Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band will be playing a little over fifty shows on the first two legs of the Working on a Dream tour.  However, before each tour, Bruce fans always seem to have some sort of opinion as to which show(s) will be thee show(s).

As of now, most Bruce fans seem to be looking at the two night stand at the end of April at the old Spectrum (officially called the Wachovia Spectrum) in Philadelphia. These shows will surely be special considering the probability that it will be the last time that Bruce ever plays the old building.  So, I feel that he will pull out a lot of “Greetings” and “Wild and the Innocent” material.  Well, that’s surely what I’m hoping for!

However, I think that the final two shows of the U.S. tour at the Izod Center (formerly called Continental Airlines Area - a.k.a. “The Meadowlands”) in East Rutherford, NJ, will be excellent as well.  I would not be at all surprised to see the final two songs of the encore on the 23rd bring “Incident on 57th Street” into “Rosalita” into “Jersey Girl.”

Get all your tickets HERE !

Who would have thought that a Springsteen song, one that opens an album no-less, would be eight minutes long?  Not me.  But, I’m glad that Bruce wrote “Outlaw Pete” because I think it will be killer in concert.  This song tells the story of a man named Pete who right from birth (three months old to be exact) was a rebel without a cause.  Pete eventually battles “Bounty Hunter Dan” at the peak of the song’s storyline climax.

This is another song on “Working on a Dream” that uses different types of sounds to bring out the image of the song.  This song has a real Western feel to it; yet, it also has a rock aspect that brings it full circle.  The “Can you hear me?” shouts throughout this song send a chill down the listeners spine.  Great job Bruce!

Before you read the lyrics, down the song HERE …

He was born a little baby on the Appalachian Trail
At six months old he’d done three months in jail
He robbed a bank in his diapers and little bare baby feet
All he said was “Folks my name is Outlaw Pete”
I’m Outlaw Pete, I’m Outlaw Pete, can you hear me?

At 25 a Mustang pony he did steal
And he rode her ’round and ’round on heaven’s wheel
Father Jesus I’m an outlaw, killer and a thief
And I slow down only to sow my grief
I’m Outlaw Pete, I’m Outlaw Pete, can you hear me?

He cut his trail of tears across the countryside
And where he went women wept and men died

One night he awoke from a vision of his own death
Saddled his pony and rode out deep into the West
Married a Navajo girl and settled down on the res.
And as the snow fell he held their beautiful daughter to his chest
I’m Outlaw Pete, I’m Outlaw Pete, can you hear me?
Can you hear me? Can you hear me?

Out of the East on an Irish stallion came bounty hunter Dan
His heart quickened and burdened by the need to get his man
He found Pete peacefully fishing by the river
Pulled his gun and got the drop
He said “Pete you think you’ve changed but you have not”

He cocked his pistol pulled the trigger and shouted, “Let it start”
Pete drew a knife from his boot, threw it,
And pierced Dan through the heart
Dan smiled as he lay in his own blood dying in the sun
Whispered in Pete’s ear “We cannot undo these things we’ve done”
You’re Outlaw Pete, You’re Outlaw Pete, can you hear me?
Can you hear me? Can you hear me?

For forty days & nights Pete rode and did not stop
Till he sat high upon an icy mountaintop
He watched a hawk on a desert updraft, slip & slide
Moved to the edge and dug his spurs deep into his pony’s side

Some say Pete and his pony vanished over the edge
And some say they remain frozen high up on that icy ledge
A young Navajo girl washes in the river, her skin so fair
And braids a piece of Pete’s buckskin chaps into her hair
Outlaw Pete, Outlaw Pete, can you hear me?
Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Can you hear me?
Can you hear me? Can you hear me? 

Since there is a small break between major Bruce news pieces, I figured we should take somewhat of a break as well.  In this post, we are going to look into some of the great New Jersey venues that Bruce has played over the years in guest appearance roles.  I am not going to be talking about any big venues (even Asbury Park’s Convention Hall is too big for this post); this discussion will be limited to bars and clubs only.

