20. Jungleland 21. Born to Run 22. Dancing in the Dark 23. American Land
I got a copy of Springsteen’s planned set list, which included “Because the Night,” “Jackson Cage,” “Meeting across the River” and “Kitty’s Back.” Clearly, he called some aubibles. Not on the original list were “Prove It All Night,” “Jungleland” and “Dancing in the Dark.” But the prepared list had 24 songs and Bruce did only 23 on Sunday.
What did you think of the show? Please post your comments here:
33 Responses to "Springsteen @ Xcel"
FANTASTIC !! had been 20 something years since i’ve been to a springsteen show. brought my 18 year old daughter for her 1st !! her comment was … wow dad, when will my ears stop ringing? just a great show
I literally fell asleep during the first part of the show. I’m not a big Bruce fan, don’t own any of is albums, know him just through his hits. And they were in short supply. But when’s the next time he’s out with the E Street Band? So I thought I’d go, after all they’re kind of a legend, wouldn’t ya say? The showmanship and the band were great, and I do have a spot for the Big Man, also, unfortunately, in short supply most of the night. So I didn’t really get into the show until the encore since I’d never heard most of the earlier songs. But it sure seemed as though everybody else got into it early and often. He could have held the mic out to the crowd all night and the lyrics would have been just about as loud. Speaking of which, this was one of the loudest concerts I’ve been to in a loooong time. All-in-all, with the exception of the concert starting over AN HOUR LATE (what was up with that?) it was quite an experience. I think a good time was had by all.
Absolutely loved it. Saw him a few years back at Northrop, which was a more intimate venue with more retrospective acoustic versions, but this was incredible. My boyfriend had gotten the tickets for my birthday and, while he’s not as into Bruce as I am, he thought it was an awesome show.
Particularly liked his intro for “Living in the Future” when he said “…we’re going to sing about it! That’ll show ‘em!”
My wife and I were also at the Nov. show. We agreed that that one, in Nov., was a better show. Last night he played more slow songs. I was really hoping he would play more of his older songs this time, but he did not. But when he did like Promised Land, Badlands, and Born to Run, it was obvious that this what the audience wanted to hear. Because other than the first level seats and of course the floor, no one was standing that much until those songs were played.
Starting an hour late…on a Sunday night?…with all this press about kids attending shows? Did anyone else think Clarence missed a cue for one of his solos? The sing along on Girls fell flat. I think for a second show it should have been more different. Same banter - mostly the same songs.
Does Bruce usually change the setlist during a show? I thought that changes were difficult because of technical cues.
The music was good - in fact rather than reliving the 1980’s hyper mega concerts a slow MUSICAL building would fit the time and age of all involved.
I brought, my wife, Joni, who had never seen Bruce and the band, and this was my first time since St. Paul in 1980!
We were so impressed! He still puts on a great show. A truely great performer, but very humble, grounded. Talked a little about what’s bothering him about America right now, but then poked fun at himself by commenting “so we’re going to sing about this, that’ll show em”. He has probably more credibility as an artist than anyone to speak out, but does not feel that is his place.
He did a nice plug for second harvest, a local food shelf.
We thought the musicianship of Bruce and the band was outstanding. Great fun to hear him use the harmonica. Good to hear his newer music, but great to hear his older songs, too, some of the best songs in rock and roll (Badlands, Promised Land, etc. )
Overall, a fun, rousing, uplifting rock and roll show by a great performer and his band!
I wanna go again!
SIMPLY ONE OF THE BEST TIMES OF MY LIFE. EVERY SONG WAS FANTASTIC, BUT WHEN THEY PLAYED “JUNGLELAND”, I KNEW I WAS IN HEAVEN!
First Springsteen show, thought it was very good. Was a tad disappointed in the fact that the back half of the lower level decided to sit for 3/4 of the show. Not sure if this is an indication of the quality of the show itself or the average age of those in attendance…..
Last night my 14 year old son saw the first big concert of his life, and he was in the front row, center stage at the Xcel Center when Bruce and the E Street Band rocked like they did 20 years ago! It will be hard to top this concert experience for him, what a show we saw!! We were one of the 400 or so lucky ticket lottery winners who got to go up front, and along with our friends Patti and Eli, we witnessed the E Street Band at its very best! The entire band was on fire all night long. The mix of new “Magic” songs balanced out the all-time favorites from many albums fans have grown to love over three decades of following this band. Clarence’s sax portion of Jungle Land brought tears to my eyes, it was so beautiful. And, “Reason to Believe” drove through the arena like a freight train. “Magic” pretty much sums up our experience last night. I’ve seen this band countless times in many venues in different states over the past 25 years. Last night’s performance ranks up there in the top three of all times for me!
