Tag: Times Union Center

Bob Seger Brings his Old Time Rock and Roll to Albany

That old-time rock ‘n’ roll reigned supreme at the Times Union Center with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Dec. 2 in Albany. I know of Seger the way most do – through classic rock radio stations, but I also recall way back in the early ’80s winning a small glass album of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band at the Altamont Fair for hitting 3 balloons with darts. When he announced he was coming to the Times Union Center, nostalgia was triggered for a first time show.

Truth be told, I missed most of J. Geils Band opening the show. “Angel is a Centerfold” was played but beyond that it was a mix of some new songs and older tracks I was unfamiliar with. I am sure they’ll turn up on the State Fair circuit next summer.

Seger and his band took the stage and opened with five songs I was wholly unfamiliar with but each of them had a ’70s rock quality that captivated me. For a band that has a handful of radio hits, I never recognized that there were some quality tracks lying around on those non-greatest hits albums; it was a pleasant surprise. “Old Time Rock & Roll” was played early and not shelved until the end – give the audience the song you are best known for and appease them early. “Like a Rock” inspired the audience to go out and buy a Chevy, while cellphones were used in place of lighters – the times, even for the old timers, have changed. “Travelin’ Man” was a good stand out tune, as well as “California Stars” the most modern song of the night despite being written by Woody Guthrie and Wilco. “Turn the Page” which got a second life when Metallica covered it back in the late ’90s, was the penultimate song of the night, with an inspiring “Detroit Made” closing the show.

The two encores gave us four solid songs – “Against the Wind,” “Hollywood Nights” (Umphrey’s McGee covers this and help to reintroduce Seger to a younger audience), “Night Moves” and “Rock & Roll Never Forgets”. Seger knows how to draw the crowd in, and despite being seated for most of the night, the audience was rapt with attention towards the rock n roll legend.

Setlist: Roll me Away, Trying to Live my Life Without you, The Fire down Below, The Devil’s Right Hand, Mainstreet, Old Time Rock & Roll, The Fireman’s Talkin’, Come to Poppa, Her Strut, Like a Rock, Travelin’ Man, Beautiful Loser, California Stars, Hey Gypsy, We’ve Got Tonight, Turn the Page, Detroit Made

Encore: Against the Wind, Hollywood Nights

Encore 2: Night Moves, Rock & Roll Never Forgets

December 8, 2014
TU Center to get $13.1M Upgrade

Albany’s Times Union Center (TUCenter) is set to undergo a major renovation after a plan was announced by Albany County Executive Dan McCoy today that would potentially bring national sporting events back to the area, as reported by The Times Union.

Synthesis Architects proposal would take away the open-air terraces in the entrance area facing South Pearl Street and enclose them to create a gathering space for concertgoers, sports fans and area workers during the winter.

McCoy said in a statement, “This is going to be a transformative project that will change the face of the Times Union Center and will perfectly complement the new Civic Center, which will be an integral part of revitalization downtown.”

Much of the reason for the renovation plans stems from the shift in the Albany Convention Center to the area behind the Times Union Center, and the need for more space to attract, in particular, NCAA basketball events. Included in the renovations are LED screens that would face out onto South Pearl Street, streaming images of events inside the arena, potentially.

Enclosing the TUCenter atrium could potentially change the environment before and after events at the Times Union Center, giving fans a reason to mingle in the venue’s open space, rather than hustling inside to avoid the elements and unwelcoming nature of the staircase-laden entrance way, as it stands now.

October 28, 2014
Five Finger Death Punch and Volbeat Deliver a Solid Rock Outing at Times Union Center

Rock music was alive and well at the Times Union Center on Saturday, Sept. 27. Two of the most popular heavy rock bands in the mainstream radio today, Volbeat and Five Finger Death Punch, brought the noise and the fun to a semi packed house of screaming fans. As the crowd waited patiently outside for doors to open, they were treated to choice rock and heavy metal covers by a group of young kids named Time Machine.

