The Price You Gotta Pay for Your Ultimate Bruce Springsteen Show

I thought the most painful experience following The E Street Band on another tour of Australia would be missing the two great shows in Melbourne.

Turns out I was wrong.
 

Actually attending two stadium shows in the front row with a broken foot is in fact a lot more painful.

 

This I discovered over the last weekend in Auckland after a mad dash to keep my place in line at an early morning roll call ended in me rolling my ankle outside the gate of Mt Smart Stadium.

After a taxi balls-up and a late bus I decided to jog several kilometeres to make the 8am roll call and keep number 47 in line.

It was on the very last step right by the line of people waiting to be checked off the list that I landed badly, letting out a yelp of pain in front of everybody.

If it wasn't the lightning bolt of pain that shot through my leg, than it was the horrified look on people's faces who saw the way my foot landed that I realised I was in trouble.

But fuck it. I had made it to Auckland, made it to roll call and had even made it back to the line the night before after a restaurant blunder saw some idiot "fondle" my burger resulting in a delay for my order.

There was no way I was not going to make it to the end of the tour. Especially after missing Melbourne.

So instead of going to hospital I hobbled back to my hotel room, put an ice pack on my foot and hoped it was just a mild sprain that would heal quickly.

Later that day at the stadium, the St John Ambulance paramedic wasn't so hopeful. Strapping up the ankle, and giving me an ice pack I was told to keep as much weight as possible off the foot. And if it didn't get better by morning, go to hospital.

It would have been a good plan, the only problem was that Springsteen and the band blasted out another great show complete with Born In The USA from top to bottom.

The same as two weeks earlier, it was looking even more likely that the band were going to pull out Born To Run - my all-time favourite album - again for the Sunday night crowd.

I had already missed it once, there was no way I could miss it again.

So after a night with the ice pack, followed by a morning lying in bed, I was back at the stadium, sat on the front row trying to keep a place on the barrier to once again use it to hold up what had now become a severe limp.

It was a gamble, and I'm happy to say it paid off.

Despite the difficulty in trying to stay balanced, hydrated and keep track on how many pain killers I'd taken that day, the show was incredible, and I'd seen the album show.

Of course reality kicked in 24 hours and two flights later.

The bruising was already turning my foot into a dark coloured, puffed up limp machine and it took my girlfriend one look before ordering me into the car where she would take me back to the emergency department where she had just finished an eight hour nursing shift.

The x-ray confirmed it, I'd broken the fifth metatarsal, had to be strapped into something called a moon boot - or CAM boot walker and told to use crutches for six weeks.

All because I wanted to see a full album show of Born To Run.

And most painful of all - as well as the irony that I won't be running for a long time - is that given the opportunity, I'd probably do it all again.

First time in a Springsteen lottery?...

You've got nearly 400 hungry hearts waiting to be first in line for the next Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band show and somewhere among them all is the person who will be let in first and have a split second to pick the best position in the crowd.

Previous shows started their lines days in advance with the established, tried and tested (and sometimes detested) roll call. Normally started or kept in line by a few New Jersey accents to add to its Springsteen-fan authenticity.

But for tonight, in the middle of fucking nowhere, to keep people lining up for days you're in a lottery waiting to see if the digit printed on your wristband will be first, last or anywhere in between.

For the first time on the 2014 tour of Australia, the line for a GA ticket has seemed reasonably stress free. 

Any need to get to the venue as early as possible and get a number, followed by roll call, after roll call, after roll call, has gone. Replaced by the knowledge that no matter how soon or late you join the line you could still be last in. Or first. Or second. Or Johnny (99).

So you invest a couple of hours, get what could be a middle range number in the hope it will be drawn, but safe in the knowledge that if your elbows don't rest on a barrier in six hours time, at least you had a lie in this morning.

But then comes the call.

You're told to line up in order. Soon - an hour if you're lucky - after, you hear the total number of people competing for the number one slot is 380-something. And with 329 you're hoping that if anyone else gets it other than you, they have a number higher than 250, and lower than 328.

In other words, number 330, the person behind you has - potentially - just become a total fucking bastard.

You smile at them, make a joke about how they're in for a great night if THEY get in first and you'd be OK because it's not that big a deal. But secretly you're planning on finding out which car they arrived in and letting down the tyres so at the end of the night they have more than just a bottle-necked car park to fight on the journey home.

