BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and the E Street Band – LIVE IN ALBANY

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

Walking around Albany before the show I noticed a bigger crowd with me. That's when it hit me, I'm one of those older fans myself. I saw my first one Springsteen appearance more than 40 years ago. I got to my seat only to find it occupied. The girl sitting there moved and was sitting in the same seat as her friend. After talking to them, one had a seat 2 sections up 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 that karma would be on my side. Bruce delivered for me right off the bat as “Candy's Room” led the show. It was the tour debut of one of my favorites and one I don't get to see live much. Another tour debut 'Adam Raised a Cain' was next. Bruce made his first scene appearance for “Lonesome Day”. A quick shout out from Albany before “Ghosts” fired up the crowd and Jake Clemons (Sax) joined in Bruce out front.

Followed by “Letter to You” and beyond Bruce first brought out the harmonica during 'The Promised Land'. “Atlantic City” featured it Street E 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 their fists in the air. Bruce addressed 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. Back-up singers Michelle Moore, Ada Dyer, Lisa Lowell and Anthony Almonte came on stage to join Bruce singing the Commodores cover of 'Nightshift'. Roy Bittan (Piano) and Bruce handled the first verse of “Racing in the Street” before the rest of the band joined.

Bruce he then told a story about his first high school band and his friend George Theiss who died in 2018 leaving Bruce as the “Last Man Standing” from that band. Bruce played acoustic with Danielian accompanying him on trumpet. The crowd erupted as the first notes of “Backstreets” filled the arena.”Because the Night” a Patti Smith Group cover featured a hilarious 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 go anywhere but emerged from the darkness for “Light of Day”, “Born to Run” and “Bobby Jean”. “Dancing in the Dark” followed band introductions.

Street E members I haven't mentioned yet include Max Weinberg (Drums), Garry Tallent (Bass), Charles Giordano (Organ) and Curtis Key (Percussion). “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” was next and as always included a video tribute to the screens going away Street E members Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici; Bruce he also took this opportunity to go out into the crowd and sing from a second stage.

The band took another bow and then played “Twist and Shout” The Top Notes from a tag request. The band took their final bow of the night by exiting the stage and leaving Bruce single. After his appeal to support the Eastern New York Regional Food Bank, Bruce closed the show with an acoustic rendition of “I'll See You in My Dreams.”

Another great show, haven't seen a bad one in 40 years. Leaving, it seemed that everyone young and old agreed. There's a reason it's THE BOSS!

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