Promptly at 6:05, Nothing More from Texas and New Orleans took the stage. The crowd was sparse due to this early start time, but the ones that were there were ready for a whole night of rock. The four piece came right out of the gate with a lot of energy, lead vocalist Johnny Hawkins belting out his songs shirtless and shoeless. The second song of the night was started with a mouth-picked guitar solo, and the gimmicks didn’t stop there. They brought out a massive installation that housed a bass guitar, and the guitarist, bassist and eventually Johnny as well all percussively played the instrument to a crescendo. The final song started with a prerecorded bass line and ended with a weak drum circle. These antics probably do wonders in smaller clubs, but were somewhat lost on the arena audience.

Vinnie Paul of Hellyeah came out first, taking his throne upon his drum riser to monstrous applause. With the rest of the band in tow, Chad Gray, the vocalist (also of Mudvayne) whipped the crowd immediately into a frenzy, getting everyone to get on their feet for their title track off the new Hellyeah record, Blood for Blood. Chad really worked the crowd, using the whole stage and jumping up on the banks of PA’s to make his own catwalk to the audience. The new addition of Kyle Sanders on bass, formerly of Bloodsimple, was a great fit, and his bass work along with Vinnie Paul’s stellar drumming kept the whole set nailed to the floor. At one point, Chad told the audience that one thing he loves about New York is the mosh-pits, and we are all brothers and sisters, so if someone goes down, you help them up. This was an accidental foreshadowing of the end of the night.

Just the dropping of Volbeat’s backdrop as the crew set up the stage gained a massive response from the crowd. Fans were evenly split throughout the venue, half wearing Volbeat shirts, and half wearing Five Finger Death Punch shirts. With a slightly different sound than the rest of the acts, Volbeat came out to a rolling banjo track laden with guitars. The style of rockabilly mixed with hard rock is what makes this band so interesting, and also what makes the crowds just want to move and dance along to the music. Singer Michael Poulsen traded his time between three different mics set up on stage, and the rest of the band interweaved with him, all having a good time up there. New guitarist Rob Caggiano, of Anthrax fame, seemed right at home with this four piece band from Denmark, and was in a very unique position, playing these songs live and also producing them on their newest album, Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies. Micheal explained to the crowd that he was influenced heavily by Johnny Cash and Elvis, and it showed with his vocal capabilities, and his style, sporting a slick back hairdo and a badge on his guitar strap. They had an impressive light show to couple with their infectious party anthem rock and roll, and no one was in their seats by the time they welcomed a special guest to the stage. Jerry Only, from the legendary Misfits, walked out in full Misfits regalia, and the band went into a great rendition of AngelFuck.

By 9:30, the crowd was sufficiently amped up to welcome Five Finger Death Punch to the stage. A deafening bass drone ushered the band to the stage, and singer Moody growled at the audience while brandishing a bat. Jeremy Spencer, the drummer, was in full costume of a skeleton with LED lights throughout him and his drum set. The stage setup was simple, with light rigs behind brushed steel arches, but everything was used to it’s fullest, creating an immersive experience both visually and sonically. This five piece is much more aggressive than the previous bands on tour, with gigantic double guitar attacks and bottoming out low-end bass drops. The sound on the night was full of slight mishaps, with feedback being rampant through the other bands sets, and 5FDP having trouble keeping the ear-splitting double bass drum sounds from taking over the show. A very crowd friendly band, at one point they called out all the people in the audience who have served in the military, and then dedicated their cover of Bad Company to them all. They also brought on stage a bunch of children from the audience for a chance to spotlight the “next generation of metal”.

