Concert review: Bruce Springsteen at United Center
All hail Jay Weinberg.
Familiar name, new face. He’s the teenage son of longtime E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg, and he and dad have been sharing timekeeping duties on the current Bruce Springsteen tour, which played to a sold-out house Tuesday at the United Center.
With the younger Weinberg in the drum chair for the final two-thirds of the three-hour show, the band’s chemistry was slightly unsettled for the better. Jay Weinberg hits just as hard as his father, and is touch looser, less predictable. His fills during “Radio Nowhere” kicked the song, and the concert, into a higher gear, and galvanized a band that was starting to pace itself.
Springsteen smiled in approval. He had to love the kid’s energy.
Springsteen is about as consistent as a performer gets. You pay, he plays until he drops. You may not love all the songs, you may wish he’d play "Glory Days" or that obscure B side no one else knows except you, but Springsteen always works his tail off.
All of that was still true Tuesday, but his longtime E Street Band is in transition. They’re a band of pros, and they do their jobs well, but they lack the physicality, the sustained urgency of their prime. Slowly, the band is being retooled. Stellar organist Danny Federici died last year, and has been replaced by Charles Giordano. Patti Scialfa, Springsteen’s wife and backing vocalist, was back home in New Jersey with their three children. Violinist Soozie Tyrell, a relative newcomer, has assumed a larger role, and longtime saxophonist Clarence Clemons a smaller one, in part because he’s been hobbled by ailing hips (he had double hip replacement surgery in 1998).
Springsteen has always played his band like a small orchestra, and their versatility allowed him to explore the widest contours of his catalog. He ranged from the stark blues of “Seeds” to the Celtic celebration of “American Land.” The E Streeters expertly negotiated the ebb and surge of Jimmy Cliff’s “Trapped” and the gospel drama of “The Rising.” And they figured out the chord changes for Tommy James and the Shondells’ 1968 garage-rock classic “Mony, Mony” during the audience-request portion of the concert.
“Doesn’t it have some weird bridge?” Springsteen asked guitarist Steve Van Zandt. It did, and they crossed it unscathed, in one of those smile-inducing moments that echoed the band’s early days, when Springsteen used to shout out impromptu covers with mischievous regularity.
If there was a disappointment, it was that Springsteen didn’t make a stronger case for his latest album, “Working on a Dream.” I’m not a fan of the album, but I always look forward to how the singer reinvents his studio work on the stage. In this case, however, he barely touched the new material, which was a shame, because he did a marvelous job of turning “Outlaw Pete” into a theatrical, Old West showpiece while doffing a black cowboy hat with Spaghetti Western guitars, Tyrell’s campfire fiddle and Grand Canyon reverb on the vocals.
As usual, Springsteen divvied up the show into thematic sections. Among the strongest was the topical trinity of “Seeds,” “Johnny 99” and “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” a seething commentary on blue-collar citizens brought to the brink of desperation by hard times. Each was punctuated by nasty guitar solo: Springsteen channeling the mantra of “It’s gone, gone, it’s all gone” on “Seeds” with a vengeance through his instrument, then Van Zandt riding hard with “Johnny 99” and Nils Lofgren spinning out from Max Weinberg’s surging drums on “Joad.”
The show started to settle a bit after the midway point, but Jay Weinberg took care of that problem. During “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day,” one of his more enthusiastic fills brought an arched eyebrow and a smile from bassist Garry Tallent. The newcomer wanted to run, and the band had no choice but to rise to the challenge.
greg@gregkot.com
Springsteen set list Tuesday at the United Center
1 Badlands
2 Spirit in the Night
3 Outlaw Pete
4 She’s the One
5 Working on a Dream
6 Seeds
7 Johnny 99
8 The Ghost of Tom Joad
9 Raise Your Hand
Audience request
10 Trapped (Jimmy Cliff)
11 Candy’s Room
12 Mony, Mony (Tommy James and the Shondells)
13 Waitin' on a Sunny Day
14 The Promised Land
15 The Wrestler
16 Kingdom of Days
17 Radio Nowhere
18 Lonesome Day
19 The Rising
20 Born to Run
Encore
21 Hard Times Come Again No More (Stephen Foster)
22 Jungleland
23 Land of Hope and Dreams
24 American Land
25 Dancing in the Dark
26 Rosalita
Photo: Bruce Springsteen and Max Weinberg of the E Street Band play the United Center in Chicago. (Scott Strazzante/Tribune)
Check out a photo gallery of Tuesday night's Springsteen show.
