This morning I woke up at the crackof dawn to snag a spot at the Today show’s free Bruce Springsteenconcert in Rockefeller Plaza.Aside from a fresh cup of coffee, nothing says "jump on the day" likethe Boss, the E Street Band, and some light political rabble-rousing on morningtelevision.
To promote Tuesday’s release of Magic, Bruce and the band took part in NBC’s early morningconcert series, though they seemed to be given significantly more play timethan earlier guests. No offense to the likes of James Blunt and Queen Latifah,but c’mon, he’s the Boss. I doubt anyone waited from 7 a.m. theprevious day to get toe head of the line for Rihanna, as a few ladies from Cleveland had done this morning for Bruce and the E Streeters.Many others had camped out overnight as well, and I’m not just talking aboutyoung people — I’m talking about middle-aged people… with macrame’dlong-sleeve tees declaring, "I love Springsteen!" Embarrassing? Yoube the judge.
Besides, many critics are saying the new disc justifies the hype — EW’s Chris Willman gaveit a solid A and called it Springsteen’s best album since TheRiver in 1980. (Check back Monday for Willman’s track-by-track breakdown of Magic.)Seeing him live for the first time in my life, I have to say the Boss exudes alegitimate rock star aura that I’ve rarely seen before. Even though he turned58 last week (the adoring crowd actually broke into a round of "HappyBirthday" during one of the lulls in action), he still displayed glimpsesof the moves that taught me what it is to be a man in the admittedly absurd "Dancing in the Dark"video. His voice sounded great on "My Hometown" and "Long WalkHome," and with the E Street Band back in business, it seems that a ticketto the tour (which begins tonight in New Jersey)would be money well spent.
Between some warm-up songs for thepre-daylight crowds and numerous encores, the E Streeters were on and offthe stage for about three hours, but it was Magic’s "Livin’ inthe Future" that caught my attention after Springsteen’s half-jokey,half-sinister introduction:
"Good morning everybody,"he began. "I really must want to sell some records bad to be up thisearly, singing these songs. It’s a little desperate, but it’s all right. But,uh, this is a song called ‘Livin’ in the Future,’ but it’s really about what’shappening now, right now. It’s kind of about how the things that we love about America, like cheeseburgers, french fries, the Yankees battling Boston, the Bill Of Rights,V Twin motorcycles, Tim Russert’s haircut, trans fats, the Jersey Shore — welove all those things the way that the womenfolk love old Matt Lauer."With you on three out of eight, Boss…
He continued: "So now, in thelast six years, we’ve had to add to the American picture: rendition, illegalwiretapping, voter suppression, no habeas corpus, the neglect of our great cityof New Orleans and her people, an attack on the Constitution, and the loss ofour best young men and women in a tragic war. This is a song about things thatshouldn’t happen here, happeninghere. And so right now we plan to do something about it, we plan to sing aboutit. I know it’s early, but it’s late…"
Standing in Rockefeller Plaza on a beautiful morning,surrounded by New Yorkers, Jersey girls, cross-country Springsteenzealots, and waving American flags, I wasn’t sure what to make of this minidiatribe. On the one hand, the whole scene felt exceedingly patriotic to me, andSpringsteen’s casual style gave his words a sort of "palatable fortalk-show" gloss. But at the same time, it was clear he really meant them,and I couldn’t help but think back to Kanye West’s emotional "PresidentBush does not care about black people" outburst (also on NBC) a couple years ago.West caught a lot of flak, but no one seemed to blink twice at the Boss. Arethere certain platforms we concede to historically "political"artists like Springsteen? Did Kanye just get his timing wrong? Or am I justcomparing apples and oranges? (By the way, it’s a great song.)
Anyway, PopWatchers, I’d beinterested to hear your thoughts on Todayshow soap-boxing. And while you’re at it, let’s hear who will be lining up for Magicon Tuesday and who’s had enough already.
Comments (1-18) of 18 Add your comment
I was just listening to ‘The River’ not 10 minutes ago…how weird is that. Gotta love the boss.
In regards to the Kanye comparison, I think the articulation of the message has a lot to do with it. But yes, you are comparing apples to oranges.
Agree with Jad. Kanye said his words somewhat thoughtlessly, where as Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuce was more well spoken and clear about it. No comparison.
I LOVE YOU BRUUUUUUCE!!!
Gotta disagree with Jad and Joe . I think it’s a case of the messenger, not the message. I think Kanye’s words were articulate and thoughtful. Do I think he was taken over by emotion when he said? Yes, he sounded mad and frustrated, but his words were clear.
It’s been two years since he’s said it and but I’m still reading articles that either reference or agree with his statements.
A concert is supposed to be a place for the artist to let their feelings show, but try telling that to the Dixie Chicks. Kanye is a loudmouth generally, but those comments were spot-on, and highly overreacted to as well. “Are there certain platforms we concede to historically “political” artists like Springsteen?” You nailed it — But you should add ‘talented white male rocker” — ‘uppity minorities’ and ‘country bimbos’ get less leeway…
WILL BE BUYING THE ALBUM THOUGH!
I will certainly be buying Magic. I remember when Born In the USA came out, and I was so excited to get that album. Yes, I said ALBUM, kids.
Dude, were you surprised to see middle aged people to see Springsteen? Are you really still thinking that only ‘young people’ buy CDs??? I mean, there were middle aged people at Bruce’s shows in the 80’s!!!!
As for his comments, Bruce, like Kanye and the Dixie Chicks has the right to say whatever he wants. I don’t think Kanye’s career was hurt too much, by the way, by what he said about Bush.
I’ll be at the Hartford Civic Center Tuesday night for the official start of Bruce’s tour. I’m only 4 years younger than the Boss, so I appreciate his frustration. I love America too, but am angry/sad at how low our country seems to fallen over these past few years. Rock on Bruce and keep speaking out!!!!
A few million years ago, Springsteen caught a lot of flack when he went from rocker to “political artist”. But he’s been doing it for a few decades and everyone expects it. I thought Kayne was incredible when he said the “black people” comment. It was smart and courageous. I think it caused an uproar because he was the first to openly bring up the taboo subject in a very public forum. (Also, I think there’s a stereotype that hip-hop artists as self-absorbed and materialistic. No more likely to care or comment about life outside themselves than say, a member of the Bush family. Of course, both are good for a laugh, but not necessarily true.)
Geez, was I watching a Star Trek convention or a Springsteen concert? Is anyone else struck by the irony that a singer who appeals to a blue collar ethos has an audience made up of people who have the time and money to camp out all night in midtown Manhattan and who can afford $100 concert tickets? I love the guy’s music but I have a hard time reconciling his image/message with the fact that he seems content to play to a mostly affluent white audience. I appreciate his comments about New Orleans and his appearance at the Jazz Fest, but let’s see if he actually brings his tour there, or anywhere else in the south for that matter. It seems like he’s more concerned about filling arenas and adding to his fortune than he is to having his music heard. That’s sad because I think what he has to say is very worthwhile.
Why would young people camp out to see Bruce? My 16-year-old has no idea who he is, but his songs were the soundtrack to my high school years.
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