Phoenix — Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band revived his postponed 2023 global tour Tuesday night at Phoenix's Footprint Center. Springsteen, 74, postponed his tour until 2024 on doctor's advise due to peptic ulcer disease.
The audience chanted “Bruuuuce!” as “The Boss” appeared. He had the vitality of a half-his-age man in black trousers and a red plaid flannel shirt. Only his characteristic “One, two, three, four” separated most songs, exhibiting no evidence of his illness from the previous year. When he shouted “Good evening, Arizona,” the concert began.
Springsteen briefly addressed his condition before playing his final song, “I’ll See You In My Dreams” solo. Phoenix, I apologize for any inconvenience caused by moving the show last time. I hope we weren't too disruptive.”
The Boss” danced, played the harmonica, played guitar solos, and even ripped his shirt open near the end of the 29-song set, which lasted little under three hours.
The legendary E Street Band, featuring drummer Max Weinberg, bassist Garry Tallent, keyboardists Roy Bittan and Charlie Giordano, guitarists Stevie Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren, saxophonist Jake Clemons (nephew of Clarence Clemons, who died in 2011), guitarist and violinist Soozie Tyrell, a full horn and brass section, and four backup vocalists, performed with Springsteen Springsteen's wife, singer, and guitarist Patti Scialfa, was the only band member absent.
Springsteen performed most of his songs, omitting “Born In The U.S.A.,” and covered the Commodores' “Nightshift,” Patti Smith Group's “Because The Night,” and The Beatles' “Twist and Shout.” “No Surrender,” “Born To Run,” “Rosalita,” “Dancing In The Dark,” “Glory Days,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” had people chanting along like his chorus, leaving the rocker beaming.
This year was especially hard for Springsteen. His mother, Adele Ann Springsteen, a fan favorite who often danced at his gigs, died in January in addition to his health concerns. She was 98.
Springsteen performed at the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, which recognized Jon Bon Jovi for his music and philanthropy, two days after her death. The 2024 tour began in Phoenix and ends in Vancouver on Nov. 22. There are 52 dates in 17 countries, including a Sept. 15 Springsteen concert at the Sea.Hear.Now Festival in his birthplace Asbury Park, NJ.
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