I thought it was a great show. We were right there at the stage, in front of Bruce’s mike stand. I would have liked to hear “Kity’s Back” and “Because the Night”, but the songs he did were great. How old is Clarence? He looks like he ready for retirement, but then blows your socks off with that great sax solo. Great Show!!
I thought the show was great. If not for the gray in Bruce’s hair (and in the audience’s) the year could’ve passed for 1982 instead of 2008. The energy was high, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I find it amazing how Springsteen creates an atmoshpere of comraderie with his audience even in such large venues. My only beef, and it’s a small one, is that he didn’t play Born in the USA. I understand that the song was played to death at one point in time, but isn’t it relevant to what he’s saying about politics and war?
So were not great big Springsteen fans, but decided to go. Usually after seeing a concert, I really get into the group and thought that would happen here too. We were both extremely dissapointed that the concert started an hour late. If I show up for my job an hour late, I could loose it. Well after listening to 5 or 6 not too popular tunes, we left. So much for us being fans of Springsteen.
Had a much better time at the Medina Ballroom with 38 Special and Zed-Leppelin on friday night!
GREAT concert - and I’ve seen many. There isn’t a band out there who seems to live their music the way teh E Street Band does. Took my 17-year old son and wife - haven’t seen a band so into the music in a long time. Only gripe? Got there at 6:45 to stand on the floor - and it started an hour late. C’mon, Bruce, our legs aren’t what they used to be!
I feel blessed to have been born in 1950 and to have had the entire evolution of rock and roll as an integral part of my life. I feel blessed to have been able to see Bruce Springsteen every time he has toured since 1975.
Because he is the very best live entertainer in music there has ever been, one can only compare his latest show with his previous shows. Simply put, no one comes in a close second.
As Bruce stated in an interview, people pay money to buy a ticket to his show - and he and the band try to give them an experience money can’t buy.
Another priceless experience by the very best.
It was a ok concert. The show in november weas much better.He was a hour late for the concert last night. When i saw him twice on the river tour he play for than 3 hours and was on time. The e street band still rocks but he needs to care about his fans like he used to.
I attended both the Nov 2, 2007 and Mar 16, 2008 Bruce Springsteen shows at Xcel Center and thought last night’s topped last fall’s. Springsteen really seemed to enjoy performing Sunday night. He was very engaging with the crowd–moving left to right- then to the front the stage and into the audience. He really seemed to kick it up another notch for the four-song encore set on Jungleland, Born To Run and Dancin’In The Dark and American Land. It was a fantastic show and “The Boss” seemed like he could have gone on all night. Too bad Patty had to stay home with the teenage kids again. We missed her.
By Bruce standards, the show was okay. I expected more banter with the crowd and rock and roll sermons like the late 90s tour that hit Target Center.
Music was great and I loved hearing all the new stuff. Reason To Believe was the highlight of the show for me.
An okay Springsteen concert; a fantastic rock and roll concert.
I love this man and his music. He taught me what rock and roll is. He’s 59 years old, going on 25!!! What powerful energy. I’ve been to Freehold, NJ- got pics in front of the Stone Pony and the house Bruce grew up in, walked the boardwalk etc. Concert was good- loved his encore choices. (I wish it would have started on time.) We were seated LL rear- (not ideal) but better than not being there. I really wish he would have used the back stage walk more than the one time to play to us folks back there! (I was not one of the fans sitting down!) He really sang to the floor crowd and the front row. Good to hear him again…Thanks Broooooce.
Saw both shows and they were both fantastic. I agree with Mr. Bream that last nights show was an all and all better performance as a whole by the E Street Band. Bruce and the E Streeters are one of the few acts I would pay $100 to see in an arena because they can blow the roof off the place. Luckily, I was expecting him to come on around 8.30 so the time wasn’t an issue. But to be honest I don’t think I have ever been to a rock show that started right on time.
Last night concert was GREAT !!!!!! I was one of the lucky ones to be in the pit last night. I have seen him more times then I can count, and as usual he always gives his best performance. The whole band was in sync last night as well as the audience. He really looked to the young kids in the audience and he gave 2 twins girls an experience they will never forget and he also signed his autograph for them. Love to see him again and the money was worht it.
When you sell standing room tickets for the main floor and start an hour late - on purpose - it shows an appalling lack of respect for the very people that have made you rich and famous. He ought to be ashamed of himself for mistreating his fans this way. I’ve seen him nine times now, dating back to the ’80s, and this was probably the last time.
I loved it. Great set. I think the Magic stuff sounds incredible live. This was my 6th show and finally I got to hear Darkness and Jungleland. Quite a thrill.
The only downside was a guy next to me going off about how .38 Special was way better when he saw them at a bowling alley or something the other night. He left early which was also a highlight.
