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Countdown to Springsteen in Dallas: A look at the latest, greatest Boss moments

Hunter HaukMusic Critic

 

When Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band land at American Airlines Center on April 5, it will mark only the third time the legendary act has appeared in Dallas in the last decade. That's not a lot of Boss access, considering there are plenty of folks among us who measure their lives in Springsteen moments. So before the 66-year-old everyman poet lands in Big D for a concert that will certainly be the talk of the town, let's take a look back at his last two concerts here as well as a couple of other high-profile appearances that writers for the Newswitnessed.

Springsteen and the E Street Band played the newly established Reunion Park space downtown in 2014 as part of the March Madness Music Festival's concerts in Dallas. From Robert Wilonsky's report:

"There's simply no topping a Springsteen set, especially one that opens with 'Jump' -- yes, Van Halen's 'Jump' -- and closes 180 minutes later with an acoustic, all-by-his-lonesome 'Thunder Road,' one of a handful of offerings from 1975's Born to Run, including the title track that's become an audience-singalong staple. And the in-between was equally epic, magical and unforgettable. Those hardy souls who braved the cold drizzle can mark this off their to-do list: Attend the Best Bruce Springsteen Show Ever."

Springsteen gave South by Southwest's keynote address in 2012. Mario Tarradell was there:

"His speech was really a pep talk for aspiring musicians in search of turning their creative passions into a lifelong career. Springsteen acknowledged the advent of the Internet and digital technology and the breakneck speed of making music in this millennium. He even rattled off a long, breathless list of the many genres and subgenres in music today. In the end, though, basics matter. 'The power of creativity, the power of songwriters to create,' he said, adding that it makes no difference what style an artist is choosing. 'There is no right way of doing it. It's just doing it. It's all just what you are bringing when the lights go down.'"

Tom Maurstad commented on Springsteen's 2009 Super Bowl halftime performance:

"The 59-year-old rocker charged onstage and, as if to prove he's still got that legendary abandon working, he jumped up on the piano to kick off '10th Avenue Freeze-Out.' An abridged version of that song segued into his classic anthem, 'Born to Run,' which was likewise abridged. Then it was time for the new song -- a choir-backed snippet of 'Working on a Dream,' and then the show closer, 'Glory Days.' So how was it? Bruce and his E Street band compadres are pros, so they made it look easy. He pulled out all the familiar tricks -- sliding across the stage on his knees, bantering with sidemen Clarence Clemons and Little Steven Van Zandt. But it's hard to work up, much less stretch out, those sweet spots he's famous for when you're speed-surfing through your songs."

Bruce Springsteen at American Airlines Center in 2008. 

Bruce Springsteen at American Airlines Center in 2008. 

FILE 2008/The Dallas Morning News

Springsteen brought his Magic tour to American Airlines Center in 2008. From Thor Christensen's review:

"Mr. Springsteen and the E Street Band didn't sell out American Airlines Center on Sunday night. But they reminded the near-capacity crowd why they're one of rock's greatest live acts: showmanship and spontaneity. The longer the concert went, the looser it got. Near the 21/2-hour mark, Jon Bon Jovi -- in town to play the AAC on Monday -- appeared from thin air to co-sing 'Glory Days.' (Finally, a chance to duet with the guy he's spent his whole career imitating.) 'Dancing in the Dark' was even more of a hoot, as Mr. Springsteen pulled a dozen gleeful grade-school girls from the crowd to serve as the 'E Street Dancers.'"

About the new tour: Springsteen and his storied band are playing live this go-round to commemorate their 1980 album, The River, so among other hits, the set list in Dallas will include a front-to- back rendering of that record. "Hungry Heart," "Ramrod," "I Wanna Marry You" -- they'll all get their moments at the show.

http://www.guidelive.com/music...reatest-boss-moments

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The SPL Rocks!

Prego che tu stia danzando con San Pietro alle porte perlacee del cielo





Pulled up to my house today
Came and took my little girl away!
Giants Stadium 8/28/03



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