There is many a time when I sit down on a Sunday evening and have no idea what I am going to write about. I decided to be a bit more organised this week and started on something last Monday but now, six days later, important events have superseded my musings. I say important because somehow Bruce's shows with Joe Grushecky feel that way. They feel as if they are a build up to something and that's why I am excited or ... maybe it's just me clutching at straws.
I haven't had a chance to watch all the videos that have come out of the Pittsburg nights. There is a lot of great stuff - almost as good as being there - I said almost. Blogness on the Edge of Town has a great selection of clips.
My reservations about acoustic versions of band songs have been somewhat quashed and I'm thinking an acoustic tour might be no bad thing. Great version of Land of Hope and Dreams here
For two people like Mike and I who usually sit at gigs, or at least we are in the seated section even if we are actually standing, acoustic sort of suits us.
One thing we must all be sure of, after seeing these videos, is that this man cannot give up doing live shows - he is just amazing. His voice is sounding better than ever to me. He looks happy and fit and ready to go. It would seem from this quote that bruce knows folks all around the world want to see him.
"People have flown to Pittsburgh from all across the world! That's almost as crazy as flying to Asbury Park! It's insane! People come from perfectly wonderful places, and they leave them! I met some people from Sweden, and Spain's here too. Even Italy. It's crazy, and the obligation weighs very heavy on my head."
Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bruce-springsteen-plays-three-and-a-half-hour-show-in-pittsburgh-20111105#ixzz1cxyoYR17
The end of this clip is fab when Bruce gets the crowd to join in. It's about 3.40 in if you don't want to listen to all of Thunder Road - What! you don't want to listen to it all?
He sings that last line with as much gusto as the audience. It's as if he is one of them rather on the stage -a great illustration of the skill he has as a live performer. He includes the crowd in the gig rather than performing for them. The whole thing almost has a sitting-round-the-campfire feel about it. Now - wouldn't that be a dream come true? - sitting round a campfire with Bruce strumming his guitar, all singing along to Thunder Road.
Whilst we are talking about a new tour and Thunder Road a word to our best mates Jacquie and Mike. They have never been to a Bruce show and we have promised to take them next time round. Hey! you two! start learning the words.
It's been a long time since our last gig ... two years to be exact. On the equivalent Sunday in 2009 a bunch of us were preparing to go to MSG night 2. What a night - I talk about it here. It seems like a lifetime ago yet it seems like yesterday but reading that blog post back now brings a lump to my throat. It was an incredible few days which will never be repeated.
It goes without saying that we would be gutted if Bruce never toured again but if that was the last show I ever saw it would certainly be a very fitting finale.
I can't end on such a negative thought so here is a picture from Pittsburg courtesy of Matt Orel.
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