Big Man’s West - 129 Monmouth Street - Red Bank, NJ
The first venue that I am going to be talking about was a small nightclub owned by “The Big Man” himself.  Thus, the name “Big Man’s West” was the title given to this joint located at 129 Monmouth Street in Red Bank, NJ.  The club’s opening night was on the 11th of July, 1981 and of course, Clarence brought a friend along to christen the new digs.  Yes that’s right, Bruce stopped by during the opening show given by Clarence Clemons & the Red Bank Rockers and played the following raucous set: Ramrod / Around and Around / Summertime Blues / Jole Blon / You Can’t Sit Down / Cadillac Ranch.  Unfortunately for the Big Man, the club did close in January of 1983.  However, nobody can say that it went without a bang, as Bruce joined in on the festivities playing Rockin’ All Over the World / Lucille.  Both Clarence Clemons and Max Weinberg joined the band on stage as well on this occasion.  It is important to note that while the club only lasted for a relatively short time, Springsteen made eighteen known guest appearances at the club.  Also, 1984 E Street Band rehearsals for the “Born in the U.S.A.” were held on the premises.

Cheers - 369 Broadway - Long Branch, NJ

The second Jersey venue the I will take a look at is a bar called “Cheers” located in Long Branch, NJ.  Springsteen made a few guest appearances there over the years but there is one that comes to mind as being more special than the others.  On August 10th, 1995, the music world lived it’s first full day after the passing of guiatr-playing icon Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead.  So, on this night, Springsteen jumped up on stage with Dead cover band “Solar Circus” and jammed on the following songs: Better Things / Mustang Sally / Stems and Seeds / All Along the Watchtower / Not Fade Away.

Tradewinds - 1331 Ocean Avenue - Sea Bright, NJ

One of New Jersey’s greatest all-time rock venues was a place located in beautiful Sea Bright, NJ, and was called “Tradewinds.”  This venue was home to both the 2001 and 2002 “Light of Day” concerts which both brought the Boss on stage for two memorable guest spots with Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers.  In 2001, Springsteen played on these songs: Talking to the King / Fire / Ramrod / Light of Day / Twist and Shout.  Apprantly, Bruce was in an especially loose and rocking mood on this night.  In 2002, he again jammed with Joe G on these tunes: I Can’t Turn You Loose / Never Be Enough Time / Homestead / 96 Tears / Wild in the Streets / Fire / Pumping Iron / Boom Boom / Light of Day / The Twist / Jole Blon / Quarter to Three - Havin’ a Party.

The Stone Pony - 913 Ocean Avenue - Asbury Park, NJ

Of course, what would this article be if I neglected to mention one the greatest rock clubs in history?  Yes, I am referring to that little seaside bar at 913 Ocean Ave. in Asbury Park, NJ.   The Stone Pony has undoubtedly seen more guest appearances from Springsteen than any other venue.  He made his first known appearance there in September of 1974 joining “The Blackberry Booze Band” (later to be known as “Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes”).  Though this historic venue has seen tons of Springsteen appearances including all night jam sessions with local bands, private benefits, and even a few “Light of Day” shows, I would have to say that the best Springsteen appearance came in October of 1982 when the Boss joined house-band “Cats on a Smooth Surface.”  This epic performance consisted of the following songs: From Small Things / Come On, Let’s Go / Around and Around / Open All Night / Jersey Girl / On the Prowl / Do You Wanna Dance? / Lucille / Wooly Bully / Louie Louie / Rock Baby Rock / Come on Over to My Place / Havin’ a Party / Twist and Shout.  Now come on, does it get any better than that?  Well, Bruce made a few appearances (unannounced) with the E Street Band in the late 1980’s, but I would still have to say that nothing can ever beat that “Cats” performance in ‘82.

If you get a chance, go visit some of these places…the one’s that still exist anyway!

The following is an article written by Peggy McGlone for NJ.com.  This is a great step in the right direction for all Bruce Springsteen fans (especially those who go to many many concerts).

2/23/09 - Peggy McGlone/The Star-Ledger

Ticketmaster will stop linking customers to subsidiary

Ticket giant Ticketmaster has reached a national settlement with the New Jersey Attorney General in which it agrees to stop linking customers to TicketsNow, a subsidiary agency that sells tickets at scalper’s prices.

Attorney General Anne Milgram said Ticketmaster has agreed to run a lottery that will make 2,000 tickets available at face value to customers who complained about the way Ticketmaster handled the Feb. 2 sale of tickets to Bruce Springsteen’s shows May 21 and 23 at the Izod Center at the Meadlowlands.