It's when you start having these dark thoughts that you realise how stressful the Springsteen lottery has become. Despite being friendly, happy even, to people with a better number than you at dozens of roll calls on the tour, you know you would be so much happier if they were for once stuck at the back while you were front in line to strum that guitar during Born To Run and hold up an obscure sign request that blocked their view. Yeah! Fuck you Mr 6ft-4-long-haired-melonhead-in-a-cowboy-hat. Fuck you. And fuck your giant Outlaw Pete sign.

You of course try to calm yourself as the number is being drawn, and you tell yourself that the girl chosen to plunge her hand into the bucket of numbers really isn't a stupid dumbass who just wants to get on stage during Dancing In The Dark with no real appreciation for decades of great music.

She could be the greatest person alive, with a fantastic knowledge and appreciation of the Tracks boxset that you've always wanted in a woman. She could turn round and pull out your winning number, and in the victorious glow be so beautiful you ditch your real life plans and commitments to take her out, become the man of her dreams and live happily ever after with a great wedding day anecdote. Afterall, from behind she kinda looks like she's-...

Oh, there's the number. It's 350-something. You're back in a field getting sunburnt, the person several rows away is now a total bastard and the number-picker really is a Courteney Cox-wannabe dumbass. 

Meanwhile you've wasted at least 3 hours, risked the early stages of skin cancer and could really do with a drink but won't have one due to having to leave the line later to take a piss.

But it doesn't matter, right? Because at least you didn't line up for days on end in a roll call getting tense and the view will still be great, right? And of course you're here to enjoy the show and not take any of this ridiculous, immediate surge of pressure too seriously, right? 

And you're happy that another fan will get to be an active front row, centre-mic participant of the show who may have been waiting more than 30 years and hundreds of shows to be in that spot and may even have a great sign planned like Prove It All Night '78 or Incident... or maybe even Lost In The Flood, or....

- wait, is that Outlaw fuckin' Pete?!... 

High Hopes for new Bruce Springsteen single

I've avoided joining in the speculation and rumours over a new album before next year's tour but the release of High Hopes next week is a massive indicator that there's more to come.

High Hopes is of course the Tim Scott song from his 1990 album with the Havalianas, and previously released on Springsteen's Blood Brothers EP.

More recently it was reworked, added some Tom Morello fire, and brought out on the E Street Band's Wrecking Ball tour. For me personally it was the third best highlight on their tour of Australia this year.

Which makes the release of the song as a single on November 25 a massive boost for fans in Australia.

Last time the song was an incredible start to the second show in Brisbane - I reckon it could be top of the list for kick-starting the tour in Australia come February 5 in Perth.

Until then, check it out here:

Bruce Springsteen - High Hopes (2013) from Dievel on Vimeo.

Springsteen & I - Movie Review

Finally, after months and months of anticipation, the fan-made documentary Springsteen & I made it to Australian shores.

(And finally, after a few days to collect my thoughts on the movie, I’ve got round to writing my review.)

I didn't make the movie, but I did make the poster... (above the 'E' in the third 'THE'...)

As a movie fan, and occasional entertainment reviewer, Springsteen & I is an excellent documentary.

Letting fans tell stories in their own words, with their own experiences captured on video, not only brought out a unique glimpse of Springsteen and the influence of his music, it also made for a more personal approach that would have been missing in a collection of interviews.

It showed Springsteen fans at their best, their funniest, and in terms of the emotional guy driving in the car, at their most unintentionally hilarious and moving at the same time.

Instant highlights are no doubt the story of the Manchester couple where the husband – a Karl Pilkington-alike Brit - gives his thoughts about being dragged around Europe by his Bruce-loving wife, and the Philly Elvis who for a brief moment threatened to steal the show from Bruce.

Together with snippets of classic footage of Springsteen – the Growin’ Up footage a personal favourite as it was the acoustic version of this on Tracks which first hooked me to the music of Springsteen - the film is a gripping insight into the world of a Springsteen fan.

However, as entertaining and unique a film project as it is, for those Springsteen fans that have sweated in the sun with a number on the back of their hand and waited days for a front row position at an E Street Band concert, it merely scratches the surface of life as a Bruce Bud.

There’s barely a mention of people who have spent decades following him around to more than a hundred concerts, and no details of the effort, exhaustion and subsequent reward of a dozen roll calls to get that great spot to strum the guitar during Born To Run.

