Playlist

Posted by dtraeger @ 7:20 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Absolutely the worst show I've ever attended. Could only take a little over an hour, of the New Jersey crooner's howling at the moon, mixed with his assessment of the state of the Constitution and other political drivel.

As the circus midget wailed, after starting his show 40 minutes late, I sat and mused how my time would have been better spent working on my yard that afternoon. But I was amused by the blonde on stage who's attire reminded me of 20 pounds of potato's stuffed in a 5 pound bag and Clemens resemblence to a zombie character in the last Romero offering.

Posted by CL @ 7:54 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I have seen Bruce over 10 times since 1976, many in small venues in NE Ohioo, and this show in dallas was one of the BEST concerts I have seen...period. He's BACK!!

Posted by tc @ 8:16 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Acoustics were terrible. Treble was blurry. If my sound system sounded like that at home, I’d get it fixed. Some of the vocals and harmonica were painful. I’ve seen a lot of shows at the AA Center and this was the worse sound quality.

Posted by JS @ 9:01 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Like always, he was outstanding.

Posted by Terry @ 9:06 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Perhaps the best Springsteen concert in years. Song selection was great. The crowd was really into it. They only get better with age.

Posted by Tammy @ 9:12 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

It was great; got better the longer he was on stage; Bon Jovi coming out to sing with him was just icing on the cake. Can't wait for his show tonight now.

Bruce ROCKS!

Posted by Jim Thal @ 9:14 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

One of the best shows I have seen Bruce do. His song list was great and nice mix of older stuff. What a fun show!!

Posted by Rob Meyne @ 9:14 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Bruce is a fantastic performer, but we wish he had played a few more of his classics, like Born in the USA, Hungry Heart and My Hometown. Too much new, not enough classic.

Posted by Dave @ 9:32 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

The best pop/rock musician this country has ever produced was in town last night. Anyone who didn't like that show should never be allowed inside a concert again. Incredible mix of old and new ("Trapped"! How did that not make "Born in the USA?") The surprises at the end confirm his ability to improv as well as deliver the expected.

Posted by Ron Miller @ 9:34 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Last night’s Springsteen show was a bittersweet experience for us “boss old-timers.” Although the average age of the crowd was no less than 45, most probably couldn’t name three songs from Greetings or The Wild, The Innocent. But all of them knew every word to Jungle Land, Prove it all Night, Badlands and the Promised Land. So when he stood at mic accompanied by only the piano, sax and single spotlight and beautifully pleaded to Eddie for a ride in Meeting across the River, most fans started heading upstairs to grab another $7 beer or $45 “Radio Nowhere” T-shirt. Kinda sad, I thought. And Meeting was the only song performed from Springsteen’s first two incredible, but forgotten albums, while he and his still ultra-tight band concentrated heavily on the equally satisfying new Magic release and the older Darkness on the Edge of Town and classic Born to Run recordings. Niels Lofgren’s intense lead guitar solo ending Because the Night brought the mostly balding, but fist waving crowd to a near frenzy. Only so many songs to fit into a 2 hour plus show.

Great show for most in the crowd, but only good to those of us who remember the mind-blowing, emotional frantic and climatic shows from the late 70’s and early 80’s. Maybe an outing with Rosalita, Sandy or those Spirits in the Night may have been helpful?

Posted by Memnoch1985 @ 9:36 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Accoustics were terrible and they should have parked Clarence's chair next to the microphone to spare us from having to watch him walk. They definitely needed more Born in the USA material, but no one manages an audience like The Boss. "Glory Days" and "Dancing in the Dark" alone were worth the ticket price.

Posted by Mark @ 9:44 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Anyone that didn't enjoy that concert must be missing a pulse (or a brain). The Boss delivered on all levels, despite the absence of Danny Federici, and given Clarence's limited mobility. Sound was a little muddy, but he gave a solid 90 minutes of both classic and new material. Nils was smoking hot on his leads. Excellent value for the concert dollar.

Posted by Patrick Scura @ 9:46 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I'm from New Jersey but I'm in Dallas for work this week and got to see Bruce last night. Awesome show as always, but I wish the crowd was a little more into it. If you are a Bruce fan you have to see him in NY/NJ for the full effect. Keep rockin Bruce.

Posted by Wendy @ 10:00 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Fantastic! Enjoyed every minute of the show. What a great mix of old and new.

Posted by Nigel Herrington @ 10:04 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

A gig to make you proud to be American - shame I am British over from the UK on holiday - y'all should vote in Bruce for president.
First time we've seen him and been fans for 30 years - best concert we've been to. A hard working showman with a great repertoire who had the crowd in his hands.

