noviembre 2012

The second show in St. Paul, Minnesota kicked off with «I’m a Rocker», a rock’n’roll explosion followed appropriately by «Hungry Heart», «No Surrender», «Night» and the rarely performed «Loose Ends». So far, so good. They were followed by two exquisite ballads: «Something in the Night» and the tour debut of the sublime «Stolen Car», one of the best songs off The River, unfairly forgotten and underrated.

Later in the set came «The E Street Shuffle», «Pay Me My Money Down» and another surprise: the first ever E Street Band vesion of «Devils & Dust», in a completely new arrangement. Next was a powerful trifecta (with «Youngstown/Murder Inc/She’s the One»). And to round up a great show, the encores began with an epic «Jungleland» and ended with «American Land».

See complete set list

The last leg of the 2012 Wrecking Ball American tour started with a splendid show in St. Paul. The show’s structure is now similar to the one in the first months of the tour, with the show starting with the new songs, and the comeback of both «Jack of All Trades» and «Rocky Ground». After the now standard «Spirit in the Night» came a strong «It’s Hard to Be a Saint in the City«, followed by «Hungry Heart» and the always exciting crowdsurfing.

The very rare «Savin’ Up» debuted on the tour (first time with The E Street Band). An extraordinary version that sounded like they had played it together forever. Bruce wrote the song in 1982 and Clarence Clemons recorded it for his debut album, Rescue. Bruce had previously played it live only 4 times, the last one in October 2011 at a benefit for the Boston College in Asbury Park. Next came «Open all Night», «Darlington County» and «Two Hearts», raising the energy level of the show.

There were still two more surprises in the can: the epic «Long Walk Home», off Magic, and a solo piano version of «If I Should Fall Behind» as first encore.

See complete set list.