And there’s no insight either into the comradery and kinship that forms while waiting to see a Springsteen show and the bonds forged by strangers who strike up a conversation based on how they had a mutual understanding of why they’ve given up their time for an experience that ‘other people don’t get because they just haven’t seen him live’.

I have no doubt that all of these points could have been addressed through fan submissions to the film makers. And also that there are countless stories that Springsteen fans thought would have deserved more to be included than the female truck driver in America or the woman in the woods who struggled to stay in shot and at times raised a few Blair Witch Project flashbacks.

For the Springsteen fans looking for their story to be told, or their experiences to be played out on screen whether through their own submission or by that of a seasoned blood brother, the movie may be below what was expected.

But at the same time there is some merit from not going too deep into the world of the proud Springsteen fan.

If there’s one thing the movie does well it’s that it shows the influence of the man and his work for people who aren’t able to hit every show on country’s tour.

The couple dancing in the kitchen to Radio Nowhere who have never been able to make a show was another poignant entry. And I bet every Bruce Bud who has seen anything from one to 100 shows would have been up for buying them a ticket to the next concert they stand in line for.

Meanwhile, in true Springsteen fan style, the movie and its selection of entries – which no doubt would have relied heavily on the visual and sound quality of submissions – shares many qualities of a live E Street Band show.

It will no doubt convert newcomers into picking up a classic album or considering getting a ticket for the next tour.

And in the style of Springsteenradio.com, E Street Radio and the countless Facebook groups, blogs and websites for Bruce bootlegs, just like the incredible versions of live songs we get, the stories that didn’t get told in the movie, will be out there and will be shared by Springsteen fans.

Springsteen & I offers a brief glimpse into the world of Springsteen fans.

But as many Bruce Buds will tell you, it’s no substitute for standing your ground front of the line waiting for the real thing.

What did you make of the movie? Let me know below....

When the lights go out...

Hard Rock Calling - the festival series that has taken over London's Hyde Park for a decade and hosted two unforgettable E Street Band shows - has managed to lure Bruce Springsteen back to the UK capital again this June.

It comes as they move their massive event from the Royal Parks to the Olympic Parks site and a year after Springsteen was shut down during his final moments on stage with Paul McCartney.

A historical moment in the history of popular music that made headlines around the world as the venue organisers couldn't give them another five minutes on stage.

Near the front of the 80,000 crowd in Hyde Park last July part of me couldn't believe they cut the power on the band. It was reportedly to help serve the local area better, but actually ended with thousands and thousands of confused, angry people pushing each other around trying to find an exit without any clear signs or instructions on the quickest and safest way to get home.

Something that could have gone up on the big screen after the band left the stage AFTER their goodbye.

It was in the Hong Kong airport lounge on the way back to Perth that I saw on TV news reports just how big the insult was.

But it seems that Springsteen isn't holding it against the Hard Rock Calling organisers Live Nation as he has agreed to join them as headliner for a third time at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Having been at previous Hard Rock Calling concerts, anyone in the UK thinking they can only make it to one Springsteen show this year, really should consider this one.

In fact with Paul Weller and Kasabian making up a weekend of headliners spending a few days checking out the new east London venue wouldn't be a bad idea at all.

Tickets are on sale Friday from Hard Rock Calling


Title Track: When The Lights Go Out

Super Bowl XLIII halftime show 2009...

As the world turns its attention to the spectacle that is America's NFL Super Bowl, one of the most over the top annual events in the world's sporting calendar, it's hard not to remember this....

It wasn't by any means the best performance of Bruce and the band, but it was still an incredible show. 

Even more impressive after reading about how saxophone player Clarence Clemons was still suffering from knee surgery and was in agony, but refused to sit down and play the show standing.

The opening bars of Tenth Avenue Freeze Out remains my favourite concert opener of all time.

Don't Look Back

It's official - tickets for all ten Australia concerts have been secured.

Somehow despite a frustrating problem with TickeTek's pre-sale website on Wednesday morning - that caused something of a quick angry panic - I managed to grab a general admission ticket for the third and final Sydney show.

So as well as securing tickets for each concert I've also managed to get front section standing tickets for every venue on the tour. Something I had struggled with in my previous purchases for Sydney's All Phones Arena.

New Jersey's finest together in London, 2009.

And in a bonus to the E Street overload New Jersey rockband and Springsteen influenced The Gaslight Anthem have announced their own tour of Australia later this year. And tickets are booked to see them in Perth in May.

