Working on a Dream Tour: Difference between revisions
fix cite error |
No edit summary |
||
(9 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown) | |||
Line 27: | Line 27: | ||
==Itinerary== |
==Itinerary== |
||
The tour was envisioned by the Springsteen camp as not being "a total marathon",<ref name="rs-keepon">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/25329157/the_e_street_band_keep_rolling_in_09--> | title=The E Street Band Keep Rolling in '09 | author=[[David Fricke|Fricke, David]] | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-01-22 <!--| access-date=2009-02-07-->}}</ref> and was thus considerably shorter than usual for Springsteen, especially in North America, where only 26 stops were planned.<ref name="tw012809">{{cite news | url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?no=subj&articleid=20090128_269_D1_BruceS880124&allcom=1 | title=Springsteen finally adds Tulsa to his tour | author=Allen, Barbara | work=[[Tulsa World]] | date=2009-01-28 | access-date=2009-02-07}}</ref> It did include a date in [[Oklahoma]], where Springsteen had not played in three decades and where officials at [[Tulsa]]'s [[BOK Center]] had been trying to lure Springsteen for years.<ref name="tw012809"/> |
The tour was envisioned by the Springsteen camp as not being "a total marathon",<ref name="rs-keepon">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/25329157/the_e_street_band_keep_rolling_in_09--> | title=The E Street Band Keep Rolling in '09 | author=[[David Fricke|Fricke, David]] | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-01-22 <!--| access-date=2009-02-07-->}}</ref> and was thus considerably shorter than usual for Springsteen, especially in North America, where only 26 stops were planned.<ref name="tw012809">{{cite news | url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?no=subj&articleid=20090128_269_D1_BruceS880124&allcom=1 | title=Springsteen finally adds Tulsa to his tour | author=Allen, Barbara | work=[[Tulsa World]] | date=2009-01-28 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2012-10-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012150828/http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?no=subj&articleid=20090128_269_D1_BruceS880124&allcom=1 | url-status=dead }}</ref> It did include a date in [[Oklahoma]], where Springsteen had not played in three decades and where officials at [[Tulsa]]'s [[BOK Center]] had been trying to lure Springsteen for years.<ref name="tw012809"/> |
||
On February 23, 2009, it was confirmed that Springsteen would be headlining the Saturday night at [[Glastonbury festival]] in June of the same year.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7905406.stm | title=Springsteen tops Glastonbury bill | work=BBC News | date=2009-02-23 | access-date=2010-07-12}}</ref> Springsteen also signed up for the [[Pinkpop Festival]] in the Netherlands and the [[Bonnaroo Music Festival]] in the United States; playing such festivals was a departure from his normal routing, and challenged him with audiences that were not pre-selected with his fans.<ref name="bath070109">{{cite news | url=http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Springsteen-8211-born-run-born-Glastonbury/article-1127121-detail/article.html | title=Springsteen – born to run and born for Glastonbury | work=[[The Bath Chronicle]] | date=2009-07-01 | access-date=2009-07-30 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117115652/http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Springsteen-8211-born-run-born-Glastonbury/article-1127121-detail/article.html | archive-date=2010-01-17 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
On February 23, 2009, it was confirmed that Springsteen would be headlining the Saturday night at [[Glastonbury festival]] in June of the same year.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7905406.stm | title=Springsteen tops Glastonbury bill | work=BBC News | date=2009-02-23 | access-date=2010-07-12 | archive-date=2010-10-01 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001180144/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7905406.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> Springsteen also signed up for the [[Pinkpop Festival]] in the Netherlands and the [[Bonnaroo Music Festival]] in the United States; playing such festivals was a departure from his normal routing, and challenged him with audiences that were not pre-selected with his fans.<ref name="bath070109">{{cite news | url=http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Springsteen-8211-born-run-born-Glastonbury/article-1127121-detail/article.html | title=Springsteen – born to run and born for Glastonbury | work=[[The Bath Chronicle]] | date=2009-07-01 | access-date=2009-07-30 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117115652/http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/Springsteen-8211-born-run-born-Glastonbury/article-1127121-detail/article.html | archive-date=2010-01-17 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
||
