]v[etaphoid
2013-03-20 13:11:53 UTC
Have just returned from a mesmerizing concert with Bruce Springsteen and
the E Street Band. Let me preface my comments by insisting that the
quality of the performance during the 3+ hour show was second to none,
and I remain a huge Boss fan. It was a phenomenal performance, and has
set the bar incredibly high for next weeks' Paul Simon concert at the
SYdney Entertainment Centre. However...
A part of me just can't get over the disappointment of their failure to
play a number of their most iconic tracks. Now don't get me wrong, when
you've been recording for 4 decades and playing 200+ shows a year for
almost as long, I understand that the playlist will enjoy a little
variety and you won't be able to trot out everyone's favourites at every
show. So I'm prepared to cut them a little slack re the ommisions of
classic tracks including Glory Days, Hungry Heart and Streets of
Philadelphia.
But what I cannot abide is the explanation that "Born in the USA" is
ommited from most live playings, oestensibly due to the fact that the
vast majority of Americans cannot understand it!
Apparently, the idea that a bunch of braindead Americans, and at least
one brain dead former president, have adopted the anti-war anthem as a
chorus of national pride, is so offensive to the band, that they seldom
ever play it live any more.
I felt like Ace after paying a hooker good money, just so she could
watch watch him sit at the end of his bed and whimper about his feelings
and why his father won't respect him. It's all very cathartic and
enjoyable, but I just can't help but feel it just aint what either of us
were expecting when we laid down our cash...
the E Street Band. Let me preface my comments by insisting that the
quality of the performance during the 3+ hour show was second to none,
and I remain a huge Boss fan. It was a phenomenal performance, and has
set the bar incredibly high for next weeks' Paul Simon concert at the
SYdney Entertainment Centre. However...
A part of me just can't get over the disappointment of their failure to
play a number of their most iconic tracks. Now don't get me wrong, when
you've been recording for 4 decades and playing 200+ shows a year for
almost as long, I understand that the playlist will enjoy a little
variety and you won't be able to trot out everyone's favourites at every
show. So I'm prepared to cut them a little slack re the ommisions of
classic tracks including Glory Days, Hungry Heart and Streets of
Philadelphia.
But what I cannot abide is the explanation that "Born in the USA" is
ommited from most live playings, oestensibly due to the fact that the
vast majority of Americans cannot understand it!
Apparently, the idea that a bunch of braindead Americans, and at least
one brain dead former president, have adopted the anti-war anthem as a
chorus of national pride, is so offensive to the band, that they seldom
ever play it live any more.
I felt like Ace after paying a hooker good money, just so she could
watch watch him sit at the end of his bed and whimper about his feelings
and why his father won't respect him. It's all very cathartic and
enjoyable, but I just can't help but feel it just aint what either of us
were expecting when we laid down our cash...