Thanks to Tattoo Dad, we have had two new additions (upgraded versions) to the Reunion Tour library, the MSG 6-20 show and the phenomenal Hartford show.
After further review, and having these two shows shed some more light on the Reunion tour, I believe it is time to put the tour in its proper perspective.....A so-so tour, with a few positives.
The positives?
1) The 10 night stand in NYC. What a way to end the tour, riding a creative high (American skin, Further on up the road, Code, Another thin line), Springsteen heads to New York city and tears down the house, night after night. That first night, with all the American Skin drama (protests, police officers turning their back during the song) was one of the most intense shows I have ever seen. The last two shows were filmed and catch the band, finally, hitting their stride.
2) The actual reunion. It was a long time coming, other than the greatest hits sessions and the Hall of Fame, it was the first complete tour since 1988.
3) Some stand out shows, a handful, but the Philly stand (especially the 9-24/25 shows), the LA stand, and a few select shows from the 15 night Meadowlands stand were reminders of how great this band could be.
The Negatives?
1) Bruce's vocals. Still hungover from the Joad Tour, he never really found his voice during this tour. Taking some songs (Thunder Road example #1) to new lows. He simply forgot how to sing rock n roll songs.
2) No intermission. WTF? Although still better than a majority of the acts out there, for the first time since 77, Springsteen stuck to one main set and then the encores.
3) Songs on steroids. Evidence? Murder Inc., 10th, Out in the Streets, etc. Hey, Im all for a 6 minute blow out, but night after night, these songs that were suppose to showcase the E street band, well, they became boring. I went to about 15 or so shows and 2/3 of them were the outro guitar solo for Murder Inc and the 10th Avenue rap.
4) Three guitarists plus the red head? Precendent setting.
5) The fact that there was no album to promote (Tracks? please.) The closest Springsteen has ever gotten to the Elton John/Billy Joel greatest hits tours. Thank God he decided to create more music.
So, in conclusion, the Reunion tour was a start but very overrated, to place it above any other tour but the 92-93 tour would be blasphemy.
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