News

«Play what you want!» read one of the numerous signs the fans in Charleston SC were holding. And so did Bruce. He opened the show with the Swingin’ Medallions 1966 classic hit «Double Shot (of My Baby’s Love)», a song he had only played with the band at a couple of shows in 1978 and 1981 (and always in South Bend, Indiana).

The energy level was real high at this show, which got a tremendous audience reception. Bruce picked up a lot of signs and played some of those requests, like «Growin’ Up», «Janey Don’t You Lose Heart» or «Atlantic City». Another fan request was selected to open the encores: a tremendous «Streets of Fire». The 7-song encore included «Jungleland, «Rosalita» and «Twist and Shout» closing the show. Perhaps remembering he hadn’t played in the city since 1978, Bruce said goodbye with these words: «We need to come back more often!».

See complete set list.

Video: «Double Shot (of my baby’s love)», by the Swingin’ Medallions

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV_DEWNZh1w]

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band resumed the Magic tour last night with an excellent show in Jacksonville, FL. The return to arenas brought a few surprises, including two tour debuts: «Back in your arms» and «You Can’t Sit Down».

The last one is a song from Philadelphia 60’s combo The Dovells, and reached #3 in 1963. Steve Van Zandt played with The Dovells in the early 70’s until he joined the E Street Band. From 1976 to 1981 «You Can’t Sit Down» was performed by Bruce and the band quite often during the encores of many shows.

Last night’s gig in Jacksonville also featured «Candy’s Room», Van Zandt’s favourite «Loose Ends», «Murder Incorporated» and a special final encore with a long version of «Kitty’s Back».

See complete set list.

Yesterday it was also the 30th Anniversary of a classic Bruce show famous for its great professional video: August 15th 1978’s show at the Capital Center in Largo, Maryland. One of the highlights of that show, and all of 1978’s shows, was the long intro that preceeded an always explosive version of «Prove it all night».

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12yQfiR0C1s]

Dutch fan club Roulette is organizing a big Bruce Springsteen event: an international fan convention that will take place in Rotterdam on Sept. 27th and 28th. Under the name of «Land of Hope and Dreams» there’ll be live concerts, film projections, Q&A;, a mall with international dealers and fan clubs, and much more (see the ad below).

Check their website for full info, programme and ticket orders: www.rouletteshop.nl

The usually not-so-reliable New York Post published last Monday in its ‘Page Six’ section that Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band might be the band choosed to play at the SuperBowl in Tampa on Feb.1st 2009.

Truth or rumour? We would think rumour, but the always-reliable Backstreets.com reports this might be true and would match with the rumours that a new album is almost ready and would be released in early 2009 followed by a short 4-month tour.

The new album would contain songs recorded with Brendan O’Brien during the Magic sessions and in different recording sessions during 2008. Some songs would feature Danny Federici on keyboards. The reason for the short tour would be Max Weinberg’s commitments with Conan O’Brien, who will be the new host for The Tonight Show, starting June 1st. Conan will take Jay Leno’s place.

No news yet on the long rumoured, and long awaited and desired box set to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the release of Darkness on the Edge of Town. Cross your fingers for a Xmas release, but it seems as of today this has not been decided nor work completed on this set.

Photo: Tom Meinelt / Splash News, August 5th 2008
Bruce Springsteen was spotted doing some shopping in NYC’s Meatpacking District. Bruce waved to photographers and then jumped into a taxi cab.