PHOENIX (AP) – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band returned to the Footprint Center stage Tuesday night…
PHOENIX (AP) – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band returned to the Footprint Center stage in Phoenix on Tuesday night for a triumphant reboot of The Boss' postponed 2023 World Tour.
In September, Springsteen, 74, announced he was postponing his tour until 2024, citing medical advice while recovering from a peptic ulcer.
“The Boss” appeared on stage in response to a chorus of “Bruuuuce!” from the audience. Wearing dark jeans and a rolled-up red plaid flannel shirt, he had the energy of a man half his age. His signature “One, Two, Three, Four” was the only thing separating most songs, and he showed no signs of illness from the previous year. He yelled, “Good evening, Arizona,” and the show began.
Springsteen spoke briefly to the audience about his illness before taking to the stage to perform his final song, “I'll See You in My Dreams,” solo. “Mr. Phoenix, I would like to first apologize for any inconvenience caused by having to change the show last time. . . . I hope you don't cause too much inconvenience.”
The 29-song show lasted just under three hours, but “The Boss” delivered a powerful performance without breaking a sweat, dancing all the while, tearing through guitar solos, playing harmonica, and even tearing his shirt near the end. did. of the program.
Joining Springsteen on stage were drummer Max Weinberg, bassist Garry Talent, keyboardists Roy Bittan and Charlie Giordano, guitarists Stevie Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren, and saxophonist Jake. -The legendary E Street Band, featuring John Clemons (nephew of original and late saxophonist Clarence Clemons). He passed away in 2011. Guitarist and violinist Susie Tyrell had a full horn and brass section and four backing vocalists. The only missing member of the band was Springsteen's wife, singer and guitarist Patti Scialfa.
Springsteen performed most of the hits from his extensive collection except for “Born in the USA,” but also “Night Shift” by the Commodores and “Because the Night” by the Patti Smith Group. , and added a surprise cover of “Twist and Shout.'' the beatles. The rockers were all smiles as fans went wild for “No Surrender,” “Born To Run,” “Rosalita,” “Dancing In The Dark,” “Glory Days” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.” He made his fans sing along like his own chorus.
This year has been particularly difficult for Springsteen. In addition to his health issues, in January his mother Adele Ann Springsteen, who was often seen dancing at his shows and was a fan favorite, passed away. She was 98 years old.
Two days after her death, Springsteen performed at the 2024 MusicCares Person of the Year event honoring Jon Bon Jovi's musical accomplishments and philanthropy.
The 2024 edition of the tour will begin in Phoenix and end in Vancouver, Canada on November 22nd. The show will be performed in 17 countries over 52 dates, including a special performance on September 15th when Springsteen will headline the Sea.Hear.Now festival in his hometown of Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Copyright © 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
