Four New York sports fans drive to Boston, drink Guinness, go to the Springsteen show, and sing along with 19,000 people screaming "oh, Boston you're my home."
In rock and roll there are no state lines - no bad blood in what's being fed through mics and amps into the sound system and into my ears. I love rock and roll music and you bet your ass I'm singing the Standells' "Dirty Water" as my favorite artist of all time blasts into a tune that would get anybody groovin' no matter where they're from.
Alike most people, it's been over 6 long years since I've last seen the Boss. And this time was like every other - my back aching, my feet screaming, my ears ringing, and my cheeks cramped from smiling so much. That's what Bruce will do to you and its a good thing.
As any usual super fan I kept up with the start of the tour, checking show recaps and set-lists for any differences. Although I knew what was coming the show did its job and knocked me off my feet. Bruce does not disappoint even when he plays the same tunes night after night. But that's show business right?
With more than enough material to play a different set for weeks straight, the Boss keeps it tight and attune to the same feeling. Why? Because he damn well can do whatever he wants.
As a fellow musician, one who's played for longer than two hours straight as well, I can relate to the band and Bruce's mindset. "Let's give them a show with no holes, no chance to disappoint, no let up on the gas." The repetition gives way to a road tested tight sound that will shock and appall the Sunday listeners and even the core music nerds.
Case in point: I applaud Bruce and the band for kicking into a rompous rock and roll number paying homage to the ground they play on. With a spot on tone, Bruce's iconic strat busted into "Dirty Water's" rigid riff that left me no other choice but to gaze, mouth open, in utter joy and excitement.
Rock and roll concerts are all about the energy, the feeling, and spirituality. Rarities and debuts are where I live and breathe. Even with such a expectant set-list I was amazed and honored to be in the presence of an audible - anything different from the last show. Let's make this night special and unique.
As my anticipation and excitment skyrocketed after two consecutive tour date postponements I was happy to have Boston be our first glimpse into this year's tour. Missing the Mohegan Sun and Albany shows gave me funny feelings, but I wasn't nervous. I had confidence Bruce would be back around. A testament to my positivity, both missed shows were rescheduled for six and nine days after my 30th birthday.
A guiding force in my disregard for money and my ticket buying frenzy comes dually from my families intense Springsteen fandom and from the inner need to pay tribute to my late great uncle Billy.
The biggest Boss fan I've ever known and one who's been to over one hundred shows, uncle Billy was an enigmatic force determined to experience all he could. He was an adventure seeker, a lover of music, and a passionate sport fans.
With more money to set on fire, I set out to create an homage to my uncle and godfather. We mocked up our own tour appropriately titled Our Letter To You Tour and had t-shirts made. We're bringing Billy along with us and we know he's turning in his grave asking for more shows. Six just isn't enough.
Here is our plea for normality. Our prayers to a power higher than us. Break through the arena ceilings, sail into the air, and permeate whatever stereo lined fortress our lost friend inhabits in the afterlife. I'd like to think it's an impenetrable force filled with deep cuts and all the memorabilia you can get your hands on.
The tour will continue and we'll do our best to sneak into additional venues, but in the meantime we are sitting here "Trapped," appropriately, in a never ending search for that next high on E Street.
This one, and every other one, is for you Bill. We love and miss you.
Rock on,
-Pat
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