The show was great!! SO much energy. It's too bad Clarence seems to be in such bad shape physically.
Posted by: Mark | May 13, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Only 3 songs from his 18 song Greatest hits album. No Glory Days. No Born in the USA.
What a Let down
Posted by: TY | May 13, 2009 at 12:51 AM
I agree entirely with Greg's assessment of Jay Weinberg... the only thing I'd change would be to say that he was far tastier than his father with far more energy... partly due to age I suppose, but also easy to see he's had different influences... for the better.
Sitting up in the cheap seats I had to appreciate that Springsteen is a musician who takes playing arena seriously... the sound was so much better than most every other big act I've seen at the UC... he also understands that without those video screens, most would barely feel as though they were seeing him live.. are you listening Pearl Jam? As much as I love Pearl Jam, I'll never pay to see them at the UC again... they treat playing the arena like it's Metro or something.
I also second Marks comment on the Big Man... I mentioned to my friend that they were only showing him on video in a cropped fashion or from across the stage... still playing the riffs... but hard to tell his condition... he barely moved, which is very unlike the old days...
And how about that awesome guitar head stock camera on Nils guitar for the solo in... can't remember what song... that was awesome.
Thanks B&ESB for giving me my moneys worth... great show.
Posted by: Nic | May 13, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Totally on target with your comments Greg. The E Streeters were somnambulating their way through the set until Jay showed up. I only mean this positively: He reminded me strangely of "Animal", the flailing percussion Muppet up on the throne.
Posted by: Dave | May 13, 2009 at 01:12 AM
The Man, the BOSS, rocking entertainment with the band that entertained crowds for over thirty years probably closer to forty; MY hat is off to move the audiance every time I have ever seen this BS&ESB concerts. Number 8 last night and they still rock out. Yes could have played a few more great tunes, but then we would have been there all night. Next time we should have a dupe ESB just to do this kind of run. Jay,Charles awesome, Patti was missed. Clarence can sit all night; Still the BIG MAN. Keep rocking forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: TJN | May 13, 2009 at 06:42 AM
Another great show as Springsteen steamrolls his way across America. We are researching a new volume on Darkness on the Edge of Town and would like to contact any fans that attended any of the 1978 shows or that have any photos from that tour. visit: http://www.thelightinDarkness.com Cheers
Posted by: robe | May 13, 2009 at 06:52 AM
even though i've seen it about 15 times, it still amazes me when this band makes that big audience connection. last night it was right out of the gate with "badlands" and continuing with a little dude on stage, this band and their charismatic front man are a treasure. the audience request segment further pulls you in, making you feel like you've got a bigger stake in the show than your just $95. i applaud playing the new songs, just wish they were a little stronger. regardless, i feel confident i got my money's worth.
Posted by: tim | May 13, 2009 at 07:12 AM
Sigh. My friend and I were totally priced out of this concert; scalpers wanted $1500 (and more!) for seats we paid $150 for on the last tour. Sounds like we missed a great one. Who's got two for Pittsburgh???
Posted by: Tar Heel Fan | May 13, 2009 at 07:19 AM
No "Hungyr Heart", "Born In The USA" or "Glory Days"? Or "Cadillac Ranch" for that matter? I'm sorry, but "shows" like these need to stick to the HITS. You owe the fans that.
If you want to experiment a little, or be a little obscure, Bruce, you could of at least dusted off something like your original version of "Blinded By The Lights" or something.
Posted by: Davey Y | May 13, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Great show! We were on the main floor, sound was great! Bruce really has it at 59. Loved Jay's drumming also. We were near the sound stage and stood next to James Denton, Mike the Plumber, from Desparate Housewives. He flew in from LA for the show. He was also visited by Bob Guiney, "Bachelor #4." Jamie was a very down to earth guy. Wonderful night!!!
Posted by: Theresa | May 13, 2009 at 07:55 AM
I saw Bruce Springsteen and the band the last time they were at the United Center. I like some of his music but not all. I have to say, it was such a pleasure to see musicians for a change instead of these lipsinking no talents out there now.