Mid-set, the band decided to take a completely different turn, first with a drum solo that bordered on electronic dance music, and then into two acoustic guitar ballads, bringing the mood of the show down considerably. But, this didn’t quell the raucous energy they had already instilled in the crowd, and by the time they launched into their first encore song of the night, the floor erupted again into a writhing pit. Moody stopped the song abruptly, seeing one of the fans being really hurt in the pit. He called out the audience member who he saw do the deed, and told the crowd that he would personally kick his ass, and would not finish the show until he apologized to the injured man, stating that this is what makes heavy metal look bad. “Where are the days of Pantera,” Moody scolded the audience, “when people would take care of one another.”

This one incident was not the face of the entire night though, by a long shot. Young and old were all in attendance having a great time, and the crowd seemed generally pleased with each performance. Other than this one bad moment, the show was met with consideration and a party-like atmosphere, truly showing what heavy music can do for people, as they use it for an escape or metal therapy to ‘get their aggression out’ through music.

October 2, 2014
Times Union Center in Albany gets ready to host Five Finger Death Punch, Volbeat, Hellyeah and Nothing More

This fall marks one of the most sought after tours in recent memory. The incredible co-lining onslaught of Five Finger Death Punch and Volbeat has been an idea in the works for some time, with both bands finally hitting the road together after countless scheduling issues, stopping in Albany. The timing could not be better, as both bands are the premier heavy metal bands on mainstream rock radio.

Nothing More. Photo by Jim ‘JT’ Gilbert / JTGphoto.com

Joining them on tour will be Nothing More, the fast rising heavy groove metal project out of San Antonio, Texas. Chipping away at the game with their relentless barrage of work they finally have broken out with their single, “This is the Time(Ballast)” hitting #2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart in 2014. As they self proclaim with the inherent question, “Nothing more?”, they immediately answer back, “Accept nothing less.”

Hellyeah have recently dropped their most defining album to date. Blood for Blood allows the average listener to really get the best interpretation of this ‘supergroup’, and gives the die hard fan a new outlook on this incredible band. Made up of seasoned veterans of the stage Chad Gray (Mudvane), Vinnie Paul (Pantera, Damageplan), Tom Maxwell (Nothingface) and Kyle Saunders (Bloodsimple), they are poised to bring the hard hitting heavy rock to this tour.

Volbeat. Photo by Jim ‘JT’ Gilbert / JTGphoto.com

Hailing from Denmark, Volbeat is no stranger to the United States. The three-piece continues to tear up stages all over the world, and are primed and ready to co-headline this tour in support of their most recent album, Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies. Epic riffs and catchy melodies make each show an experience, and with new second guitarist Rob Caggiano (Anthrax) will have the entire crowd banging their heads and singing along.

Five Finger Death Punch (5FDP) has been wanting to do this tour for sometime, and scheduling has always gotten in the way, as is the case with hard working bands that tour constantly. But the planets aligned and this tour can finally be a reality. 5FPD are riding high off their two releases last year, The Wrong Side of Heaven and The Righteous Side of Hell, parts 1 and 2. The combined sales of those records made the band the highest selling rock band in America. Their live show is one of pure intesity and heavy metal chaos, and one not to be missed when it rolls into the OnCenter War Memorial Arena in Syracuse NY on Setptember 23rd. Then, on September 27th, the tour will hit the Times Union Center in Albany, NY. This, like so many other amazing shows in the Albany area, is being brought to this area thanks to the tireless efforts of Step Up Presents.

Five Finger Death Punch. Photo by Jim ‘JT’ Gilbert / JTGphoto.com

The tour kicks off in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 16 and goes until it’s Las Vegas on October 24th. Tickets and tour dates can be found on the bands websites or through TicketMaster.

Tickets for the Syracuse Show can be found here.

Tickets for the Albany show can be found here.

September 17, 2014
Bruno Mars Dazzles Times Union Center

Albany was buzzing with anticipation Sunday night at the Times Union Center as Bruno Mars was set to make his debut appearance in Upstate N.Y, bringing his “Moonshine Jungle Tour” to the Tri-State area.

Bruno Mars – Times Union Center – July 2014

Fans of all ages came out for this highly anticipated, sold out concert. Some seats opened up right before the show, but were gone just as fast with some lucky fans even scoring front row seats.

