Bret Harding
By the time this goes to press, gentle reader, I will be a matter of days away from once again venturing into the live music realm with a man you’d have to shortlist as a the best of the best in live music.
B. Springsteen.
I first saw Mr Springsteen in Sydney in March last year, at the Computer Company Arena at Homebush Bay, in company with an old friend and my eldest son, a musician. As luck would have it our seats were behind the stage (if you were out in front of house, we were up over Mr Springsteen’s left shoulder, about 2 rows off the concrete block wall at the back).
At first glance our seats were not such a great option but as it turned out the sound was exquisite; the people sharing the experience were all engaged and participating; the activity on stage given a fresh look by virtue of being able to see what each of the players were doing; all in all I would have to say it was a fabulous experience.
Heading into the concert armed with my (mental) shopping list of (largely older) favourites, I was as keen as mustard. Mr Springsteen and friends did not end up playing too many off my list, however nothing could detract from the sheer volume of great songs performed across over 3 ½ hours of non-stop entertainment. I left dumbfounded – somehow all at once satisfied but still wanting more. We motored home to the Central Coast with ears ringing and plans being made for “the next time we see Bruce …”
This brings me to the coming days, this time around with A Reserve seating out front.
Mr Springsteen has recently released an album called High Hopes and in many ways it is different to some of his past work. For a start it includes a number of covers and was in part recorded in Australia during his tour last March. The album includes (on guitar) Mr Springsteen’s latest addition to the E Street Band, namely Tom Morello (of Rage Against the Machine, who themselves made a fine cover of The Ghost of Tom Joad).
From the High Hopes album, let’s wind up today’s missive with Mr Springsteen’s take on a classic by Aussie giants The Saints.
Enjoy.
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