One continuing subplot with the tour's scheduling was E Street drummer [[Max Weinberg]]'s availability vis à vis his job as [[The Max Weinberg 7]] bandleader for [[Conan O'Brien]], given that during the first half of 2009 ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]'' in New York City was ending and ''[[The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien]]'' in Los Angeles was beginning.<ref name="bs-max09">{{cite news | url=http://www.backstreets.com/newsarchive28.html | title=Max Watch '09: A Tale of Two Bosses | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-01-16 | access-date=2010-07-12}}</ref> The mid-January announcement that ''Late Night'' would continue until February 20 precluded any notion of starting the tour immediately following Springsteen's appearance at [[Super Bowl XLIII]],<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/entertainment/Conan_O_Brien_Saying_Goodbye_To__Late_Night__In_February.html | title=Conan O'Brien Saying Goodbye To 'Late Night' In February | publisher=[[WRC-TV]] | date=2009-01-16 | access-date=2009-02-07}}</ref> in addition to the band feeling that they had just gotten off the Magic Tour and "Wait, let's stop a minute."<ref name="rs030309">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/03/van-zandt-on-springsteen-tour-super-bowl-rumors-and-how-garage-bands-can-blow-up/--> | title=Van Zandt on Springsteen Tour, Super Bowl Rumors and How Garage Bands Can Blow Up | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-03-03 <!--| access-date=2009-03-06-->}}</ref> Meanwhile, the June 1 start date of ''The Tonight Show'' posed problems for Weinberg's continued presence on the tour.<ref name="rs-cover">{{cite magazine | title=Bringing It All Back Home | author=[[David Fricke|Fricke, David]] | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-02-05 | url=http://www.shorefire.com/media/R1071Bruce_20090123_113016.pdf | access-date=2009-03-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325122048/http://www.shorefire.com/media/R1071Bruce_20090123_113016.pdf | archive-date=2009-03-25 | url-status=dead }}</ref> O'Brien told a ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reporter at the time of the announcement that he hoped that Weinberg would follow him to Los Angeles and that he also hoped an arrangement could be worked out to let Weinberg go on the road with Springsteen as had been done for past tours.<ref name="bs-max09"/> At [[NBC]], the coexistence between the drummer's two bosses was known as the Weinberg-Springsteen Rule, and was not typically extended to other talent at the network.<ref name="rs-cover"/> In a high-profile ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' cover story interview, Springsteen was vague about the matter: "All I know is this – it's all gonna work out, one way or another. If people wanna come out and see the E Street Band, they'll be able to come out and see the E Street Band."<ref name="rs-cover"/> And whether Weinberg would stay with O'Brien and move or not was a subject of conflicting news reports<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/04122008/tv/max_to_keep_beat_in_la_106128.htm | title=Max to Keep Beat in LA | author=Buckman, Adam|work=[[New York Post]] | date=2008-04-12 | access-date=2009-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/02042009/tv/tonight_tries_to_woo_max_153486.htm | title='Tonight' Tries to Woo Max | author=Kaplan, Don | work=[[New York Post]] | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2009-02-07}}</ref> until O'Brien confirmed on February 18 that Weinberg and the band were indeed coming with him.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b101432_conan_andy_back_together_tonight.html | title=Conan 'n' Andy Back Together for Tonight | author=Serpe, Gina | publisher=[[E! Online]] | date=2009-02-24 | access-date=2009-02-24}}</ref> A few days later, E Streeter [[Steven Van Zandt]] said of Weinberg's availability for the post-June 1, European leg: "We’re still figuring that out. We’ll see. I think Max will be there for most of it. ... I know he was very much trying to figure it out."<ref name="rs022309">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/02/23/van-zandt-on-max-weinbergs-busy-dance-card/--> | title=Van Zandt on Max Weinberg's Busy Dance Card | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-02-23 <!--| access-date=2009-02-24-->}}</ref> Weinberg had not missed an E Street Band show since joining the outfit in 1974, and Van Zandt said that no amount of rehearsal by another drummer could replace Weinberg's intuitive understanding of Springsteen's performance gambits.<ref name="rs022309"/> |
One continuing subplot with the tour's scheduling was E Street drummer [[Max Weinberg]]'s availability vis à vis his job as [[The Max Weinberg 7]] bandleader for [[Conan O'Brien]], given that during the first half of 2009 ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]'' in New York City was ending and ''[[The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien]]'' in Los Angeles was beginning.<ref name="bs-max09">{{cite news | url=http://www.backstreets.com/newsarchive28.html | title=Max Watch '09: A Tale of Two Bosses | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-01-16 | access-date=2010-07-12 | archive-date=2021-04-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414035507/http://www.backstreets.com/newsarchive28.