Posted by Skipper Brown @ 10:05 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

What a crock. I was a Springsteen fan before he started preaching politics instead of entertaining, but we were given tickets so we went. How dare him sell tickets behind the stage for $100+. All we saw was their backs and a TV screen of the front. The sound was ok, but voice was completely blurred. He needs to know the political revolution musicians were in the 60's. Bruce, Get over it!!! I guess he's not proud to be Born In The USA, since he didn't sing one of the hits that got him where he is or should I say was. Grade "C" (So-so) for free.

Posted by Vic Manning @ 10:06 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Bruce's jaw-dropping high energy made up for rotten acoustics and, at times, lackluster melancholy songs. As others have observed, the longer he played the better he got. Clemons, sax, was as stiff as a corpse and looked like one, too. Max Weinburg, drummer, did an outstanding job leading the quick-song transitions. High point of the night was Jon Bon Jovi's surprise performance with the Boss of "Glory Days." For anyone who left before the encore...you missed the best part of the show.

Posted by Nigel Herrington @ 10:07 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

A concert to make you proud to be American - shame I am British - y'all should vote in Bruce for president!
Huge repertoire, best gig,crowd in his hands.

Posted by Tina F. @ 10:12 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

My Bruce savy cousin from DC said this was a different song list than DC concert and didn't last usual 3 hours. Crowd energy level on East Coast much better. But great concert.

Posted by Artemis @ 10:18 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

As a kid who learned to sing "Row Row Row Your Boat" followed by "Born in the USA" I was disappointed that song didn't make the set list. But it was still a great show. And you have to hand it to some one who talks liberal politics in a state as conservative as Texas.

Posted by mkl @ 10:21 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Good show, poor sound,need a better engineer, good selection. Trapped, independence day and because of the night were treats. Hard to complain but Rosilita would have been nice. Bruce is still #2 behind Mick and is entitled to his political opinion. E street continues to be tight even without Danny F.

Best Springsteen show since 1985 in my opinion.

Posted by Cecile Perry @ 10:24 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Waited all night for Born in the USA and hometown good concert but needed the old ones too. They put him on the map Loved bringing the kids on stage

Posted by Riskmanster @ 10:25 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Who was the "guest singer" during the encore?

Posted by mikey23 @ 10:27 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

A great show. If you didn't like it you don't know the Boss. He never has an opening act and on this tour starts right around 8:15 every night. Not enough Dallas folks know about what to sing during "Badlands" and the "ohhhhhhhhhh" for Born to Run. He's a legend. And thank goodness somebody has the guts to dare talk about the problems created during the past 8 years.

Posted by the fan @ 10:35 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I have seen Bruce several times, all in Dallas. There are 3 things that are always true: 1. He always plays songs off of the new album he is promoting 2. He always plays some of his less-known hits and 3. He always plays a few of his huge hits. If you are a true Springsteen fan, you understand he is an artist and a storyteller. His set list is never one hit after another. Much of the new music is a commentary on current events, so of course he wants to play it live. Be thankful he is an artist that is willing to challenge us instead of patronizing us with mindless lyrics and studio-canned beats. Bravo Bruce!

Posted by mikey23 @ 10:54 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

To Riskmanster: It was Jon Bon Jovi joining Bruce for "Glory Days"

Posted by Dr. O. Jones @ 11:08 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

From reader Dr. O. Jones via email:

I didn’t go. What a loudmouth lout from the northeast we have in Mr. Springsteen. I’m glad I stayed home and saved my money. How dare he speak out against the war (as I completely expected he would do). Bring back the draft and send his rich spoiled brats over there to fight for our freedoms. By him going from town to town blathering about the war and our fine president, he only further emboldens our enemies. I have two cousins fighting (yes, actually shooting the enemy) in Iraq as of this writing and am greatly offended by the likes of zillionaire Springsteen. Its also funny how they couldn’t even get the concert sound balanced.

Posted by mikey23 @ 11:19 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Well Dr. O. Jones... perhaps you should have gone because you don't know what he said. If you would re-read the review you would know that he thoughtfully and carefully chose his words and the crowd responded in kind. Yes... as much as you hate to admit it... even in Dallas there are straight, male, white, religous people who agree that the real Boss is from New Jersey, and the village idiot will soon be back in Crawford for good.

Posted by Karen @ 11:26 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I saw Springsteen in '81 and wasn't impressed.
But, by the close of last night's show - it was confirmed as the best concert I have ever seen. Across the board in talent, pacing, respect for the crowd and his own music, humor and his own love for entertaining - it was an A+. What a pleasure to watch an entertainer who moves from song to song to song without alot of babble and down time (hint, hint Ryan Adams....).

The United States of America never looks better or sounds better than thru the eyes and words of Bruce Springsteen.

