Known for changing up his set lists, he sang 10 different songs from his Thursday opening night show, including "Spirit in the Night," "Cover Me," "Something in the Night," and the favorite classic "Thunder Road." Celebrating his homecoming he pulled out material dating back to his early days with three songs from the album "The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle"; including, "Incident on 57th Street," "The E Street Shuffle," and the jazz inspired "Kitty's Back," which featured extended solos by Bruce and Roy Bittan. He also covered the Rascal's song "Good Lovin" as part of his nightly ritual of gathering all the request signs in the audience that he can hold, throwing them down on the stage, and choosing the few he wants to play. It was a comical site.

The whole arena was on their feet for the entire show, even in the nosebleed sections. They also sang along intensely with every song, as if they were one voice, and the house lights went up each time to capture every sing-a-long. These were the Jersey Bruce fans and that's what I came for.

At one point, the music slowed down and Bruce did his usual inspirational message, stating how we've had some hard times in this country and that it's time to change the feelings of doubt and fear and start rebuilding the future with faith and hope.

Before ending the show he thanked all his neighbors for their longtime support of the E Street Band, and then went into his signature anthem "Born to Run" to the singing thunder of the crowd. His encore was filled with songs that seemed to echo his message of renewal; "Land of Hope and Dreams," "American Land," an old folk song about immigrants coming to America looking to build a new life, and "Hard Times" written in the early 1800's.

He came back for a second encore saying, "Are you trying to test me? The turnpike is closed - nobody goes home!" And ended the 3-hour show with the upbeat and reflective "Glory Days" and the old 60's standard "Mony, Mony," making sure that everyone left with their spirits uplifted. Lastly he invited everyone to join him and the band for the last concert at Giant Stadium, saying, "We will be the wrecking ball!"

It was a powerful performance and an incredible experience and I definitely left the IZOD Arena that night with a smile on my face. I finally did it! I saw Bruce in New Jersey - so, I crossed it off my "bucket list"

Next on the list; a Greek Island cruise. That will have to wait awhile.

Related Links: For more information on BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- BruceSpringsteen.net | Buy Greatest Hits

Originally Published: 06/10/2009 on Kweevak.com