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The mid-January announcement that ''Late Night'' would continue until February 20 precluded any notion of starting the tour immediately following Springsteen's appearance at [[Super Bowl XLIII]],<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/entertainment/Conan_O_Brien_Saying_Goodbye_To__Late_Night__In_February.html | title=Conan O'Brien Saying Goodbye To 'Late Night' In February | publisher=[[WRC-TV]] | date=2009-01-16 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2024-03-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314044910/https://www.nbcwashington.com/local/conan_o_brien_saying_goodbye_to__late_night__in_february/1851146/ | url-status=live }}</ref> in addition to the band feeling that they had just gotten off the Magic Tour and "Wait, let's stop a minute."<ref name="rs030309">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/03/van-zandt-on-springsteen-tour-super-bowl-rumors-and-how-garage-bands-can-blow-up/--> | title=Van Zandt on Springsteen Tour, Super Bowl Rumors and How Garage Bands Can Blow Up | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-03-03 <!--| access-date=2009-03-06-->}}</ref> Meanwhile, the June 1 start date of ''The Tonight Show'' posed problems for Weinberg's continued presence on the tour.<ref name="rs-cover">{{cite magazine | title=Bringing It All Back Home | author=[[David Fricke|Fricke, David]] | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-02-05 | url=http://www.shorefire.com/media/R1071Bruce_20090123_113016.pdf | access-date=2009-03-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325122048/http://www.shorefire.com/media/R1071Bruce_20090123_113016.pdf | archive-date=2009-03-25 | url-status=dead }}</ref> O'Brien told a ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' reporter at the time of the announcement that he hoped that Weinberg would follow him to Los Angeles and that he also hoped an arrangement could be worked out to let Weinberg go on the road with Springsteen as had been done for past tours.<ref name="bs-max09"/> At [[NBC]], the coexistence between the drummer's two bosses was known as the Weinberg-Springsteen Rule, and was not typically extended to other talent at the network.<ref name="rs-cover"/> In a high-profile ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' cover story interview, Springsteen was vague about the matter: "All I know is this – it's all gonna work out, one way or another. If people wanna come out and see the E Street Band, they'll be able to come out and see the E Street Band."<ref name="rs-cover"/> And whether Weinberg would stay with O'Brien and move or not was a subject of conflicting news reports<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/04122008/tv/max_to_keep_beat_in_la_106128.htm | title=Max to Keep Beat in LA | author=Buckman, Adam | work=[[New York Post]] | date=2008-04-12 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2009-02-25 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225033717/http://www.nypost.com/seven/04122008/tv/max_to_keep_beat_in_la_106128.htm | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/02042009/tv/tonight_tries_to_woo_max_153486.htm | title='Tonight' Tries to Woo Max | author=Kaplan, Don | work=[[New York Post]] | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207012231/http://www.nypost.com/seven/02042009/tv/tonight_tries_to_woo_max_153486.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> until O'Brien confirmed on February 18 that Weinberg and the band were indeed coming with him.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b101432_conan_andy_back_together_tonight.html | title=Conan 'n' Andy Back Together for Tonight | author=Serpe, Gina | publisher=[[E! Online]] | date=2009-02-24 | access-date=2009-02-24 | archive-date=2009-02-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227062236/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b101432_conan_andy_back_together_tonight.html | url-status=live }}</ref> A few days later, E Streeter [[Steven Van Zandt]] said of Weinberg's availability for the post-June 1, European leg: "We’re still figuring that out. We’ll see. I think Max will be there for most of it. ... I know he was very much trying to figure it out."<ref name="rs022309">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/02/23/van-zandt-on-max-weinbergs-busy-dance-card/--> | title=Van Zandt on Max Weinberg's Busy Dance Card | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-02-23 <!--| access-date=2009-02-24-->}}</ref> Weinberg had not missed an E Street Band show since joining the outfit in 1974, and Van Zandt said that no amount of rehearsal by another drummer could replace Weinberg's intuitive understanding of Springsteen's performance gambits.<ref name="rs022309"/> |
||
[[File:WOADTourRehearsalAPCH.jpg|thumb|right|257px|Fans listening outside [[Asbury Park Convention Hall]] as Springsteen and the E Street Band work on arrangements for "Outlaw Pete" in rehearsal. March 18, 2009.]] |
[[File:WOADTourRehearsalAPCH.jpg|thumb|right|257px|Fans listening outside [[Asbury Park Convention Hall]] as Springsteen and the E Street Band work on arrangements for "Outlaw Pete" in rehearsal. March 18, 2009.]] |
||