Posted by Jason @ 11:27 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I cannot believe how many people had problems with this show. Were you watching the same guy I saw? I've seen him three times now in some of the most prestigious venues in this country and that was AMAZING last night! Keep your complaints to yourself. You obviously have other issues if you didn't like it.

Posted by Dan @ 11:27 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Without a doubt the worst part of the show was the overall sound quality and that's the engineer not the system or the arena. With that said, I have seen Bruce for over 30 years and he is one of the best and last night was no exception. Here's the difference that all of the die hard fans would have noticed. In the old days of the 70's and 80' Bruce's music during a show took you on a journey, a tale of the fanatasy of E street and the darkness and light of the world. Today's concerts are a combination of promotion of the new and greatest hits volumn 4. It's still good but it is not what made him one of the best live acts that has ever preformed on stage. Of course there are other elements of the concert that are missing too, but Bruce doesn't have any control over that!

Posted by BLK @ 11:27 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Good show. Like most old folks the older songs and more obscure make the show more memorable. The were no songs from the 1st two albums. Meeting Across the River is from Born to Run.

Also, as with most of us it was hard to watch the "Big Man" move around.

Again, good show. I am also going tonight in Houston. I figured this is the last time the E Street Band will be together (although they are missing one vital member). It has definitely been a great ride.

Posted by Chris @ 11:33 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

After attending my 16th Bruce show last night I was not disappointed at all. A great mix of old and new. I guess every one has an opinion on war and politics some are in a place to be heard and some are not. I went to see Bruce and the E Street band and hear some great music and thats what I got.

Posted by Eric @ 11:37 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

No born in the USA....what a ripoff! With the appearance of Bon Jovi, maybe he is rewriting the song to born in New Jerz Ah? Coulda done without the 40 min wait. Coulda done without celtic woman wanabe, coulda done without children on stage (parents find a sitter, after all it was a school night.) Max rocks. Someone wake Clarence up!

Posted by CharlieB @ 11:43 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Dr. Jones, I’m so glad you’re able to comment about the sound at a concert you didn’t even attend. That sort of thing is congruent with your comments about Bruce and the war. Supporting a war started based on lies and false premises has nothing to do with supporting our troops. Which of our freedoms was threatened by Iraq? The freedom to buy $100 a barrel oil or the freedom to have our tax dollars go to Halliburton in the form of huge no-bid contracts? The Boss gave an excellent performance and I’m glad you had the good sense to stay away. Now if you could only learn to remain silent when you don’t know what you’re talking about. When we stifle dissent, we are no better than the tyrants we rail against.

Posted by Bruce Fan @ 11:49 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

My 8th Bruce concert since '81 and thought it the best since the band started back up. Was to the right of the stage and did not have problem with sound. Outstanding mix of songs and great delivery and performance. Don't agree with his political views, but thought he was careful (relatively) with his comments. Did not detract from GREAT show. Jealous of those going tonight in Houston.

Posted by Julie @ 11:58 AM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I think Bruce Springsteen is the best! Not only did he make a group of young children feel great for a moment, he also gave back to the community with his contributions to the North Texas food bank. He pays attention to his audience and gives 1000% of himself. He shows great character in taking care of his band members on stage while paying attention to the audience. His songs give meaning and vision and shows his patriotism. He is a true American Rock legend!! I have been to many of concerts in my life, but Bruce by far gives the best. Yes even better than the Stones! He moves you through the gamut of emoitions with his lyrics, vocals and band. That is a great musician!!

Posted by Jim Carlough @ 12:11 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I've had the pleasure to have seen this band from the early days in the late seventies till now. The first concert I ever saw growing up in New Jersey was a Springsteen concert. My life was changed forever.

Having seen this tour show in Chicago last fall I can only tell you that last nights performance was leaps and bounds above the Chicago show. More over I had the opportunity to share the Springsteen and E Street experience with my three children. They will never be the same. Even my 18 year old commented that even his favorite bands can't compare to what he witnessed last night.

I just can't imagine the teenage girls who got to dance with the Boss and hug him as they left the stage would have been able to sleep a wink after the experience they had last night.

I'm still humming the songs 12 hours later and I'm well past 40.

Posted by Mary @ 12:14 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC SHOW!! Bruce just gets better with age.

What's the deal with people griping about Springsteen's comments about the war and current administration? They were minimal and didn't detract from the concert, even if you didn't agree. It's called "freedom of speech."

Posted by j.d.w... @ 12:23 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Skipper Brown needs to go back and read the lyrics to Born in the USA...

...and of course folks from Dallas want Born in the USA and don't care that he pulls our Meeting Across the River for the first time in ages... it's Dallas! Pbbbt.

