I attended the 2nd of the two "Working On A Dream" tour rehearsal concerts in Asbury Park on 3-24-09 and for the first time in my 68 shows over 30+ years I had a different feeling. Sure, the same exhileration, the same euphoria, the same insanity were there. The same 100% plus given by the greatest band of all time. But deep down I had a sense of urgency, and walking out with one of my best friends I said to her: "We gotta enjoy this as much as we can, because we are getting older and they are getting older and I don't know how much longer we will be able to experience this perfection".

I thought to myself driving home, up the dark Garden State Parkway that could easily be a road featured in one of Bruce's many anthems: "Danny's gone, Clarence has to sit for most of the show and looks uncomfortable, the rest of the band looks older, (well hell, so do I!!), Max has an 18-year old son who will sit in for him on some gigs and even my hero, who at 59 can run circles around bands half his age seemed a little bit more winded after the show than usual, (but I'm sure will be in stride after a few weeks out on the road.)

It's always a hot ticket when Springsteen plays at Convention Hall.

I also looked around Convention Hall, seeing faces that I have been seeing at Bruce shows for the past 30 years too, and although there are many young 20-something fans, the majority of us are in our 40's 50's and 60's; just like our idols on the stage. We are feeling the aches and pains of age, both physically and emotionally. Attending these shows for most of us is a time warp to the days of reckless abandon, wild and romantic and free... .... .... a swim in the fountain of youth, even if only for a few hours.

I guess what I am trying to say is that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are a fine vintage, a prized vintage in fact, and should be drank and enjoyed in their prime. And while some might think that this vintage is past their prime, I feel that the wine that is Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band has staying power: and hopefully will mellow in the wine cellar that is rock and roll for another 20 years. I for one will be happy to count my wrinkles and grays with them... ... ... ...FOREVER BRUCE!!! ON THE BACKSTREETS UNTIL THE END!!!!

SETLIST:
1. Badlands
2. Outlaw Pete
3. My Lucky Day
4. No Surrender
5. Out in the Street
6. Working on a Dream
7. Seeds
8. Johnny 99
9. Ghost of Tom Joad
10. Good Eye
11. Darlington County
12. Waiting on a Sunny Day
13. The Promised Land
14. The Wrestler
15. Kingdom of Days
16. Lonesome Day
17. Radio Nowhere
18. Born to Run
--Encore--
19. Hard Times Come Again No More
20. Dancing in the Dark
21. Tenth Avenue Freezeout
22. Land of Hope and Dreams
23. American Land

Bruce Springsteen takes the time to signs a fan's wheelchair.

Related Links: For more information on BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- BruceSpringsteen.net | Working On A Dream | Search "Springsteen"

• Originally Published: 04/02/2009 on Kweevak.com