Amazing concert. Simply amazing. Six hours later, and my body rush is
starting to subside. I think there is something about all that energy, plus
visual, audio, political, poetical and even spiritual input that supercedes the normal boundaries of reality. Last
night I was literally blown away. We laughed, cried a number of times,
danced, and as Bruce said “we’ll show them by singing”.
The Boss played with all his heart and energy, and the E street Band was fantastic. Clarence Clemmons solo on Jungleland brought tears to my eyes. Bruce’s quiet tale of desperation in “Backstreets” was haunting and as relevent today as when he first wrote it. I’ve been to several Springsteen concerts over the years, and the energy level and quality of this one was over the top. In these troubled times the Boss is a voice alerting us of what might happen if we don’t pay attention “Livin in the Future”, and of the mistakes that have been made “The Last to Die”, but mostly he brings hope, idealism, and a sense of community. There is “A Reason to Believe” in the hope of a promised land. Outstanding, and its still rock and roll. 
My 12th time seeing Bruce since 1988. Great show for those of us who like a mix of old and new, not just old. The band was great and into it, rocking and song great solos.
I was a bit perturbed about the late start time. I don’t know why he does that…he’s never consistent in when he starts: Sometimes 20 minutes late, sometimes 35 minutes, but Sunday night AN HOUR? He was an hour late in 2006 for the Seeger Sessions Show and and hour late in Milwaukee in 2003. Don’t get it.
Great show, but not great enough to wait over AN HOUR until he found the audience duly worked up for his appearance. He seems to have a reputation for late starts, some even later than Sunday’s. I hate hypocrites who preach about hunger, god’s work and the threat to our society start while at the same time disrespecting their audience and the EXCEL staff. Some brave souls asked for a refund after getting tired of waiting, but were told that none would be given – after all he was planning to perform eventually. Never will I go and see another one of his concerts - I’ll rather spend the $97plus on a worthy cause under my name and watch a free download of his concert. He should have been BOOOOed rather than BRU’ed.
SAW BRUCE AT STUBB SOUTHWEST FESTIVAL MINUS E STREET BADN. STRIPED DOWN SOGNS AND SOUND WERE BETTER FOR IMTIMATE CROWD..
maybe XCEL is ok with the late start - they sold lots of beer @ $6+ a glass during that time.
Imagine the excitement Bruce could generate if he started on time - urging people in to their seats - is there anybody alive out there? Imagine the ticket price when an hour of beer and t-shirts sales get eliminated. The E streeters are basically a bar band - and bar bands need to know how to sell product. 17,000 x $6.75 for one beer (or water) is - that’s right over $114K
I don’t think Bruce has ever played SXSW and none of the extensive Springsteen concert archives show him ever playing Stubb’s.
I can’t fathom the people who walk out of a concert a few songs into the show because they haven’t heard any “hits” yet. You think they’d know by now that the setlist is usually backloaded with the “hits”.
I see in the Milwaukee papers that he was also an hour late. But according to the reviews, it was an even better concert than Sunday night.
As I watched Sunday’s performance, I thought, “why can’t *I* have a day at work in which I enjoy it as much as he appears to enjoy *his* ‘day at work.’?
Scott and SD: I think Scott is a fictional character who just wanted to throw some dirt. Who knows his reasons. Political, a bitter right wing character. I don’t know of anyone in my circle of friends who would spend $200 plus and walk out without seeing what they paid for. Then again, maybe Scott is just filthy rich, and Bruce would never appeal to him any way, with his affinity for those of us who work for our money, as does the Boss.
Him being over an hour late soured me to the show at first. Most of the music brought my spirits back up, but the show last November 2nd had a better set list in my opinion. All that being said, he still puts on the greatest show ever. If Ticketmaster would allow me, I would purchase 100 tickets to his show and force all my music-loving friends, whether they’re Boss fans or not, to see his show. It’s life-changing and every artist’s show after will seem dull. Thank you Bruce, and please keep playing into your 80s.
Glad to see I wasn’t the only one PO’d about the hour late start!!! For a guy that projects himself as a blue collar, working stiff type of singer I thought that was pretty rude!! It took me 3-4 songs before I got over my anger and started enjoying the show.
The show itself was great, encore was super, this was the first time I had seen Bruce, I’d go again - but I wouldn’t show up on time!!!
haven’t missed a tour since 1985…..as always “a” great show..
to all the “whiners” …..next time “don’t go!! that’ll free up some tickets to people who would appreciate it!
as far as the hour long wait….. i too had to go thru that during the seegar show….. i’ll admit it was worth it though… because i wound up with front row with a bit of lottery luck….. other than that… i would not gamble on floor seats to any show… simply for that reason..
Rock on!
Newspaper Subscriptions
eEdition
RSS
Newsletters