Oh, and Born in the USA did not "put him on the map"... I'd probably go with Born to Run - the song that saved rock and roll...

Posted by Sybil @ 12:40 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Anyone complaining about Springsteen's political comments clearly has not been paying attention over the last 30 years! He's long been socially concious and sometimes overtly political - but ALWAYS a consummate performer. Last night was no exception. Brilliant show, just brilliant.

My favorite thing was the fact that his face looks like the face of a 58 year old man. I noticed during the extreme video closeups, there wasn't a hint of botox or a nip or tuck in sight. Now, that's a real man.

Posted by Craig Roche @ 12:44 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

What an alarming bunch of distasteful, ignorant comments about the band members. The violinist is in the band to provide musical material not sex appeal. Go see Janet Jackson for that. And to ravage Clarence who is, what 10 or more years older than the Boss for a lack of mobility when he does play the sax as well as ever, is just ignorant. Unbalanced sound, yes. But a great night with such joy on so many faces. How can that be bad? And the kids at the end, echoing the "Dancing in the Dark" video for the old days will be telling people about the night Bruce lifted them onto the stage to be with him for the rest of their lives.

Posted by Bobby P @ 12:58 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Having seen the Boss over 20 times - this was one of the best shows ever - Nils solo, Bruce and Stevie jamming and C's sax solo on jungleland were incredible. The set list was awesome and JBJ & The kids on stage added to the amusement. Only downside is the lame Dallas fans sitting down for the new songs.

Posted by Cliff L. @ 1:07 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Do all you negative fans realize how difficult it is to PACK in so many songs they did into 2:45? It's a credit to how great Max, Gary, Roy, and others are at keeping the songs just moving.

As a fan who sees a fair amount of shows, I've never seen a band so great at their pacing. Yes, he promotes 'Magic' songs (they aren't that bad!) and he includes some oldies like Meeting (which was great) and the slow Independance Day. It still was great.

I sat behind the band. I didn't mind it. For one, I was closer to Bruce than 90% of the rest of the people at times. And I was able to watch Roy Bittan play the piano which only people behind the stage get to see. And folks, I got to watch him play Jungleland.

Sure, I missed Born in the USA or Thunder Road. But I loved Prove it all Night, Hard Land, and it seemed like the whole thing went up a gear for Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark. And that was fantastic.

Posted by Ron Miller @ 1:11 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

To BLK: I stand corrected. Meeting was on BTR. So, nothing from the 1st two albums indeed.

Posted by Niels van Ingen @ 1:24 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Love Springsteen and I thought the show was awesome (better then the rising tour)but the sound was absolutely complete garbage. Sitting in the 312 section we would hear the songs as echo and it was so soft that you could hear people talking 5 rows away. Been to a lot of concerts and this was the worst sounding one to date. Would not blame the band as they played their hearts out but the engineer responsible for sound should give everybody in the upper sections their money back as it was appalling.

Posted by rw @ 1:25 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Sanctimony is never a good thing, whether you're the President or a "boss old timer," especially when your facts are wrong: Meeting Across the River appears on my copy of Born to Run.

Posted by Richard @ 1:30 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I love some of the braggadocio on this site. The pontificator who lamented that "Meeting" was the only song from Springsteen's first two "incredible, but forgotten" albums was more accurate than he knew. Meeting on the Other Side is from "Born to Run", not Greetings from Asbury Park or "The Wild, the Innocent..." People ought to stop trying to show off or one up everyone else.
This show was unbelievable, considering how long this band's been going on and putting on nearly 3 hours shows, night in and night out. They also change their set list regularly, by subbing in songs or introducing tour premiers from time to time. How many bands just punch the clock and play the same 15 songs every night?
I thought the sound was great.
The Boss is still the Boss

Posted by Patricia Sullivan @ 1:44 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I also was a true fan of Bruce before he started shoving his liberal bias down our throats. Stick to the music after all that's what we came for and not your views on how bad our country is. Guess that is why we did not hear "Born in the USA". I was not born in the USA but oh how proud I am to live in this great country. Bruce is still the "boss" but sure do wish he would have played some old mixed in with the new. Enjoyed the concert but not like the concerts of old.

Posted by susan @ 1:47 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Last night's concert was phenomenal. Bruce and the E Streeters have been together for 30 years and performed with the energy of performers in their 20's. The band was tight, the music selections were exciting and nay-sayers truly do not understand the history of Bruce's song writing. The last I checked, there was still freedom of speech in this country and Bruce speaks for me and I'm sure millions of other Americans. Even if you don't agree with his politics, how could you not have enjoyed the electricity of the concert? Shame on you for criticizing Clarence. What 67 year old man do you know that is still touring with a rock band?