Having seen the band twice before - including the 2009 Hard Rock Calling concert where Bruce joined them for The 59 Sound and Brian Fallon later returned the favour to join the E Street Band for No Surrender - there's plenty to be excited about. 

The band are one of the hardest working and committed bands around at the moment who know how to engage with an audience while blasting out a great sound. 

If The E Street Band can't make it to Perth, then their younger New Jersey neighbours really are the next best thing.

Title track: Don't Look Back

All Or Nothin' At All...

So just when I thought it was safe to put away my credit card and start planning my iPod playlists for each leg of my 16 day journey to see all nine Australian Bruce Springsteen concerts, the powers that be announce ANOTHER 'final' concert date.

A third show has been added to Sydney - right smack bang in the middle of the tour, and my epic East coast adventure tour.

Having previously decided that it was in fact ridiculous to go to eight out of nine concerts, and rectify the dilemma by grabbing a General Admission ticket for the final show of the tour at Hanging Rock, there is of course no way that I can miss out on the tenth show to be announced.

Not just because I will have to amend the tagline of my #WreckingBallBlog, but also because it will give me the chance to grab a GA front section ticket for Sydney's All Phones Arena.

Which to date is the only venue on the tour which I have not been able to get a chance to be in the front row.

Another bonus is that while re-arranging my 12 hour train journey for the next day from Sydney to Melbourne, I was bumped up into the buffet cart for free.

Tickets are on sale February 5. (Pre-sale a little earlier). So the mad rush of being online, card details in hand, constantly refreshing my laptop, phone and iPad trying to get the best tickets is going to happen one last time.

Title track: All Or Nothin' At All

Because The Nightwatchman

I can't deny that the absence of Steve Van Zandt from the E Street Band during their tour of Australia in March is a huge disappointment.

Every time I've seen Bruce Springsteen and the band live his presence on stage has played a major part in bringing the crowd into the party and keeping them there.

Not that Springsteen ever needs any help in interacting with the tens of thousands of people he often plays to.

The man is the greatest front man I've seen and is renowned for making a concert of 80,000 people feel like a gig to 800 people with his approach to the fans and interaction with the band.

Van Zandt, centre, brings more than just his guitar to the E Street Band

He's often said himself that there live concerts are like one big party where they have a good time that they let their fans in on. And without question it works.

But with Van Zandt you don't just get an influential friendship that has shaped the band and Springsteen's music for decades, you also get this cheeky little brother who gets to work behind his Boss brother, keeping the audience going and flowing vital energy between Springsteen, the rest of the band and the people in the front rows and beyond.

He's a guy who seems constantly excited to be up there, and seeing that makes the rest of us just as excited to be there.

But although his unavailability for the Australian leg of the 2013 Wrecking Ball tour, due to Lilyhammer shooting commitments, Springsteen has brought a powerful replacement on board which really does make Van Zandt's absence bittersweet.

Tom Morello - The Nightwatchman - has an immense reputation and talent that leaves no one in any doubt he will be fantastic as a replacement guitarist for the nine concert dates in Australia.

Morello to the line-up is definitely putting more fuel on the fire.

And of course as he worked on the latest album it's fitting that he should be involved, as he was on many tour dates in 2012.

But as a full band member, albeit temporary cover for Van Zandt's Lilyhammer-nity leave, Morello brings a different edge to the anticipation of seeing the band live again.

Coming on as a special guest during the band's Hard Rock Calling concert in London's Hyde Park in July - the one where Springsteen and guest Sir Paul McCartney were unbelievably unplugged in the final song - Morello made his presence felt.

Blistering guitars and foot stomping in Wrecking Ball's  Death To My Home Town was an early treat in the set list but the anger and intensity he added, and brought out of Springsteen, during Ghost of Tom Joad was incredible. 

A highlight of the concert, I left with their rendition of that song in my head and it stayed there for weeks.

What Morello will bring to the band is more anger and power behind the themes that shape the Wrecking Ball album. 

They're not just keeping the E Street fire burning, they're throwing logs of dynamite on there.

Which means that a year after the album was first released, the frustration, heartache and fighting spirit that has been behind the music will not have waned.

Although I'm disappointed not to be seeing Van Zandt by Springsteen's side in March, the addition of Morello is both exciting and compelling. 

It's reminded me of the thing that I casually say to everyone who asks why I keep going to the Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band shows when I've already seen them - because they're never the same, you never quite know what to expect, but you do know you are going to be a part of something special.


Title track: Because The Night