Aristide Economopoulos/The Star-LedgerBruce Springsteen performs at the Hope IV concert at the Count Basie Theater in this December 2008 file photo.

More than 2,200 fans complained to the Attorney General that they were redirected from the Tickemaster website to TicketsNow even though tickets were still available at face value.

Fans - more than 1,000 - who don’t win a pair of tickets in the lottery will be given $100 gift certificates, Milgram said, and the ability to purchase tickets for an upcoming Springsteen concert in New Jersey.

The settlement requires Ticketmaster to pay $350,000 to the state for costs associated with the investigation.

It will also end a previous advertising arrangement in which customers Googling for Ticketmaster were automatically sent to the TicketsNow web site.

“This is a very significant agreement for consumers in New Jersey,” said Milgram at a morning press conference at the Izod Center. “The settlement is national in scope and it changes fundamentally Ticketmaster’s business practices.”

I have to say, first of all, that I LOVE this song!  I feel that it is one of the most personal songs that Bruce has written in quite a while.  The lyrics are just so perfect for this type of love song.  Here is the official “Kingdom of Days” music video.

Another thing I love about this song is that Springsteen really uses great imagery to set the tone for what type of song this really is.   As with a few other songs on the album, you can really see that Bruce has gone back to the  songwriting feel that he had during the “Born to Run” sessions in that he is just writing about his dreams and emotions rather than his political beliefs.  However, as we saw with 2004’s “Devils & Dust” and 2007’s “Magic”, there is NOTHING wrong with Bruce writing in a political state as those albums were both incredible.”Kingdom of Days” also is one of those songs that somewhat upbeat, but at the same time makes you think about the lyrics themselves.  So, my point is that when revewing the album and thinking of the more upbeat songs, you don’t necessarily think of this one at first.  However, if you listen to “Kingdom of Days” and pay attention to the music alone, you will see what I mean.  No, the entire song is not very fast, but parts of it will be killer in concert!

You can download “Kingdom of Days” by clicking HERE !

Here are the song’s lyrics:

With you I don’t hear the minutes ticking by
I don’t feel the hours as they fly
I don’t see the summer as it wanes
Just a subtle change of light upon your face

Walk away, walk away, walk away, walk away
This is our kingdom of days

I watch the sun as it rises and sets
I watch the moon trace its arc with no regrets
My jacket around your shoulders, the falling leaves
The wet grass on our backs as the autumn breeze drifts through the trees

Walk away, walk away, walk away, walk away
This is our kingdom of days
This is our kingdom of days

I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you I do
You whisper “Then prove it, then prove it, then prove it to me baby blue.”

And I count my blessings that you’re mine for always
We laugh beneath the covers and count the wrinkles and the grays
Sing away, sing away, sing away, sing away
Sing away, sing away, my darling, we’ll sing away
This is our kingdom of days
This is our kingdom of days
This is our kingdom of days

Here is the brand new music video for “The Wrestler.” Bruce won a “Golden Globe” Award for this song that was written for The Wrestler movie starring Mickey Rourke.

Bruce wrote “The Wrestler” after he received a phone call from Mickey Rourke who asked him to compose a song for his new movie.  Rourke apparantly told Bruce “a little about the character” before Springsteen composed this beautiful work of art.  “The Wrestler” is one of my favorite songs on the album though I don’t see it getting too much play on the upcoming “Working on a Dream” tour.

Click HERE to download the full song for your mp3 player!Here are the lyrics:

Have you ever seen a one trick pony in the field so happy and free
If you’ve ever seen a one trick pony then you’ve seen me
Have you ever seen a one legged dog makin’ his way down the street
If you’ve ever seen a one legged dog then you’ve seen me

(Then you’ve seen me) I come and stand at every door
(Then you’ve seen me) I always leave with less than I had before
(Then you’ve seen me) but I can make you smile when the blood it hits the floor
Tell me friend can you ask for anything more
Tell me friend can you ask for anything more

Have you ever seen a scarecrow filled with nothing but dust and weeds
If you’ve ever seen that scarecrow then you’ve seen me
Have you ever seen a one armed man punchin’ at nothing but the breeze
If you’ve ever seen a one armed man then you’ve seen me

(Then you’ve seen me) I come and stand at every door
(Then you’ve seen me) I always leave with less than I had before
(Then you’ve seen me) but I can make you smile when the blood it hits the floor
Tell me friend can you ask for anything more
Tell me friend can you ask for anything more

These things that have comforted me I drive away (anything more)
This place that is my home I cannot stay (anything more)
My only faith is in the broken bones and bruises I display

Have you ever seen a one legged man tryin’ to dance his way free
If you’ve ever seen a one legged man then you’ve seen me

When I first saw the track listing for “Working on a Dream”, I was wondering what the hell Bruce could possibly do with a song called “Queen of the Supermarket.” Now more than two months later, I sit here at my computer singing the song to myself all day long.