Posted by ssmith @ 2:14 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Patricia and Others:

Have you ever read the lyrics to "Born in the USA"? Perhaps you should. I have long admired Bruce's subtle opinions on the country's politics... from his views of the Vietnam War to those on the war in Iraq. I have never felt that he "shoved his liberal bias" down my throat. But he has stated his opinions since his early career. Maybe you aren't such true fan after all or you would know this.

By the way, the concert was great!

Posted by Ron Miller @ 3:03 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

TO rw & Richard: Twice again I stand corrected. Sorry the show was "only" good, not great for me. Sanctimony and braggadocio? Lighten up, its just a friggin rockshow. Still love Bruce... & you too.

Posted by Ray @ 3:09 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

The concert was awesome!!! Seen him many times (this time with my son)....what an electrifying performer who puts such emotion and energy into every song....and smiles so much of the night! Really enjoyed JBJ joining on stage, as well as the grade school girls going on stage...what a story to tell their friends for years.

Posted by Roger @ 3:14 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

The concert was amazing! Bruce is still the boss. There is no comparison to him and the stones. Mick is a joke next to Bruce. The sound was great on the floor, and I thought the crowd was excellent. Everyone was standing for the encores and before. This was one of the best setlists of the tour,(they are all great) and a great, energetic performance. Sounds like a lot of psuedo fans are on this blog. I can't believe anyone would gripe about the playing of the new songs, they are terrific, and as good as any he has ever written, and they were fantastic live. Magic is a great album on par with Born and Darkness. How could not anyone not have loved Gypsy Biker live!!!!! A Perfect 10!!

Posted by Lance @ 3:19 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Bruce and his bandmates (especially Mighty Max) were fantastic. I appreciate how he keeps his show fresh by changing up his set list from night to night and how he mixes in new songs, hits and great album tracks and obscurities from the past. Yeah that means that certain favorites won't be played but even if his show lasted 24 hours I'm sure that some people would gripe about a song that was left out. He doesn't leap from the speaker banks or jump into the crowd and sing while they are passing him around anymore but he and his bandmates still give it everything they've got. Clarence may have limited mobility but his sax sounded as great as ever. Last I checked we still have freedom of speech in this country. I admire him for supporting the local food banks at his concerts. A plus show.

Lance Price
CD Source

Posted by Cary @ 3:52 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I'm always amazed at audience go-ers who believe that any artist should sing on demand the song that they believe is their "quintessential song", as if the artist is there to personally please them and them only and should just ignore the other thousands of people in the arena. Further, many audience members would rather hear the legacy artist play the same exact routine they heard 20 years ago, no matter how stale or uninspired. Bruce has a 35 year catalog hundreds of songs, making it completely unfeasible to play every single hit and well known song. The best you can hope for is a best of both worlds that the artist mixes in some traditional favorites and still keeping it fresh while opening your horizons a bit to the new material and vision. Bruce accomplished this mixture last night to aplomb. If you don't like that, maybe it's best to stay home and plop the ole "Greatest Hits" album in the hi-fi.

"Just sitting back trying to recapture
A little of the glory of, well time slips away
And leaves you with nothing mister but
Boring stories of glory days"

Posted by Rich @ 4:04 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I don't understand some of the negative comments on this site. What show were they watching? I've seen Springsteen 7 times dating back to 78 and this one was easily as good as any other. Forget the political comments...who cares? We paid to see a great rock show and he and the band delivered. I mean...10th Ave, Trapped, Prove It, Promised, Badlands, Jungleland...and on and on...plus the way he engages the audience...what more do you want? It was outstanding. Period.

Rich A.

Posted by PLAK @ 4:43 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I was in section 307 last night and the sound was bad but the song selection made up for it. When he did choose to rock out, such as Trapped or the awesome Because the Night, the sound took a back seat to the music. I took my 2 kids to their first Springsteen show and they were awestruck.

Also, for those that are offended by the political comments...Bruce was much more political during the Rising Tour. Did he offend you then with all his songs and talk about heroes, or is it only when you dont happen to agree?

Posted by Steve @ 4:48 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Skipper Brown, What a crock your post was. Based on your comments, doubt you are a fan of anyone with a brain. As many have said, his sensibilities and politics have always been fairly consistent and come with the package. And, you ask how dare he "sell tickets behind the stage for $100+??" He catered to the folks behind the stage on several numbers, and the very construction of the set-up was a huge improvement over his last AAC appearance. Believe me, I sat there and know. Finally, it's always amusing how negative and opinionated those who know little of a subject can get. Your post proves it all night.

Posted by D.B. @ 4:49 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I am proud to be one of the few high-school kids at the concert last night--for me, it was truly incredible. And it really ticks me off when people say how it could'v ebeen so much better---NO. It honestly could not have gotten any better. Greatest show I've ever seen....so far.