They worked their asses off for 3 hours and it was great. It's so sad that true musicians are becoming a thing of the past and technology is the future.
Posted by: Anne L. | May 13, 2009 at 07:56 AM
This sounds like it was a great show, probably much better than the last time I saw the E Street Band, which was back in '99. I was so disappointed in that show, and the albums since then with the exception of the wonderful Seeger Sessions album (and tour) that I've skipped E Street concerts since then.
One question: Why were father and son sharing drum duties? I know Max has that other gig on TV, but it sounds like he started the concert, and then Jay took over? I'm not getting that.
Greg replies: Max Weinberg and his son, Jay, have been sharing drum duties on this tour. It might have something to do with Max having to return to his gig at Conan O'Brien, and getting Jay ready to play a few gigs in his father's absence.
Posted by: Shaun | May 13, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Bruce is one of my favorite artist; however, since I'm black, I have never attended one of his concerts b/c I didn't want to be the only black in a sea of 5,000 white fans. However, I love Brucee'. Born In the USA was a great albulm.
Posted by: Maurice | May 13, 2009 at 08:03 AM
@ TY: Sorry you were disappointed, but I'm surprised that there are still people out there who go to a Springsteen show and expect nothing but a greatest hits festival. Bruce has never done that. I'd be disappointed to see him to go out there and play nothing but hits. I could go the rest of my life without hearing "Glory Days" or "Born in the USA" (though I love that acoustic, Delta blues-like version of "Born in the USA" he's played in recent years).
Even if I haven't cared for many of his more recent albums, Greg's right when he says that Bruce generally reinvents his songs on the stage, and they're often stronger than the studio recordings. If anything, I think the setlist shows that he did go back and play a lot of old faves (Badlands, Jungleland, Spirit In the Night) along with a handful of hits, obscurities, cover songs and some newer stuff. A bit of something for everyone, really.
Do yourself a favor and move beoynd your Greatest Hits CD. Pick up, at the very least, Born To Run, Darkness On the Edge of Town, Nebraska and the Live '75-'85 collection. They're all great, and then you'll know more of the songs that Bruce played last night.
Posted by: Shaun | May 13, 2009 at 08:03 AM
And what about generally unhailed keyboard man Roy Bittan? Roy has been with Springsteen "forever" yet he is seldom mentioned or noted.
I knew Roy when we were kids back in Rockaway Beach, NY. We were 12 years old and even then you knew that the kid was destined for greatness.
His first instrument was accordian, so keyboard was a short step from there.
Roy evolved into a great musician, still, few people know about him --- you know, the bald guy playing keyboard for Springsteen?
Posted by: peter stern | May 13, 2009 at 08:24 AM
I've seen Bruce close to 30 times. This was, in my opinion, a truly excellent concert. Bruce and the E Street band sustained energy and audience connection for 3 hours, playing some great songs, such as Trapped, Seeds, Jungleland, and (one of my personal favorites) Born to Run. His re-inventions of Johnny 99 and Outlaw Pete were terrific. It was amazing to experience Springsteen, which has been one of my favorite artists since my teenage years with one of my own teenagers. All I can say is BBBRRRRUUUUCCCEEE. (And lighted cell phones can't compete with the lighter fans held up in his early concerts!!)
Posted by: Wendi | May 13, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Shaun:
I am in the same boat as TY. I thought they sounded great and even got to know some stuff I didn't before. I wasn't expecting a festival of his greatest hits (as I'm sure TY wasn't either) but when you play a 26 song set and only 3 of those are from greatest hits, that just doesn't fly with me (esp at $95 a ticket...yes it's bruce but that's still not cheap.). That's just a letdown. Yes I may have been a small child in 1985 (uh, can't help when I was born so please don't use my age to criticize me.That's a low blow.), but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate how truly good this band is (and yes, I have listened to other stuff besides the greatest hits album. Love it.). However, I can't help but be with TY on this. Great show but a let down for those of us who were small children of the early-mid 1980s. At least play more than 3 greatest hits, esp when you charge $95 a ticket (which is interesting considering he's supposedly all about the working man so I think I am totally entitled to expect more than 3 greatest hits songs.).
I'm not dogging you....just pointing out the other side to this. Hope you can see where I'm coming from.