After a short delay letting fans into the arena in the hot muggy weather, all was forgotten when this concert started.

Multi-talented Bruno Mars and his band are some of the best live entertainer’s I’ve seen on stage this year. A very charismatic bunch of musicians. This concert had a little of everything – pyro blasts, fire, sparklers and an awesome light show.

Both artists were very interactive with the crowd.

Aloe Blacc was the opener for this show in Albany. He and Pharrell Williams have rotated dates throughout the tour in select cities.

Aloe started the night off with the song “You Make Me Smile”. Some fans were still filing in from the delay during this song. The song broke down into a dance break, which prompted Blacc to ask the crowd “who likes to dance?”. He paused for the crowd’s response, then Aloe himself broke out into a dance.

The crowd stood for the rest of the performance when the song “Here Today” started.

Blacc now sheds his jacket and tells the crowd “here’s an oldie but goodie” and sings the song “I Need A Dollar”. Aloe had the crowd on their feet clapping along to his hit “The Man”. Blacc talked about his other hit “Wake Me Up”, saying, “I had these words that I wanted the whole world to hear”, and proceeded to talk about hooking up in the studio with DJ Avicii in 2013 to record the track.

Blacc was a great opener. The only drawbacks that I had were that his mic was a little bit low and he was drowned out by his band. Also, I didn’t like the plain black curtain behind him. I think a logo or themed curtain for intimacy as a back drop would have felt like more of a big deal, while the black made it seem like he was not that important.

Blacc signed CDs and T-shirts at the merchandise booth after his performance for fans.

Bruno Mars – Times Union Center – July 2014

Excitement from the fans started to rise as Bruno Mars was set to take the stage next. Concertgoers broke out into a wave around the arena in anticipation for Mars to come out.

After a quick intermission to set up the stage for Mars, the lights went out to a thunderous, almost deafening, roar. Everybody’s attention was now focused on the gold palm tree themed curtain, just waiting for it to fall as the beat started for the song “Moonshine”.

As the beat played, Bruno Mars welcomed the crowd to the moonshine jungle. A pyro blast cued the curtain to fall to Bruno and his band, jamming the first verse of the song.

Before he sang the song “Treasure”, Mars said how it was his first time in Albany, N.Y as a giant mirror ball lowered from the ceiling above the stage.

Mars then went into a medley of different songs, including the Beatles hit “Money (That’s What I Want)”, “Billionaire” (Bruno’s song with Travie McCoy), which drew loud cheers from the crowd, “Pony” (Ginuwine) and “Ignition” (R.Kelly).

Bruno blended his songs “If I Knew” and “Runaway Baby” by asking the crowd to sing along with him by hitting certain notes. Then, Mars asked the crowd to repeat the words “do you love me”. After having everyone repeat it, he asked for just the ladies to sing it. After singing it with all the women in the building, he answered them, “yes I do.” The screams from the ladies were insane.

When Mars teased the crowd that they were quiet, he said, “hey we can get quiet.” He and the band slowly faded down to silence, but were still dancing and snapping fingers like there was a beat still playing. Then Mars and the band slowly brought the volume back up; fans ate this up and just loved it.

Another funny moment happened at the end of the song “Nothing On You” (his song with B.o.B). Mars asked the guys to grab their lady’s hand, look into her eyes and say…”Bruno’s gonna do the talking tonight.” Mars then didn’t forget about the single ladies in the house. He said, “singles ladies don’t worry,” and he and his band shouted, “we’re here,” as they did a hip thrust gesture.

Bruno Mars – Times Union Center – July 2014

Mars then got serious and told the audience that his next song was the hardest song for him to write and was still the hardest for him to perform. He then played “When I Was Your Man” as cell phones lit up the whole arena during this song.

A minute-long keyboard solo led into the song “Grenade”, and finally, the smash hit “Just The Way You Are” ended the set.