As had been the practice since the [[Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Reunion Tour|Reunion Tour]] in 1999, Springsteen and the band began rehearsals at [[Asbury Park Convention Hall]].<ref name="stan1">{{cite news | url=http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/03/bruce_springsteen_rehearses_in.html | title=Bruce Springsteen rehearses in Asbury Park | author=Goldstein, Stan | work=[[The Star Ledger]] | date=2009-03-12 | access-date=2009-03-17}}</ref> Beginning on March 11, some of the Springsteen faithful listened outside closed doors for what songs and arrangements the tour might bring.<ref name="stan1"/> The presence of Max Weinberg's 18-year-old son [[Jay Weinberg|Jay]], a freshman at [[Stevens Institute of Technology]]<ref name="mtv050409"/> and also a drummer, at rehearsals indicated that he might be the one to replace his father for European leg shows where ''Tonight Show'' duties came into play.<ref name="app031809">{{cite news | url=http://blogs.app.com/rhythmroom/2009/03/18/a-tale-of-two-weinbergs/ | title=A Tale of Two Weinbergs | author=Mikle, Jean | newspaper=[[Asbury Park Press]] | date=2009-03-18 | access-date=2009-03-18}}</ref> On one occasion on the [[Magic Tour (Bruce Springsteen)|Magic Tour]], Jay Weinberg had sat in on drums for "[[Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen song)|Born to Run]]".<ref name="app031809"/> This was confirmed by Springsteen on March 20, who said that Jay Weinberg would be drumming at a small number of shows during the tour.<ref name="rs032009">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/20/max-weinbergs-son-to-sub-in-at-a-handful-of-springsteen-gigs/--> | title=Max Weinberg's Son to Sub in at a Handful of Springsteen Gigs | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-03-20 <!--| access-date=2009-03-20-->}}</ref> Springsteen added, "Once again, I want to express my appreciation to Conan O'Brien, and everyone on his team, for making it possible for Max to continue to do double duty for both us and for him. We promise to return him in one piece."<ref name="sfm032009">{{cite press release | url=http://www.shorefiremedia.com/index.php?a=pressrelease&o=2821 | title=Statement About Tour Personnel | publisher=[[Shore Fire Media]] | date=2009-03-20 | access-date=2009-03-20 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716063729/http://www.shorefiremedia.com/index.php?a=pressrelease&o=2821 | archive-date=2011-07-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Van Zandt said, "I’ve been avoiding this question for weeks! Thank God they finally announced it. We already did three days of rehearsals. Jay's a fantastic drummer. It's in the Weinberg DNA."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/03/springsteen-wei.html | title=Springsteen news: Steve Van Zandt talks about the E Street Band's new drummer | author=Brunner, Rob | publisher=[[EW.com]] | date=2009-03-20 | access-date=2009-03-20}}</ref> |
As had been the practice since the [[Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Reunion Tour|Reunion Tour]] in 1999, Springsteen and the band began rehearsals at [[Asbury Park Convention Hall]].<ref name="stan1">{{cite news | url=http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/03/bruce_springsteen_rehearses_in.html | title=Bruce Springsteen rehearses in Asbury Park | author=Goldstein, Stan | work=[[The Star Ledger]] | date=2009-03-12 | access-date=2009-03-17 | archive-date=2011-12-01 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201014905/http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/03/bruce_springsteen_rehearses_in.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Beginning on March 11, some of the Springsteen faithful listened outside closed doors for what songs and arrangements the tour might bring.<ref name="stan1"/> The presence of Max Weinberg's 18-year-old son [[Jay Weinberg|Jay]], a freshman at [[Stevens Institute of Technology]]<ref name="mtv050409"/> and also a drummer, at rehearsals indicated that he might be the one to replace his father for European leg shows where ''Tonight Show'' duties came into play.<ref name="app031809">{{cite news | url=http://blogs.app.com/rhythmroom/2009/03/18/a-tale-of-two-weinbergs/ | title=A Tale of Two Weinbergs | author=Mikle, Jean | newspaper=[[Asbury Park Press]] | date=2009-03-18 | access-date=2009-03-18 | archive-date=2013-01-17 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130117020821/http://blogs.app.com/rhythmroom/2009/03/18/a-tale-of-two-weinbergs/ | url-status=live }}</ref> On one occasion on the [[Magic Tour (Bruce Springsteen)|Magic Tour]], Jay Weinberg had sat in on drums for "[[Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen song)|Born to Run]]".<ref name="app031809"/> This was confirmed by Springsteen on March 20, who said that Jay Weinberg would be drumming at a small number of shows during the tour.<ref name="rs032009">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/20/max-weinbergs-son-to-sub-in-at-a-handful-of-springsteen-gigs/--> | title=Max Weinberg's Son to Sub in at a Handful of Springsteen Gigs | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-03-20 <!--| access-date=2009-03-20-->}}</ref> Springsteen added, "Once again, I want to express my appreciation to Conan O'Brien, and everyone on his team, for making it possible for Max to continue to do double duty for both us and for him. We promise to return him in one piece."<ref name="sfm032009">{{cite press release | url=http://www.shorefiremedia.com/index.php?a=pressrelease&o=2821 | title=Statement About Tour Personnel | publisher=[[Shore Fire Media]] | date=2009-03-20 | access-date=2009-03-20 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716063729/http://www.shorefiremedia.com/index.php?a=pressrelease&o=2821 | archive-date=2011-07-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Van Zandt said, "I’ve been avoiding this question for weeks! Thank God they finally announced it. We already did three days of rehearsals. Jay's a fantastic drummer. It's in the Weinberg DNA."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/03/springsteen-wei.html | title=Springsteen news: Steve Van Zandt talks about the E Street Band's new drummer | author=Brunner, Rob | publisher=[[EW.com]] | date=2009-03-20 | access-date=2009-03-20 | archive-date=2009-03-22 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322034658/http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/03/springsteen-wei.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