Posted by Carol @ 5:46 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

We were in section 328,the sound was painful and the tickets were $100 each. I wished they had the big screens up ala Billy Joel. I have never left a concert before but last night after almost hour wait and an hour of melecholy tunes we left, wished I had bought tickets to Bon Jovi again which I loved on their last trip to Dallas.

Posted by Ray Taylor @ 6:10 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Amazed by some of the ignorant comments I have read. How dare Bruce for saying anything political? Someone with a public voice needs to remind Americans what a farce the last seven years of the Bush administration has been. And Dr. Jones, who doesn't even go to the concert rips him. What a joke. This is the 4th time I have seen him, the last time being in 1984. I had free tickets in a friends box. From where I sat/stood the sound was fine. It was amazing fun. What a joy it was to be in the presence of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Great fun!

Posted by Russell @ 6:37 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I've seen Bruce 3 times now...solo, with the "in between" band in the early 90's and now with the E-Street Band. It was worth the wait! Great song selection and energy. Now, my bucket list has one less thing.

Posted by Denny O @ 6:43 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I was not there last night in Dallas, but was at the two shows in Anaheim. after seeing some of the reviews on Backstreets, and the news papers I wish I would have flew out there. WOW what a play list!! Been a fan since 1982. With hopes that he comes out to Dodger stadium this summer, keep rockin Bruce. Dennis from Phoenix

Posted by DB @ 7:11 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Bruce was amazing. His song list was new songs mixed with old. You really have to be a fan to appreciate the following this guy has. I've only seen him one other time. Dallas doesn't seem to respond the way the east coasters do during a show. The sound wasn't great at the AA center. This is nothing to do with how great Bruce was as a performer. He pulled a bunch of little girls up on stage during Born to Run. Gave me goose bumps

Posted by sam weatherford @ 7:33 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Been to Hartford and Cincinnati for Magic, and the Dallas show blew them away. He knew where he was but won't hold back his comments on the GOVT., and love for his country. Listen to the songs on Magic and don't doubt his love for all that we have lost to govt since 9/11, and his disappointment from his RISING tribute to NY and all who came together after the tragedy.

Posted by sheepy @ 8:03 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

I've heard that the real show was in the audience, with some parents trying anything they could, regardless of ethics, to get their little-girls-dressed-like-hookers closer to the stage.

Posted by Gale @ 8:05 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

What an awesome concert! I was lucky with a GA ticket, to get a place in "the pit". Bruce and the band up close - AMAZING!
The band sounded as great as ever, even if they don't have the same energy running across the stage as before. With 2 new knees and a new hip Clarance was gettin it on with the sax just fine. I feel so fortunate to have seen The Boss again.

I'm always curious to hear what comments Bruce will make and as with my parents, siblimgs and best friend, I don't always agree. But last night I did.
Great selection of songs. Added bonus of Bon Jovi, cute kids on stage and dedicated fans. What more could one want except another chance to see Bruce. I wish I was in Houston tonight.

Posted by chuck @ 8:16 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Fantastic Show delivered by the one and only Boss! no complaints here from behind the stage in section 102. Took my 17 yr old daughter who is still humming Jungleland. Also a couple of newbies who hit paydirt with his Glory Days and her Bon Jovi. It was truly a Rock & Roll Religious Revival..... saw a woman come in a wheelchair near section 102 and leave it behind after the encore and show. This was a healing experience for many!

Posted by gpbvkb @ 9:48 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

My wife and I attended the show and enjoyed it very much! Transplanted NY/NJers who couldn't get in to see Bruce at the Meadowlands until we moved out here 10 years ago. Saw Bruce at Reunion back in 02 and was an excellent show. Last night felt like we were transported back to NY/NJ. Just excellent. Thor C got it right on the nose. Some of these negative comments are sad. They were never at the show, in our opinion.

Look forward to another show in the future!

Posted by Tom @ 10:37 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Music was good, sound was not so good. Comments are about what I expected. Opinions are like belly buttons and other things...everybody has got one. Mine is, yours doesn't matter.

Posted by Seattle Sue @ 11:18 PM Mon, Apr 14, 2008

Awesome show. I'll forgive the mediocre sound.

The fans and their reaction to Bruce and his tunes were for the most part disappointing. Seemed like the wine and cheese crowd were there to just "look around and check things out" hence, we get all this neo-con sniveling. Like the previous poster pointed out, Bruce and progressive, sensible political views come as a package and always have for the last 35 years. If you don't get this, you're not a real fan and had no business attending last night.