During the last song, gold confetti fell from the rafters. It was an awesome scene. There was so much confetti it was like a white out in the middle of winter.

Mars introduced his whole band, while each member did their own signature dance as they were introduced.

The two-song encore started with Mars doing a drum solo, which led into the song “Locked Out Of Heaven” and wrapping up with “Gorilla”.

An amazing performance by Mars left me wanting more; he played about an hour and forty minutes it total. It’s nice to see Upstate N.Y. finally getting some different musical acts to this area who have never traveled here before, including Mars, Justin Timberlake and Paul McCartney. I hope this opens the door for more artist to come to our area for summer concert events in 2015 who would have not considered this area before.

July 26, 2014
Paul McCartney Gets ‘Out There’ at the Times Union Center

Sir Paul McCartney had a highly anticipated and greatly publicized return to the stage took place at the Times Union Center in Albany on Saturday July 5^th. After cancelling a string of dates due to a virus McCartney had contracted overseas in May, the Out There tour’s new departure place became Albany, NY. McCartney fans can now rest easy as Paul assembled a 40 song, three-hour set that left no musical stone unturned, reaching into his plentiful Beatles, Wings, and solo catalog for a satisfying and awe-inspiring evening of music.

The diverse and excitable crowd greeted the dapper McCartney, who was dressed in blue blazer, with a massive truck rally applause. ‘Macca’s impressive and road tested group of musicians of the last twelve years immediately ascended the opening bars of the Beatles hit “Eight Days a Week”, barely audible over the massive response from the audience. While McCartney’s voice may contain some nicks and dings from fifty years of rock vocals, similarly to an antique, its patina only increases its value and emotional strength.

The first ‘movement’ of the concert contained McCartney on famed Hofner bass as well as multiple classic guitars and his band electrically charging through a series of rockers spanning his career. The fuzzy “Save Us” from 2014’s New, famed Beatles tracks, “All My Loving” and “Paperback Writer” and Wings favorites, “Let Me Roll It” and “Listen to What the Man Said”. “Let Me Roll It’” featured a slightly extended and rocking “Foxy Lady” jam in which McCartney showed off his ample soloing abilities on his multicolored Les Paul. McCartney spoke early and often, telling tales familiar to tour veterans, but awe-inspiring to first timers. McCartney has the innate ability to make a large venue feel like it’s a living room through his interactions and personable explanations of his songs.

The crowd was given a brief respite at this point in the proceedings so McCartney could sit at the grand piano for a series of big songs. The recent paean to his wife and Upstate native Nancy Shevell “My Valentine” was a fitting cool down period, to be followed by Wings rarity “1985” and then knocked out of the arena with the dynamic duo of “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “The Long and Winding Road”. McCartney cooed in a sweet falsetto, stroked the black and whites through every climax, and illustrated why he is the definitive performing rock artist in the world. I feel lucky to be attending this musical spectacle, and looking around, so does everyone around me as they stand in rapt amazement.

Paul McCartney concert experiences not only open up his catalog of amazing and enduring compositions, but also spotlight his prowess on multiple instruments and in variegated contexts. The acoustic set followed next with the band joining in on tasteful backing for most of it. The set also found McCartney standing solo on an ascending platform for “Blackbird” and his always stirring tribute to John Lennon off of ’82s Tug of War, “Here Today”. Highlights were the perfectly fitting and purely ‘Macca’ “On My Way to Work”, which made its live debut during this segment to great effect as well as a china-doll-delicate reading of the Beatles, “And I Love Her”.

Returning to the full band format, McCartney’s psychedelically painted piano was placed at center stage for the two power tracks on 2014’s release New. A bouncy version of the title song is played as well as a sturdy rendition of the regal “Queenie Eye”. Both songs illustrated how McCartney’s recent compositions nestle into the current of the set list next to his greatest songs, a testament to his longevity and unmistakable talents.