By the time the American first leg was well underway, there was speculation of more American dates to come in the late summer and fall, but E Street guitarist [[Nils Lofgren]] said that Springsteen and wife [[Patti Scialfa]] would make a decision later on.<ref name="bb051309"/> |
By the time the American first leg was well underway, there was speculation of more American dates to come in the late summer and fall, but E Street guitarist [[Nils Lofgren]] said that Springsteen and wife [[Patti Scialfa]] would make a decision later on.<ref name="bb051309"/> |
||
[[File:ESBGiantsStadiumAdsAtMeadowlandsArena.jpg|thumb|right|257px|Advertising for the just-announced [[Giants Stadium]] shows as fans leave the [[Meadowlands Arena]] after the May 21, 2009, show.]] |
[[File:ESBGiantsStadiumAdsAtMeadowlandsArena.jpg|thumb|right|257px|Advertising for the just-announced [[Giants Stadium]] shows as fans leave the [[Meadowlands Arena]] after the May 21, 2009, show.]] |
||
On May 21, 2009, while playing at the [[Izod Center]], Springsteen announced he would be playing three dates at next-door [[Giants Stadium]] in late September and early October, saying the band would "say goodbye to old Giants Stadium ... Before they bring the wrecking ball, the wrecking crew is coming back!"<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Bruce-and-the-E-Street-Wrecking-Crew-.html | title=Bruce & the "Wrecking Crew" to Say Goodbye | author=Clancy, Michael | publisher=[[WNBC-TV]] | date=2009-05-22 | access-date=2009-06-21}}</ref> The video screens on stage showed a huge banner being hung on the stadium, which was the forerunner of heavy advertising for the shows on local television. They sold out quickly, and two more dates were added, finishing on October 9.<ref name="app060309">{{cite news | title=More Springsteen shows announced | author=Jordan, Chris | work=[[Asbury Park Press]] | date=2009-06-03}}</ref> These were scheduled to be the last concerts ever at the stadium.<ref name="app060309"/> The final show sold out quickly but not the one before it.<ref name="nsl061409"/> Subsequent U.S. tour dates in the late summer began to be announced as well, focusing on outdoor [[Amphitheatre|amphitheaters]] in the Northeast. In mid-July, a further extension to the U.S. tour was announced, adding shows in indoor arenas through November.<ref>{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/07/14/bruce-springsteen-adds-more-working-on-a-dream-shows-to-tour/--> | title=Springsteen Adds More 'Working on a Dream' Shows To Tour | author=Kreps, Daniel | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-07-14 <!--| access-date=2009-07-27-->}}</ref> |
On May 21, 2009, while playing at the [[Izod Center]], Springsteen announced he would be playing three dates at next-door [[Giants Stadium]] in late September and early October, saying the band would "say goodbye to old Giants Stadium ... Before they bring the wrecking ball, the wrecking crew is coming back!"<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Bruce-and-the-E-Street-Wrecking-Crew-.html | title=Bruce & the "Wrecking Crew" to Say Goodbye | author=Clancy, Michael | publisher=[[WNBC-TV]] | date=2009-05-22 | access-date=2009-06-21 | archive-date=2011-10-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005170438/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Bruce-and-the-E-Street-Wrecking-Crew-.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The video screens on stage showed a huge banner being hung on the stadium, which was the forerunner of heavy advertising for the shows on local television. They sold out quickly, and two more dates were added, finishing on October 9.<ref name="app060309">{{cite news | title=More Springsteen shows announced | author=Jordan, Chris | work=[[Asbury Park Press]] | date=2009-06-03}}</ref> These were scheduled to be the last concerts ever at the stadium.<ref name="app060309"/> The final show sold out quickly but not the one before it.<ref name="nsl061409"/> Subsequent U.S. tour dates in the late summer began to be announced as well, focusing on outdoor [[Amphitheatre|amphitheaters]] in the Northeast. In mid-July, a further extension to the U.S. tour was announced, adding shows in indoor arenas through November.<ref>{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/07/14/bruce-springsteen-adds-more-working-on-a-dream-shows-to-tour/--> | title=Springsteen Adds More 'Working on a Dream' Shows To Tour | author=Kreps, Daniel | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-07-14 <!--| access-date=2009-07-27-->}}</ref> |
||