Had Bruce known y'all were there perhaps he would have played "Growin' Up" especially for you neo-cons. :)

Posted by DW @ 12:32 AM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

First Springsteen concert I've ever attended. Show was the BEST concert I have ever seen. The only disappointments were the people in attendence who wanted to sit through the whole show and that it took nearly two hours of hard work for the Boss to get the crowd worked up and excited. Seeing people get up to leave during the slower songs was just disrespectful to an artist who tries to really give an audience their money's worth. As for people's anger over Bruce's political comments, Get Over IT! An artist is entitled to have an opinion and his music has always contained political points of view. He has a vision of America that powers his songs. If you don't share that vision, it is hard to imagine you would be a Springsteen fan, let alone attend a $100 a seat concert. As for the sound, that is the AAC. Upper level seats are terrible for concerts there and the sound is always muddy. The sound has to be cranked up to an uncomfortable volume in the lower sections to satisfy the upper decks. It is an AAC acoustical problem. Not the band's fault or even the engineer. They chose to not deafen the majority of the arena. I was highly satisfied and will always remember seeing Springsteen live. I hope I get the chance to see him again someday before old age ends these big tours. And lay off Clarence. The man is OLD but played beautifully especially on Jungleland. These guys have provided years of musical joy to us fans. Cut them some slack when the are pushing 60 and over!! The rocking ending to the show should make all the youngsters in attendence wake up to the specialness of Springsteen, the band, the audience, and REAL Rock and Roll music!

Posted by Colleen @ 6:17 AM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

Bruce is one of those national treasures! Did you know for over 10+ years he's been quietly volunteering at the food bank in NJ? And in each concert city he asks his fans to donate $ at the concert. At this concert he helped the North Texas Food Bank which can distribute five meals for every $1! On top of that, he makes a financial contribution. How many celebrities have that long a history of personal service?

Posted by Bill Billeaud @ 7:06 AM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

Great show. It was like watching the show in a foreign contry, however. Just like with sports, the Dallas crowds are just too mellow. It's tough to be enthused by silence. Bruce muscled his way through it, however, and the overall show ended up being very entertaining.

Maybe the city is simply at its best with country singers and nascar?

Posted by Daddio @ 9:27 AM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

Can anyone put up his playlist from the Dallas show?

Posted by Linda @ 11:03 AM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

I've read numerous comments about how bad the sound was and I have to tell you, the sound quality was just as bad (if not worse) at the Police concert last fall. I don't think it is the engineering, but the venue. I'll be seeing Van Halen next week, seated in a lower section of the AAC. Hopefully the sound is better when you are closer to the floor.
Bruce's crowd interaction was superb. Sting could take a lesson on how to treat the fans.

Posted by R.O. @ 11:03 AM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

Just a few observations after reviewing the various comments: The sound in the upper levels of the AAC has always been muddy. I don't think the sound engineer can fix that problem. I saw the Stones a few years ago in the upper level and the sound was really bad. As far as folks being upset over Bruce's political views: my personal political stance is way right of Bruce's but I respect his right to express what he thinks. This is still America and I didn't see anyone being forced into the venue against their will Sunday night. If you don't like what the man has to say, stay at home and send your $100 to the Republican National Committee. I'll say this for Springsteen's beliefs: you know where he stands on an issue unlike some of the folks I've voted for over the years. Last but not least, this was the 11th Springsteen show I've seen over the past 28 years and I thought this one was the best. I thought he and the E Street Band were great. I, for one, am glad I was there

Posted by JC @ 11:19 AM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

Daddio - check out the live section of brucespringsteen.net. Set list is there.

Posted by JB @ 11:58 AM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

My favorite part of the show was watching the drunk cowboy in a white pair of boots & white hat dance around & play air guitar at the back of the floor seating area. Everyone around us in the nosebleed section thought he was hilarious!

Posted by Corky @ 12:27 PM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

Here ya go, Daddio.

April 13, 2008
Dallas, Texas
American Airlines Center

Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
Radio Nowhere
Lonesome Day
Gypsy Biker
Magic
Trapped
Reason To Believe
Prove It All Night
Because The Night
She's The One
Livin' In The Future
The Promised Land
Girls In Their Summer Clothes
Independence Day {Tour Premiere)
Devil's Arcade
The Rising
Last To Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands

Meeting Across The River
Jungleland
Born To Run
Glory Days
Dancing In The Dark
American Land

Posted by Mary @ 7:12 PM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

I thought the show was great, maybe the best of the 8 times I have seen him live. For the comment about him not playing his hits like Born in the USA, Hungry Heart and that sort of stuff, you really aren't much of a fan or you would know that the hits are only a miniscule amount of his best and it takes years of being a fan to listen to just what is available to us on legal recordings. Try listening to some of his albums and you may get it yet!

