The People's Forum: Re: Springsteen last night

When I saw there were still tickets available on TM I was *nearly* tempted to jump on a plane and head to Liverpool. If I was 20 years younger it’s exactly the kind of thing I used to do to go see Bruce.

When he played those 3 nights in Dublin in ‘23 and barely changed the set list each night, it was a big disappointment but (and if you’re 25 shows in, you’ve had your good nights somewhere along the way

) the static sets have largely become the norm for the recent tours. Gone are the days particularly on a multi night same city stand where you might get 10+ changes show after show.

I can kinda understand the logic, these might be the last shows in Europe for some time and while folks like us who have multiples of shows behind us, I think there’s a sense of these crowds getting more of the hits to a certain extent (if I never hear Bobby Jean again it’d be too soon*, but then he’s playing Murder Incorporated etc a fine balance between hard core and occasional fans).

I said my goodbyes to Bruce in ‘23 after 52 shows across Europe and America, longer story about my frustrations on ticket pricing -the ‘dynamic price’ gouging - but I’d never tell anyone to not go, Springsteen is one of the best live shows for the past 50+ years.

I’ll love his music until the day I die and many of the best moments I ever had in life were in that pit.

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First visit to the tin mine in over 25 years. My first thought was how much the council has allowed them to get away with in developing the ground. I remember it was mooted that Everton would build out over Goodison Rd, and that was quickly shot down, as was a plan to straighten up Walton Lane and take a small chunk out of Stanley Park to enlarge the footprint of Goodison. They've been allowed to completely close off Anfield Road, in addition to all the earlier compulsory purchase orders to force out residents in surrounding streets.

On to the gig - my 25th time seeing The Boss, and I enjoyed it. The setlist was excellent and I can think of many previous occasions when I'd have been delighted to hear most of those songs. We saw him twice in Dublin a couple of years ago, and were underwhelmed - I thought that might be the last time we went but having travelled all over the place, we couldn't miss his first ever Liverpool gig.

But...I miss the spontaneity of earlier years. It all seemed scripted and formulaic. I get that he's 75 - some of the band are even older and make no mistake they can still play. He used to change the planned list on a whim, calling out a different tune to match the mood of the audience and keep the energy flowing. He'd collect signs from the audience and decide which ones to play. No more. As his voice is fading, there is much more reliance on the backing singers and horn section to support him.

He began the night with a brief monologue about the state of the USA, and it's corrupt President. In front of us were two women from New Jersey who turned out to be Trumpers and booed him whilst everyone else cheered. The same again when later in the show he spoke further about his concerns of the growing authoritarianism, lack of due process and defunding of universities. These women were almost apoplectic while all around people cheered.

When he sang 'House of a Thousand Guitars' with the lines

"The criminal clown has stolen the throne
He steals what he can never own"

I thought one of them would have a heart attack. That said, they somehow overcame their issues to sing and dance along with every song, something I'm not sure I could have done for someone whose views were so opposite to mine.

All in all a good night. I won't be venturing back there in a hurry, and some of the seats in their loft extensions are a very long way from the pitch. BMD is way better!