The November 22, 2009, performance in [[Buffalo, New York]], was slated as the tour's last.<ref name="bb091709">{{cite news | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267371/springsteen-e-street-band-taking-time-apart-after-tour | title=Springsteen, E-Street Band Taking Time Apart After Tour | author=[[Gary Graff|Graff, Gary]] | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=2009-09-17 | access-date=2009-09-18}}</ref> After that, the E Street Band was expected to take a one to two-year hiatus, while Springsteen worked on another project.<ref name="bb091709"/> |
The November 22, 2009, performance in [[Buffalo, New York]], was slated as the tour's last.<ref name="bb091709">{{cite news | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267371/springsteen-e-street-band-taking-time-apart-after-tour | title=Springsteen, E-Street Band Taking Time Apart After Tour | author=[[Gary Graff|Graff, Gary]] | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=2009-09-17 | access-date=2009-09-18 | archive-date=2014-09-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912084300/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/267371/springsteen-e-street-band-taking-time-apart-after-tour | url-status=live }}</ref> After that, the E Street Band was expected to take a one to two-year hiatus, while Springsteen worked on another project.<ref name="bb091709"/> |
||
The October 26, 2009, show in [[Kansas City, Missouri]], was canceled an hour before its scheduled start time due to the death of Lenny Sullivan, Springsteen's cousin and assistant road manager for ten years.<ref name="Springsteen Concert Canceled">{{cite web | title=Springsteen Concert Canceled Due To Death In Family | url=http://www.kmbc.com/news/21432022/detail.html | publisher=[[KMBC-TV]] | date=2009-10-26 | access-date=2009-10-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226164100/http://www.kmbc.com/news/21432022/detail.html | archive-date=2010-12-26 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index_archive.html | title=Lenny Sullivan | publisher=BruceSpringsteen.net | date=2009-10-26 | access-date=2011-01-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118023435/http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index_archive.html | archive-date=2012-01-18 | url-status=dead }}</ref> It was not rescheduled.<ref name="Springsteen Concert Canceled"/> |
The October 26, 2009, show in [[Kansas City, Missouri]], was canceled an hour before its scheduled start time due to the death of Lenny Sullivan, Springsteen's cousin and assistant road manager for ten years.<ref name="Springsteen Concert Canceled">{{cite web | title=Springsteen Concert Canceled Due To Death In Family | url=http://www.kmbc.com/news/21432022/detail.html | publisher=[[KMBC-TV]] | date=2009-10-26 | access-date=2009-10-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226164100/http://www.kmbc.com/news/21432022/detail.html | archive-date=2010-12-26 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index_archive.html | title=Lenny Sullivan | publisher=BruceSpringsteen.net | date=2009-10-26 | access-date=2011-01-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118023435/http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index_archive.html | archive-date=2012-01-18 | url-status=dead }}</ref> It was not rescheduled.<ref name="Springsteen Concert Canceled"/> |
||
==Ticket sales== |
==Ticket sales== |
||
Even before any official tour announcement, tickets went on sale in Norway and Sweden. The heavy demand caused a crash in the Scandinavian ticketing system.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/01/27/bruce_springsteen_and_the_e_street_band__2 | title=Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band To Launch Tour; New Album Out Today | publisher=[[Starpulse]] | date=2009-01-27 | access-date=2009-02-07}}</ref> A similar situation due to heavy demand occurred in Finland with the Lippupiste ticketing system.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Rush+for+Springsteen+ticket+sales+causes+online+system+to+crash/1135243067886 | title=Rush for Springsteen ticket sales causes online system to crash | work=[[Helsingin Sanomat]] | date=2009-01-27 | access-date=2009-02-07}}</ref> |
Even before any official tour announcement, tickets went on sale in Norway and Sweden. The heavy demand caused a crash in the Scandinavian ticketing system.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/01/27/bruce_springsteen_and_the_e_street_band__2 | title=Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band To Launch Tour; New Album Out Today | publisher=[[Starpulse]] | date=2009-01-27 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2009-02-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215001745/http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/01/27/bruce_springsteen_and_the_e_street_band__2 | url-status=live }}</ref> A similar situation due to heavy demand occurred in Finland with the Lippupiste ticketing system.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Rush+for+Springsteen+ticket+sales+causes+online+system+to+crash/1135243067886 | title=Rush for Springsteen ticket sales causes online system to crash | work=[[Helsingin Sanomat]] | date=2009-01-27 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2009-01-30 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130083144/http://www.hs.fi/english/article/Rush+for+Springsteen+ticket+sales+causes+online+system+to+crash/1135243067886 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