Posted by Mary @ 7:14 PM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

I thought the show was great, maybe the best of the 8 times I have seen him live. For the comment about him not playing his hits like Born in the USA, Hungry Heart and that sort of stuff, you really aren't much of a fan or you would know that the hits are only a miniscule amount of his best and it takes years of being a fan to listen to just what is available to us on legal recordings. Try listening to some of his albums and you may get it yet!

Posted by Skipper Brown @ 9:54 PM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

j.d.w. and Steve,
Seems like I struck a nerve. My point made clear; anytime you inject politics, you're going to get dissension. Your upset with someone you have no earthly idea who they are. I might even be your mom. All I stated is the sound was not good. Oh young grasshopper, that is why you pay to see a live performance instead of spinning your vinyl. The sound is why you go see a band and it's the great bands that have the show and play list that compliment the sound. You can have an excellent sounding band without good showmanship and still have a good concert, but you can't have a good concert with a band that sounds bad, but put on a good show.
The other point was $100+ for a seat behind the stage. There were about 1500 people parked behind him where he raked in an additional $150k and the only thing you were able to see is the word "SUCKER" stamped on the back of his head. Oh he did turn around and prance up there once to say Thanks! Hey, that's just Greed. I would feel better if he gave all that money to the food bank, but I don't remember him disclosing any amount given. I guess that is acceptable, because someone forked out the cash.

The Lyrics to Born In The USA, must mean something different to you than me. I was right in the middle of that era. If you didn't get the opportunity to serve in South East Asia, you probably don't have any idea of the hardships. The song to me represents: "It's hard to be an American". You have to struggle to reach your goals, you have to pay your dues, and life isn't always fair. Too many have taken this liberty and never understood what it cost or who paid for it.

I've had my fun for the day and would reiterate "If you're an entertainer, do what your paid to do, ENTERTAIN". I hope the next time I go see Hillary, she doesn't start singing. Ronald and Arnold didn't whine in their acting careers about the political situation. When enough was enough for them, they committed their-selves to do something about it.

Oh, and I should apologize to Skipper Brown, if there really is one. I saw the name on a blog a few weeks ago and thought it would be a good alias.

Bottom Line: I like Bruce Springsteens music, his concert was disappointing, but there's another day tomorrow. Peace!

Posted by Lance @ 10:28 PM Tue, Apr 15, 2008

THANKS Corky! 5 from BTR and 3 from Darkness. I'll take that anytime!

Posted by Terry @ 6:08 PM Wed, Apr 16, 2008

Skipper,

I too am a product of Vietnam (2 tours), a hardcore conservative, and I didn't have one single problem with Bruce's momentary comments about the past 8 years. Your stage, your opinion. What did it take, less than 30 seconds? Big deal.

You said "If you're an entertainer, do what your paid to do, ENTERTAIN" What the hell do you think he did for over 2 1/2 hours? It sounds to me like his short political comment overshadowed everything else for you. If you know anything about Bruce you know he is prone to toss out the social comment. If you can't handle it, I advise you not to attend any of his venues because that comes with the territory.

Lastly, nobody held a gun to anyone's head to purchase a seat behind the stage although that is frequently done at larger concerts. Just ask Jerry Jones about his high priced end zone seats. Besides, in the days before the concert there were abundant seats available out front - many at below cost prices.

I suggest you stay away from future Springsteen shows and give the opportunity to someone more deserving.

Posted by seanrose @ 3:58 PM Thu, Apr 17, 2008

seen bruce many times. best show since i saw born in the usa at cotton bowl. for nay sayers, go see some newer rock acts and he blows them away, even w/ the robotic big man. my wife and i loved it and saw the houston show on mon.

Posted by Lance @ 12:39 AM Fri, Apr 18, 2008

Just saw that Danny Federici has passed away. That is very sad. He was definitely a pillar of the E Street Band. http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/17/obit.federici.ap/index.html

Posted by tomk @ 2:52 PM Fri, Apr 18, 2008

The lyrics to Born in the USA:

Born down in a dead man's town
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground
You end up like a dog that's been beat too much
'Til you spend half your life just covering up

[chorus:]
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.

I got in a little hometown jam
And so they put a rifle in my hands
Sent me off to Vietnam
To go and kill the yellow man

[chorus]

Come back home to the refinery
Hiring man says "Son if it was up to me"
I go down to see the V.A. man
He said "Son don't you understand"

[chorus]

I had a buddy at Khe Sahn
Fighting off the Viet Cong
They're still there, he's all gone
He had a little girl in Saigon
I got a picture of him in her arms

Down in the shadow of the penitentiary
Out by the gas fires of the refinery
I'm ten years down the road
Nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go

I'm a long gone Daddy in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.
I'm a cool rocking Daddy in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.