Following the stare down with “Queenie Eye”, the juicy central section of the concert revealed a series of Beatles tracks, many rare and all enthusiastically played by the band and beautifully received by the audience. Each song stacked on top of the next, raising the temperature and elevating the applause. Beatle tracks “Lady Madonna”, “All Together Now”, and the rarely performed “Lovely Rita” played with every set of hardcore Beatle fanatic lips in the venue as they mouthed the words.

The highlights kept coming with McCartney breaking out the arsenal of Wings most beloved songs intermingled with more Beatles! “Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite” was incredible; McCartney’s bass line pulled from the grooves of Sgt. Pepper in a legendary display, a reflection upon his instrumental innovations and ground breaking ideas. A tribute to George Harrison with a poignant version of “Something” began on solo Ukulele and concluded in a full band tribute. Stellar versions of “Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da”, “Band on the Run” and “Back In the USSR” followed, peaking with the concluding “Live and Let Die” and “Hey Jude” finale. Explosions, lights, strobes, multimedia clips, banging instruments and sing-along smiles filled the concert’s concluding moments in disorienting joy.

Just when you think the 72-year-old McCartney and powerhouse band couldn’t possibly give any more to Albany, NY, they come out with two encores and a wedding proposal on the stage. The first encore was the perfect blend and a nod to the heads in the audience hailing from the ’60s and right up to the present day converts. “Day Tripper” and “Get Back” thematically sandwiched a rare and smoking “Hi, Hi, Hi”, an incendiary concert favorite from ’70s Wings performances. All the windows were down and the band had the pedal to the floor for this first set of encore numbers.

The second encore found McCartney on golden acoustic for a performance of “Yesterday”, expected, yet still magical. Following this performance, a Rochester, NY couple was engaged on the stage, with McCartney inviting the couple up due to their enthusiastic and persistent waving of signs in the audience. It worked and added up to a special and unique concert moment with the future groom singing a verse of “When I’m 64” with backing from the band. This dream moment for the couple was followed appropriately with a death-defying slide downhill into a threatening “Helter Skelter” by McCartney and band.

The final and unbelievable conclusion to the concert came with a flawless version of the triad of songs closing the Beatles 1969 LP Abbey Road, “Golden Slumbers”, “Carry That Weight”, and fittingly “The End”. The final moments found McCartney expressing with deep gratitude and warmth the parting lines of the concert, “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make”.

Paul McCartney’s performance at the Times Union Center was a memorable and, I would say even, historic experience. The wealth of quality music, the lack of unpretentious stage antics and the genuine feeling of enjoyment emanating from the stage made the show an evening worthy of long-term reflection. The anticipation of a rare appearance Upstate in addition to the questions surrounding McCartney’s ability to tour, layered the concert in pretense. McCartney, like always, delivered, silenced critics, and gave his admirers reason to celebrate. There are not nearly enough superlatives available to be applied to Sir Paul McCartney and his continuing artistic growth, unbelievable concert experiences, and musical achievements.

July 12, 2014
Bret Michaels Out For Albany Show

Bret Michaels – Turning Stone

We have confirmed with the Times Union Center’s box office that Bret Michael’s will not perform in tonight’s show in Albany.

Bret Michaels’ appearance at this time is still to be determined for a show scheduled in Albany, tonight at 7pm at the Times Union Center. He is slated to perform along with The Charlie Daniels Band and The Marshall Tucker Band.

In a statement yesterday from the Bret Michaels Team, he was diagnosed as having “complications involving insulin shock & severe low blood sugar, along with other conditions which doctors later determined included exhaustion, dehydration, fever and the noro flu virus”.

On Thursday, in Manchester, NH, after three songs into the first set, Michaels became ill and was was immediately rushed by ambulance to a local hospital. Diagnosed since childhood with Type I Diabetes, Bret was unable to stabilize his sugar levels. Friday’s show in Wilkes-Barre, PA was cancelled as Michaels continued to be observed by doctors.