Posted by: wantingsummer | May 13, 2009 at 08:34 AM
For me, one of the attractions of a Springsteen show is never being sure what you'll hear. And while I understand casual fans being disappointed in not being treated to a compilation of greatest hits, I'm not sure why the Boss would play "Hard Times Come Again No More" and "American Land". As I recall, they were featured in his last visit to Chicago.
Posted by: JAL | May 13, 2009 at 08:35 AM
I saw the show in Minneapolis on Monday night and it was absolutely fabulous! They rocked the house!!!!!!
Posted by: Jane | May 13, 2009 at 08:36 AM
I'm a lifelong fan, and had never seen Bruce in concert before last night. I would gladly pay another $95 over again to see him in concert. So he didn't play all of his pop hits, so what. The music was great, and if you've listened to him over the past few years (versus the 80s) you knew most of the songs he was playing. Can't play them all or we'd still be there, and I got my money's worth in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
I can rest in peace now
Posted by: Jeff | May 13, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Wantingsummer. You hit the nail on the head. With 26 songs $100+ (after fees) per ticket, I expect to see the Iconic songs from an Icon. I did not expect a greatest hits concert and thought he really brought the house down (became fans of songs I never knew, although I doubt some like Outlaw Pete are as good on the album). But he could have at least played his 4-5 most popular songs (only played 2 by my count) and 6-7 total from his greatest hits. That would still leave 19-20 songs for new stuff, covers, off the beaten path songs and so on. At the Iconic prices we paid, like you, I don't think it is too much to ask to make everyone happy (not just give the more casual fans a 2-3 song taste). For the record I have listened to stuff outside the greatest hits too. Just not sure he'd sell out stadiums if everyone thought that's all he'd play
Posted by: TY | May 13, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Bruce Tix: $200
Born to Run T-Shirt: $35
Looks on faces in the crowd when the Crypt Keeper emerged on stage instead of Bruce....Priceless
Posted by: jac holtzman | May 13, 2009 at 08:50 AM
Agree with Greg's assessment of the concert. Highlights for me included:
> Jay Weinberg. Love the "Animal" comparison by the commenter above – a compliment indeed. Although pushing 40, I'm too young to have seen Bruce in his prime. Man, what I wouldn't give to go back in time and see Bruce and the band on the Darkness or Born to Run tours when the whole band was bringing the kind of energy Jay brought last night.
> The surprises. Yes, we heard Jungleland (thank you Clarence) and Candy's Room, and Spirit, and She's the One, and they were all great, but the songs I always enjoy the most are the ones you aren't expecting. Trapped was phenomenal – I'm a Springsteen fanatic, but probably hadn't heard that song in 15 years (where did my We Are the World album go anyway?). And Mony Mony might have been the best song of the night.
Share Greg's disappointment that Bruce didn't "work on his dream" more last night. I agree with Greg that the album is flawed, but songs like This Life, Surprise, Surprise, Surprise (even with its inane lyrics), and Lucky Day (which I'll put up against anything in Bruce's collection) could be really great live. Would have also liked to have heard more from Magic and for Bruce to incorporate material from Devils and The Seeger Sessions into his E Street shows.
With regard to the comments above about sticking to the hits, what distinguishes Bruce from other great artists is the amount of truly exceptional work he's produced. He could easily pick 26 different songs to play at his next stop (and 26 different songs at the one after that and another 26 at the one after that) without missing a beat.
Finally, any assessment of this concert can't ignore the fact that these guys are in their late 50s and early 60s and still bringing it. Thank you guys for another great concert.
Posted by: Chris | May 13, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Who cares about Springsteen. You can have him Chicago. NJ has had it with him and his politics. We also have a fire sale on Bon Jovi - two for the price of one.
Posted by: Tom | May 13, 2009 at 08:58 AM
For those of you complaining about only three "greatest hits" from the '80s and beyond, you've got to be kidding me. I always felt his best stuff was the early stuff from the '70s. When a guy puts on a three hour show the way Bruce does how can you even think you were robbed? Any other artists play that long or at as high of an intensity??? Didn't think so. And Greg, you were right, Jay really seemed to set the E Street on Fire.
Posted by: Bill | May 13, 2009 at 09:02 AM