BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and the E Street Band – LIVE IN ALBANY

By Joe Perusse

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – MVP Arena – Albany NY 4/15/2024

As the saying goes, third times a charm. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band finally took the stage in Albany on Monday night. Originally scheduled for March 2023 and knocked out by a snowstorm the show was moved to September 2023. This time, if you’re a fan of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David may or may not have gotten Bruce sick. Regardless of the reason the show was again moved.

Walking around Albany before the show I noticed an older crowd with me. That’s when it hit me, I’m one of those older fans too. I saw my first Springsteen show over 40 years ago. Arriving at my seat only to find it occupied. The girl sitting there moved over and was sitting in the same seat as her friend. After talking with them, one had a seat 2 sections over and a few rows back but they wanted to see the show together.

I offered to sit in that seat so they could be comfortable together and hoped karma would be on my side. Bruce delivered for me right off the bat as “Candy’s Room” led off the show. It was the tour debut of one of my favorites and one I do not get to see live much. Another tour debut “Adam Raised a Cain” was next. Bruce made his first appearance out to the very front stage for “Lonesome Day”. A quick Albany shout out before “Ghosts” revved up the crowd and Jake Clemons (Saxophone) joined Bruce out front.

“Letter to You” followed and then Bruce brought out the harmonica for the first time during “The Promised Land”. “Atlantic City” featured the E Street Horn Section, Clemons, Ed Manion (Saxophone), Curt Ramm (Trumpet), Barry Danielian (Trumpet) and Ozzie Melendez (Trombone). “Trapped” a Jimmy Cliff cover had the crowd pumping fists into the air. Bruce talked to the crowd for the first time getting everyone in the spirit for “Spirit in the Night”.

The crowd did a great job singing the first verse of “Hungry Heart” until Bruce took over. Backing vocalists Michelle Moore, Ada Dyer, Lisa Lowell and Anthony Almonte came to stage front to join Bruce singing the Commodores cover “Nightshift”. Roy Bittan (Piano) and Bruce handled the first verse of “Racing in the Street” before the rest of the band joined in.

Bruce then told a story about his first band in high school and his friend George Theiss who passed away in 2018 leaving Bruce as the “Last Man Standing” from that band. Bruce played acoustic with Danielian joining him on trumpet. The crowd erupted when the first notes of “Backstreets” filled the arena.”Because the Night” a Patti Smith Group cover featured a ripping solo from Nils Lofgren (Guitar).

The tour debut of “Downbound Train” was next and Little Stevie Van Zandt (Guitar) shared the mic with Bruce for “She’s the One”.”Wrecking Ball” saw Doozie Tyrell star on violin. “The Rising”, “Badlands” and “Thunder Road” closed out the main set. The band didn’t really go anywhere but emerged from the dark for “Light of Day”, “Born to Run” and “Bobby Jean”. “Dancing in the Dark” was followed by band introductions.

E street members who I haven’t mention yet include Max Weinberg (Drums), Garry Tallent (Bass), Charles Giordano (Organ) and Curtis Key (Percussion).”Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” was next and as always featured a video tribute on the screens to departed E Street members Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici. Bruce also took this opportunity to head out into the crowd and sing from a second stage.

The band took another bow and then played “Twist and Shout” The Top Notes cover from a sign request. The band took their final bow of the night exiting the stage and leaving Bruce alone. After his appeal to support the regional food bank of eastern New York, Bruce closed the show with an acoustic rendition of “I’ll See You in My Dreams”.

Another great show, I haven’t seen a bad one in over 40 years. Leaving, it seemed like everyone young and old agreed. There is a reason he’s THE BOSS!

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