On January 27, 2009, the day of the ''[[Working on a Dream]]'' release in the United States, the official announcement of the tour came.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.shorefiremedia.com/index.php?a=pressrelease&o=2656 | title=Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band To Launch 2009 US And European Tour | publisher=[[Shore Fire Media]] | date=2009-01-27 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716063724/http://www.shorefiremedia.com/index.php?a=pressrelease&o=2656 | archive-date=2011-07-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Springsteen Tour Announcement">{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=avdwqZI.tRAg&refer=muse | title=Springsteen Will Start U.S. Tour April 1, Europe on May 30 |
On January 27, 2009, the day of the ''[[Working on a Dream]]'' release in the United States, the official announcement of the tour came.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.shorefiremedia.com/index.php?a=pressrelease&o=2656 | title=Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band To Launch 2009 US And European Tour | publisher=[[Shore Fire Media]] | date=2009-01-27 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716063724/http://www.shorefiremedia.com/index.php?a=pressrelease&o=2656 | archive-date=2011-07-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Springsteen Tour Announcement">{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=avdwqZI.tRAg&refer=muse | title=Springsteen Will Start U.S. Tour April 1, Europe on May 30 | author=Satariano, Adam | publisher=[[Bloomberg News]] | date=2009-01-27 | access-date=2009-02-05 | archive-date=2024-03-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045027/https://www.bloomberg.com/politics?pid=20601088&refer=muse&sid=avdwqZI.tRAg | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
On February 1, 2009, Springsteen & the E Street Band performed at halftime of [[Super Bowl XLIII]]. The following day, February 2, 2009, tickets for many of the U.S. shows went on sale. Despite the |
On February 1, 2009, Springsteen & the E Street Band performed at halftime of [[Super Bowl XLIII]]. The following day, February 2, 2009, tickets for many of the U.S. shows went on sale. Despite the [[Great Recession]], demand was heavy in a number of areas, both due to Springsteen's continued popularity and the high visibility from the Super Bowl appearance.<ref name="nsl020209c"/> Other areas failed to show the ticket fervor of past outings.<ref name="lat040509"/> The pair of shows in both New Jersey and Philadelphia sold out in about an hour.<ref name="nsl020209c">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2009/02/mcglone_story_tk.html | title=Ticket buying process frustrates Springsteen fans | author=McGlone, Peggy | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-02-02 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2009-02-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206082208/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2009/02/mcglone_story_tk.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2009/02/03/entertainment/doc4987c610e6433404524605.txt | title=Springsteen tickets remain a hot item for Spectrum show | author=Luce, Paul | work=[[Delaware County Daily and Sunday Times|Delaware County Daily Times]] | date=2009-02-03 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2012-02-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217142332/http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2009/02/03/entertainment/doc4987c610e6433404524605.txt | url-status=dead }}</ref> East Coast online sales through [[Ticketmaster]], including the New Jersey ones, were especially troublesome, as many customers endured long waits or were in the middle of a purchasing transaction, only to be hit with screens saying the site was down "due to routine maintenance".<ref name="nsl020209c"/> Ticketmaster acknowledged that the technical problem with the sales "wasn't our finest hour."<ref name="rs020309">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/02/03/ticketmaster-admits-springsteen-sale-wasnt-our-finest-hour/--> | title=Ticketmaster Admits Springsteen Sale 'Wasn't Our Finest Hour' | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-02-03 <!--| access-date=2009-02-07-->}}</ref> Tickets for the New Jersey shows were in limited supply to begin with, as some 27 percent of them were held back from sale by the venue, the record company, Springsteen's organization, and others.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/getting_into_a_nj_bruce_spring.html | title=Getting into a N.J. Bruce Springsteen concert is harder than imagined | author=McGlone, Peggy | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-05-20 | access-date=2009-06-21 | archive-date=2009-05-25 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525091930/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/getting_into_a_nj_bruce_spring.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Indeed, for one of the shows Springsteen's management held back all but 108 of the 1,126 seats in the four sections nearest the stage.<ref name="nsl061409">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/springsteen_withheld_best_tick.html | title=Springsteen withheld best tickets from the public at NJ concert, records show | author=McGlone, Peggy | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-06-14 | access-date=2009-06-22 | archive-date=2009-06-19 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619013926/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/06/springsteen_withheld_best_tick.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
