The beautiful city of Seville was choosen to start the European leg of the Wrecking Ball tour. The stage was set up in the middle of the football field, thus creating a more intimate setting for the 30,000 fans filling the half-stadium configuration. The show started at 9:21 with «Badlands», setting the tone for a very strong performance in front of a very enthusiastic audience, as usual in Spain. The crowd had a blast from the start, and did not stop jumping and singing for the next three hours. Springsteen knows well how to control and audience: he raced across the stage, went down to the front constantly throughout the show and performed many big hits that work so well for a mass audience so willing to participate: «Out in the Street», «Darlington County», «Bobby Jean», «Dancing in the Dark» or the infallible «Waitin’ on a Sunny Day». There were many youngsters everywhere in the audience, singing their hearts out and knowing the words even to songs like «Badlands» and «Because the Night».
Though the set list included «The E Street Shuffle» and «The Promise», Bruce decided to play more recognizable songs. But that’s a good indication that he wants to keep playing some of his oldest songs. Some of the song intros were in spanish. Before «Jack of All Trades» he said in Spanish: «I dedicate this song to the people of the 15-M movement and all the people struggling in the south of Spain». The 15-M movement started a year ago in Spain and was a precursor the Occupy movement in the US.
The mix of old and new stuff worked well in a stadium setting and pleased everyone, and though there was as much as 4 songs from Born in the USA, other albums had also a good representation (2 songs off The River, 3 off Darkness and Born to Run). Some of the highlights included «The Ties That Bind», «Trapped» (sign request from a 14-year old fan), and the tremendous duo formed by «Candy’s Room» and «She’s the One». «Because the Night» featured the classic Nils Lofgren guitar solo, and the audience gave a huge roar of approval.
Patti was absent on this show. Of note: Michelle More was on stage not only for «Rocky Ground» but also during the «Apollo Medley» and the closing «Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out». «I’m Goin’ Down» (another request) had its tour premiere (and featured some extended guitar work by Stevie at the end of the song). Though Bruce went a couple of times to the small stage in the back of the pit, there was no crowdsurfing at this show. It was a very very hot night (with a temperature of around 105 F), particularly in the overcrowded pit, but Bruce worked his ass off nonetheless.
More info (in spanish):
Bruce ruge contra la crisis, by Fernando Navarro (El Pais)
Un indignado Springsteen revienta Sevilla, by Marcos Ruz (Público)
photos: Salvador Trepat & Alfonso Adánez