Honestly, I don’t know how he wrote such a beautiful piece of music and blended it with such simple, yet gorgeous words. This song reminds me of a mid/late sixties type of harmony crossed with a wonderful fantasy of a really pretty girl that you just can’t forget about (in this case, she works as a cashier in the supermarket).  In terms of the idea of the song itself, this one seems to mirror some of the images put forth on Springsteen’s most notable work, 1975’s “Born to Run.”

Here is a video of the entire song and it also includes a snippet of Bruce teaching it to a few of the band members:

Springsteen’s vocals, along with Roy Bittan’s piano, are especially promintent on this new song. However, you can also hear the sounds of the sixties (as mentioned above) very clearly. This song serves as somewhat of a musical flashback to the decade that changed America.  Bruce seems to really have enjoyed the music put out by such bands as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Byrds, and Turtles.  “Queen of the Supermarket” is going to be very interesting to hear live considering all of the different types of harmonies and melodies heard in the song.  I would hope that it does not become the “You’ll be Comin’ Down” of the “Working on a Dream” tour (he only played the song one time on the “Magic” tour).After listening to this song, there is no doubt as to where Bruce’s musical influences lay.

You can download and listen to”Queen of the Supermarket” by clicking the image directly below:

I would have to say that after almost a full month of listening to “Working on a Dream”, that “This Life” is easily one of my favorite songs on Bruce’s new album.  It is just so uplifting and the lyrics are much better than most suggest.  The following lyrics really stand out to me:

“This life, this life and then the next
I finger the hem of your dress, my universe at rest”

To me, that is some powerful song writing because not only do the lyrics make you think, but they also blend beautifully into the musical arrangement that the Boss put together on this tune.

Here is a Youtube video of the song in its entirety including some nice photos…Enjoy it and look out for more of my reviews and takes on songs from the brand new album!

You can download and listen to “This Life” by clicking the image directly below:

Opening night in San Jose is sure to be a great show.  Bruce will hit the stage at the HP Pavilion (a.k.a. “The Shark Tank”) on April 1st for the official debut show of the “Working on a Dream Tour.”

Here is the official seating chart for the concert:

The last time Bruce and the band visited San Jose was April 5th, 2008.  On that night, Bruce brought down the house with a KILLER setlist. Below, you will find a video of “Born to Run” shot from the audience at last year’s show. Below the video, you will be able to see the setlist!

SETLIST:
Out in the Street (”Magic Tour” premiere)
Radio Nowhere
Lonesome Day
Gypsy Biker
Something in the Night
Magic
Trapped
Reason to Believe
Prove It All Night
She’s the One
Livin’ in the Future
The Promised Land
Fire (”Magic Tour” premiere)
Incident on 57th Street
Devil’s Arcade
The Rising
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands

ENCORE:
Detroit Medley
Born to Run
Glory Days
Bobby Jean (”Magic Tour” premiere)
American Land

If 2008 was any indication of what is to come, the April 1st show will be “a real humdinger!”

In order to get great seats for this show, I honestly suggest using StubHub.  The reason for this is that at least the people putting the tickets up are not Ticketmaster or wrose (TicketsNow).

You can get there right here: SAN JOSE TICKETS

With nothing real exciting to report on during the last week or so, some may be interested to hear that the Asbury Park Boardwalk may see some action toward the end of March.  It is very likely (at this point) that Bruce and the band will be performing a rehearsal show or two at Convention Hall the week before the “Working on a Dream Tour” opener in San Jose, CA kicks off.

Private (closed-door) rehearsals are expected to start about ten days before the proposed rehearsal show(s).

As always, ticket sales will go to charity and will be Ticketmaster “Charge By Phone” ONLY.

Stay tuned!