U N C L E *B R U C E* S P R I N G S T E E N *

Speaking of time^^^>This article was in my local paper today: http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/opinion/columnist/phil-gianficaro/gianficaro-springsteen-idolatry-not-music-to-my-ears/article_cda00dac-76ce-11e6-a11d-4705401ba245.html ( i think the link only works for 24 hours, so i copied & paste the story here)


GIANFICARO: Springsteen idolatry not music to my ear

Perhaps my feelings are rooted in his somewhat cultlike following. Perhaps it's because of those legions of Bruce-walks-on-water zealots, many of whom actually time his concerts from first note to last, then quickly share the news because they're convinced it affects the foundation of the world, like shifting tectonic plates.

"Four hours, 3 minutes, 46 seconds … First note to last note," tweeted one zealot after Bruce Springsteen's concert at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night, his longest show on U.S. soil.

Ah, but wait. Another Springsteen diehard timed the length of the concert and posted it on the internet: Four hours, 3 minutes, 49 seconds. Whaaaat, a three-second difference? Controversy on the edge of town. So, which is it? The American people have a right to know. Rest easy; multiple reliable sources have informed me that a congressional subcommittee has been empaneled to settle the dispute.


Bruce Springsteen. I don't get it. Not the worship, not the idolatry, not the bended-knee reverence around here usually reserved for all things pious and Iggles. Maybe it's because he's a Jersey guy and a blue-collar guy. But there is fandom, there is mania, and then there's this religiouslike thing with Springsteen, their musical Moses with a Fender slung over his shoulder.

Don't misunderstand; I know he's good, very good. But I'm not among those who see him walk onstage for three to four hours, then believe he walks on water the rest of the time. When Chris Christie, the antithesis of cool, has seen Springsteen — Bruce dislikes the governor, by the way — a reported and ridiculous 141 times, that's enough right there to keep me away. It's beyond a following. It's not normal.

"You've got to see him live!" I'm continually told by the zealots. "You'll change your mind if you see him live!" Uh, no. It's pointless to dispute the undeniable hum that runs through the crowd at Springsteen's concerts. It's a party. But that's not nearly enough to get me there to log the length of the concert and compare and contrast it with other zealots, and hold my breath waiting to hear "Rosalita" for the millionth time. Heaven forbid if you disclose you do not share the Bruce love. You are summarily lumped in with Easter Bunny haters and those who ignore puppies in the cold rain. How can you not love Bruce?

Thing is, I should be one of them. I was 18 and had just graduated from high school when Springsteen released "Born to Run." The title song was a pedal-to-the-metal rocker for all time. Great lyrics and music. And I do like several of his songs, like "Girls in Their Summer Clothes," "Hungry Heart," "Glory Days," "Born to Run." But he never became my music opiate; I never became addicted. Never had Bruce in my blood, "Jersey Girl" on my mind, stopwatch in my hand.

I've attended major concerts, from Paul McCartney, to the Eagles, to the Who, to Electric Light Orchestra, to Kiss, to Kansas, to the Beach Boys, to Aerosmith, to Jackson Browne, to Queen. I know each performance was a couple of hours or so. But I couldn't tell you exactly how long, not to the nanosecond that Springsteen's zealots can after an audience with their golden idol. They're Deadheads minus the dope.

Springsteen played Philly again Friday night. No doubt the zealots were back, Bruce on their tongues, timers in hand, hoping for a record, and hoping the concert times jibe. A congressional subcommittee awaits.

I agree.... I'm just selfish and want as much Bruce as I can get in what will probably be the last time I see him with my daughters.

That book tour looks pretty awesome. $85 for a 2-hour talk with Bruce, plus signed copy of the book. I know it's worth it, but don't think I can see myself dropping the $$.

I'm sure I'll kick myself for saying this and not going though.

2 sleeps until Gillette!

Kitty's Back from last night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL277tuobXM

Haven't heard Kitty live since 2009. 14 shows and never got NYC Serenade or Incident.... gonna get at least one on Wednesday (praying!)

Hoping I can make the book tour in LA.

peacegirl said:

samjam said:

That book tour looks pretty awesome. $85 for a 2-hour talk with Bruce, plus signed copy of the book. I know it's worth it, but don't think I can see myself dropping the $$.

I'm sure I'll kick myself for saying this and not going though.

Philly is the closest to me & even though my chances of getting a ticket probably aren't that great, I'm certainly gonna try!

I actually got in a couple times to get a ticket but then the stupid captcha code to enter would never show!!

I'm hoping for a 2nd Brisbane show so that I don't have to convince my wife to let me go on Valentine's Day

MysteryTrain said:

redraw said:

Australia & NZ tour just announced for Jan/Feb 2017!!!

This is amazing....3rd tour down under in 4 years! Only doing Melbourne this time. Who else is going?

I'm hoping for a 2nd Brisbane show so that I don't have to convince my wife to let me go on Valentine's Day

If you're in Toronto and want to meet Bruce here's your chance https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/canadian-exclusive-bruce-springsteen-born-to-run-event-tickets-28841115553?aff=es2

I met him in Boston two weeks ago at an in-store. A great day!

jerseyjammer1 said:

If you're in Toronto and want to meet Bruce here's your chance https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/canadian-exclusive-bruce-springsteen-born-to-run-event-tickets-28841115553?aff=es2
I met him in Boston two weeks ago at an in-store. A great day!

it just sunk in...i'm actually meeting the boss on thursday for a photo with him and the book...for list price
thank you sooo much eh
OMG

jerseyjammer1 said:

So glad you scored! That's awesome! Now you gotta think about what you're going to say. I brought my three year old son with me too. Boston ticket said under-age 6 could accompany me. A memory of a lifetime

thanks again. and again and
i'm terrible meeting personal heroes. i've seen bruce every tour since BiTUSA, and have traveled to get to shows when he doesn't come around close and have seen multiple shows on most great tours....all told probably 25 Bruce shows since the early 1980's
i couldn't possibly have something intelligent to say that would sum up alla that emotion, other than "much thanks" and other hero worship crap LOL which i'm sure he gets all the time....and will get 600 people telling him the same thing on thursday