Loyola Greyhound

Issue date: 10/6/09 Section: Arts & Society

Media Credit: Photo Courtesy of MCT Campus Bruce's set included the whole album of Born to Run.

New Jersey has provided its fair share of entertainment to our country by bestowing it with countless music icons. With natives such as Bon Jovi, Whitney Huston, Paul Simon, and Frank Sinatra, Jersey is justifiably proud to share the talent. But there is one artist who epitomizes why New Jersey natives show excessive pride for one of their own: The front man of the E Street Band. The Boss. The legendary Bruce Springsteen.

And Bruce did not let down his proud state when kicking off his five-night series of shows at Giant's Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey last Wednesday evening. With howls that initially sound like "Booooooooos!", a chorus of "Bruuuuuuuce!" shouts filled the sold out stadium as the Boss took the stage for what would turn into a memorable evening.

"Nice to be in my back yard," Bruce announced to a the cheering crowd us he stepped on stage. The Boss started the show by playing "Wrecking Ball", a new song, in honor of the upcoming demolition of Giant's Stadium.

"Join us tonight to shut the old lady down!" he told the crowd as lyrics scrolled on a massive screen behind the E Street Band. "My home is here in the Meadowlands, where mosquitos grow big as airplanes... where the blood is spilled, the arena's filled, and Giants play the game" he sang to approving fans.

Bruce followed the crowd-pleasing song with fan favorites that included Johnny 99, Atlantic City, and Hungry Heart. He then explained a special treat for the evening, which was previously announced on his website.

"We were trying to think of a way to make the last nights at Giant's Stadium special," he said. "Friday we're gonna play Darkness on the Edge of Town. Saturday we're gonna play Born in the USA. But tonight..."

And the sounds of harmonica filled the stadium as Thunder Road caused men to hi-five and women to tear up. What followed, of course, was a live rendition of Bruce's entire album Born to Run.

Bruce kept the energy high throughout the entire show, captivating the audience hour after hour. He swung his guitar around his neck as if it were still the '80's. He laid down on stage, straddling the microphone. He chugged a fan's beer, sloshing most of it down the front of his black vest. He ran the length of the stage multiple times, often winding up in the audience, where fans touched him as if he were the Messiah.

Continued...

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