Twenty-four years after seeing my first Bruce Springsteen concerts, it felt like old times catching him twice this week at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
My friend and I arrived at the arena Tuesday around 3:30 in order to get our wristband and get randomly selected to watch the concert in the pit i.e. the very front of the floor adjacent to the stage. As it turned out, we didn't make it into the pit but were close enough to have an unobstructed view of Bruce and the E Streeters from about 30 feet from the stage.
Bruce got his "Magic" message across all right, as he did in October at the L.A. Sports Arena, but there was definitely a looser vibe at these shows. Having fun was a top priority this time around, and Bruce and the venerable E Street Band delivered in spades.
The setlists were top-notch, with opening songs that had everyone guessing. Monday night we were treated to "Light of Day" while on Tuesday "Thunder Road" was the first out of the gate, a classic that felt so wonderfully fresh after not being played in L.A. for years.
For some reason, while watching Bruce play "The Promised Land," I kept thinking what it must feel like to actually be Bruce Springsteen, and be "on" all the time, never having the luxury of having an off night. Other thoughts that came into my head were what would it be like to be one of Bruce's children and having a dad so famous that he's recognized around the world.
But I transgress. It was a great couple of nights, seeing friends in the Springsteen fan community that come into my life every time Bruce is in town. Folks I've known for decades — many by face only, with their names often escaping me — always greet me with a warm smile, hug and/or handshake. Our lives are far different from one another but we've always shared this common bond.
My friend and I arrived at the arena Tuesday around 3:30 in order to get our wristband and get randomly selected to watch the concert in the pit i.e. the very front of the floor adjacent to the stage. As it turned out, we didn't make it into the pit but were close enough to have an unobstructed view of Bruce and the E Streeters from about 30 feet from the stage.
Many folks good naturedly give me a hard time about my Springsteen obsession, but I embrace it wholeheartedly. Bruce and the band have given me such wonderful memories over the years, it's been an absolute joy, and honor, to be along for the ride.
With all of us getting older -- both me and the folks up on the stage night after night -- I'm just hoping it doesn't end soon.
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