Michaels, performed locally most recently in Verona, NY at The Turing Stone Casino Showroom on April 30th to a sold out crowd. His performance was action packed with an energy level and charisma that was off the charts. Fans of all walks adore him not only because he’s an amazing performer and musician, but because he also is a community oriented performer, and an advocate for several causes, including Petsmart Charities, Operation Homefront, and the American Diabetes Association.

Ticket holders and fans who are interested can follow his progress on his Facebook account and post their well wishes. Those fans who are currently following his progress are continuing their support in his recovery, and whether their shows go on or not doesn’t matter to them, as their love for his well being is their utmost concern. NYS Music Music Guide concurs. Get well soon, Bret.

May 31, 2014
Show Number One: Bruce Springsteen in Albany
I’m not sure how it took me this long to see him, but it did and it was fully worth the wait. Bruce Springsteen puts on an amazing show, has incredible showmanship and presence on stage, and even played some wildcard audience requests look like they were part of the plan for the night. This was far from a greatest hits show and I found a few new favorite songs throughout the night. Here’s my take away from my first Bruce Springsteen show, at The Times Union Center in Albany on May 13th.
- The crowd was comprised of everyone from little kids to grandparents, and everyone in between. Bruce spans all generations.
- “Don’t Change” and “My Love will not Let You Down” were a good 1-2 punch of to open the show. Never heard either before, let alone expected an INXS cover to start a Bruce show.
- Tom Morello on guitar was a treat. Didn’t know he would be playing with Bruce, let alone that Little Steven wasn’t playing. Fair trade for me.
- “Death to my Hometown” was tribal as hell.
- I couldn’t tell if it was a standard show, or if there were bustouts. It didn’t matter either way. This show wasn’t defined by the setlist.
- The audience interaction could have gotten old fast, and usually it does. Bruce is WAY more patient with the audience and the audience doesn’t seem to be pushy when it comes to getting him things to read or signs for songs they want to hear. Good band-audience relationship.
- Reading a Mother’s Day card, then dancing with the mom in question was pretty cool. Your Mother’s Day gift is weak by comparison.
- “Better Days” – new favorite tune. “Seaside Bar Song” and “Meet me at Mary’s Place” as well.
- When an audience member requests “Stayin’ Alive”, it seemed like it wouldn’t happen. Then Bruce throws on the acoustic and this happens. “Stayin’ Alive” is one helluva a song when Bruce plays it. Stripped of Disco!
- Seriously 17 band members? Glenn Miller Orchestra I saw last week had 19. But the sound for Bruce was worth it, just surprised to see 17 on stage.
- “Shackled and Drawn” – HUGE song. Love this song, the Celtic-ness to it, although a bass line here would have been perfect. Good choreography as well.
- “The Ghost of Tom Joad” – I imagine Pete Seeger looks down from heaven and smiles whenever Bruce plays this one. Major highlight for me.
- I joked before the show with a few friends that I hope he plays “Born in the U.S.A.”, which was likely my first Bruce song growing up in the early 80s. I was pretty shocked to hear it, thinking it was a song he shelved for a long time.
- “Born to Run”! Born->Born.
- The crowd hung on every song and knew them all. Energetic and focused and not there just for the party – they wanted to hang on every note. Reminds me of Pearl Jam and Phish crowds.
- Bruce’s intro for the E Street Band – never heard that before and damn it’s a good one.
- Jake Clemons, Clarence Clemons nephew, has filled some very big shoes, and the tribute on the screen during intros was very touching.
- The whole ‘not leaving the stage for an encore’ is confusing when most bands I see do that. Explains why the lights came on around 1030, if not earlier.
- Russ Lawton looks like a young max Weinberg.
Sure, there were some songs I wish I heard – “Growing Up”, “Because the Night”, “Atlantic City” and “Rosalita” – but I’m not disappointed I didn’t see them. It just means I need to go and see him more, chasing those tunes. What an amazing first show!

Check out Bruce’s Notes from the Road
May 15, 2014