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For one night only at Old Trafford, The Boss wasn't a gum-chewing Scotsman pondering how to get the best out of Wayne Rooney.
Nevertheless, Bruce Springsteen was quick to confide his own emotional ties to Manchester United. Before the show his soccer-mad 18-year-old son had filled his dad in on the triumphant climax of United's season. What he perhaps failed to grasp was that an Old Trafford full of Springsteen fans didn't necessarily double up as one full of United fans. Hence the mixed reaction when the screens revealed one fan giving him a United shirt with “The Boss” written on the back.
Still, some way though a marathon show, it offered a reminder that Springsteen was fallible. That we needed reminding was beyond doubt. Far from playing down the effect he has on fans within his immediate proximity, Springsteen seems to derive immense amusement from putting himself among them and drinking up the love. He walked down from the stage to meet them with the bow-legged gait of an old farmer striding out to check on his cattle, and returned with a fistful of written requests. After a Lonesome Day high on audience participation, Springsteen apologised for the absence of his wife, Patti Scialfa - “at home making sure the kids don't burn the house down and sell my favourite clothes on eBay”.
Deliberately or otherwise, it all fed into the image of a consummate everyman. That shouldn't detract from the fact that, in his way, Springsteen is a sophisticated showman. With the “Let it rain” refrain from Mary's Place resounding into the persistent Mancunian spray, he ran across the stage, sank to his knees and continued to slide at a velocity that belied his 58 years. Aware that, right at the back, the big screens were people's best chance of getting any sense of his actions, Livin' in the Future was one of several songs that saw him striding from camera to camera, effectively eyeballing 50,000 fans as he sang.
Like almost everything else on last year's Magic album, a compendium of big-hearted rock'n'roll tunes, it already sounded like an old favourite. This, you suspect, is why Springsteen keeps returning to the E Street Band - in particular the dissonant harmonising of Steve Van Zandt and the affirmative honking of the veteran saxophonist Clarence Clemons (though, sadly, not Danny Federico, the keyboard player who finally succumbed to cancer last month). Present amid this synergy of imperfections were all the things that captured the collective imagination when these musicians first came to Britain 33 years ago.
Far from dissipating with the decades, the old hunger was tempered with an increasing, inevitable knowledge that this really doesn't last for ever. By the time the nine musicians on stage encored with a version of Born to Run, that more than mitigated for not knowing that Manchester was home to another football team.
On tour. At the Emirates Stadium, London, tonight and tomorrow (www.ticketzone.co.uk)
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My third concert @ old trafford 28/5. Thought sound mix was awful - had an echo which made it impossible to listen to any words of the songs. But just as always, that man comes alive on stage & with his audience, wish he had done alot more talking about his songs. Loved him @ Roundhay Park Leeds.
lynda whitaker, burnley, lancashire
Saw all three gigs including the London ones. All were fantastic from the pit, with great sound. The best one was London on the Friday which was the best concert I have ever seen, and Ive seen a lot !!! It was simply amazing. Great songs, power, passion and rocking crystal clear sound.
David, Wigan, UK
At the Emirates on Friday night and firstly had terrible problem relocating to seats which were not blocked by speaker towers. The sound was quite frankly awful. Loud yes, but all mushed together, all humming bass and fuzzy drums. His voice was almost inaudible. Improved a bit later on. Great shame
J Pickett, Norwich, Norfolk
Having seen Bruce at the Emirates last night (Saturday), i agree with most of the comments posted in that he put on a fantastic show, but was somewhat let down by the generally dreadful sound mix--10/10 for the Boss but only 5 for the soundman
Steve Furniss, Hitchin, Herts
I saw Springsteen at the Emirates last night. The sound quality was dreadful. Loud enough .. but very fuzzy.
On the slower songs there was a slight echo making the words unintelligible. From what I recognised of the songs I was unimpressed by the selection of material. Big disappointment. Worth 2/5
Conor, London,
I've waited more than 15 years to see this show, having seen Bruce last at the Milton Keynes bowl back in the early 90s. And I am not ashamed to say that three tracks in I was in tears ! (in a good way) The show was everything I'd waited for and more, absolutely perfect. Thanks Bruce !
Richard Taylor, Wakefield,
Well my seats were fantastic, and I had no problems with the sound at all. Maybe I was lucky but I have not yet stopped smiling, the performance was incredible. Being the same age as Bruce, I was also amazed at his energy. Catherine, the crowd were calling Bruuuuce!
Lynda, Sheffield
Lynda , Sheffield,
I was at Trafford Park. The sound was awful but got a little better as the sound man got his act together, but how can the 'touters' outside call it the "Born in the USA" tour when they didn't play it.!!! What was that about. I'd give it 3/5. Was ok
Rob, Warrington,
The Boss was great and worth the cost and the 500 mile round trip I had to see it! I agree the sound was dodgy though. I was puzzled by the rumble of what sounded like booing but thought maybe it's something they do at matches. How a guy that age manages such energy I don't know!
Catherine, Bournemouth, England
We were in the south stand at Old Trafford & the sound system was awful - we couldn't hear any of the words, just echoing bass and drums - 2 1/2 hours of tinnitus!
I took a party of 6 as a treat - it cost me £300 - and we felt badly let down. No more stadium concerts for me!
alan hassey, Skipton, England
Point Blank - simply The Boss. Last nights performance was fantastic, though the sound system at the stadium didn't do them any justice and let them down!
L A, Surrey, UK
I agree with the seating, you must have been sat pretty close to me! Its clear someone cocked up big time on the seating plan! As for the set list, it was my tenth gig & I thought it was awesome! BUT sound was not gr8. Have u seen the Emirates list - even better!
Brian Sprague, Lancashire,
Set list dissappointing!! were you there? It was fantastic, Trapped, Because the Night, Adam Raised a Cain, 10th Avenue Freeze Out, Rosalita all classics and Bruce was on fine form. This was my 12th show and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Come to Scotland Bruce, that's my only moan!!!!
roz anderson, MUTHILL, SCOTLAND
Danny Federico????
Have the decency to get the guys name right!
Nice to see the Times has done it's homework.
montgomery flange, Cardiff, Wales
Four stars? Are you ill?
Mr. C Treloar, Barkingside,
Seen Bruce many times but this was not one of his best. Set list was on the whole dissappointing. Also promoters should be ashamed. I paid £55(top price) to have a seat in line with the stage that meant I did not see any band members and only saw Bruce when he dropped down to the lower stage.
Jim Greenlees , Stockport,