Frustration became a public outcry when many of Ticketmaster online customers, upon being informed shows were sold out, were directed to [[TicketsNow]], a Ticketmaster-owned site, where tickets were sold on the [[secondary market#Related usage|secondary market]] at extremely inflated prices.<ref name="nsl020209c"/><ref name="rs020309"/><ref name="Springsteen & Fans Decry Ticketmaster">{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aEA_aVFRlq44 | title=Springsteen, Fans Decry Ticketmaster's 'Scalping' |
Frustration became a public outcry when many of Ticketmaster online customers, upon being informed shows were sold out, were directed to [[TicketsNow]], a Ticketmaster-owned site, where tickets were sold on the [[secondary market#Related usage|secondary market]] at extremely inflated prices.<ref name="nsl020209c"/><ref name="rs020309"/><ref name="Springsteen & Fans Decry Ticketmaster">{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aEA_aVFRlq44 | title=Springsteen, Fans Decry Ticketmaster's 'Scalping' | author1=Satariano, Adam | author2=Bensinger, Greg | name-list-style=amp | publisher=[[Bloomberg News]] | date=2009-02-05 | access-date=2009-02-05 | archive-date=2012-10-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023224223/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aEA_aVFRlq44 | url-status=live }}</ref> Ticketmaster even pushed fans to TicketsNow even when there were still tickets available for a given show.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.backstreets.com/newsarchive29.html | title=Failing the Smell Test: Ticket Woes Worsen | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2010-07-12 | archive-date=2010-08-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813063843/http://www.backstreets.com/newsarchive29.html | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Bill Pascrell]], the member of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] from [[New Jersey's 8th congressional district]], asked the [[Federal Trade Commission]] and the [[U.S. Department of Justice]] to investigate the relationship between Ticketmaster and TicketsNow,<ref name="Springsteen & Fans Decry Ticketmaster"/><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/ny-nyspring0204,0,4567075.story | title=Springsteen ticket glitch has pol calling for federal probe | agency=[[Associated Press]] | newspaper=[[Newsday]] | date=2009-02-03 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2009-02-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214062843/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/ny-nyspring0204%2C0%2C4567075.story | url-status=live }}</ref> saying, "I am concerned that the business affiliation between Ticketmaster and TicketsNow may represent a conflict of interest that is detrimental to the average fan. There is a significant potential for abuse when one company is able to monopolize the primary market for a product and also directly manipulate, and profit from, the secondary market."<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.pascrell.house.gov/apps/list/press/nj08_pascrell/pr2320092.shtml | title=Pascrell Seeks Investigation Into Ticketmaster Business Practice | author=[[Bill Pascrell|Pascrell, Bill]] | publisher=[[U.S. House of Representatives]] | date=2009-02-03 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411093131/http://pascrell.house.gov/apps/list/press/nj08_pascrell/pr2320092.shtml | archive-date=2011-04-11 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
||
Springsteen issued a statement on his website where he chastised Ticketmaster and made it clear that he had no affiliation with them (the venues had the affiliation).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html | title=A Letter to Our Fans | publisher=Brucespringsteen.net | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2009-02-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130091230/http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html | archive-date=2010-01-30 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Springsteen's organization, as well as record companies and promoters, held back substantial numbers of tickets from public sales and made their supply even tighter, especially for New Jersey shows.<ref name="nsl020209c"/> On the same day that [[New Jersey State Assembly]]men [[Gary Schaer]] and [[Wayne DeAngelo]] called for an inquiry,<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.assemblydems.com/pdf/0809Session/prschaerdeangelo020409.pdf | title=Shaer, DeAngelo to Ask AG to Determine Whether Jilted Springsteen Fans Have an Ally in State Law | publisher=[[New Jersey State Assembly]] | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525065057/http://www.assemblydems.com/pdf/0809Session/prschaerdeangelo020409.pdf | archive-date=2011-05-25 | url-status=dead }}</ref> [[New Jersey Attorney General]] [[Anne Milgram]] also said that her office and the [[New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs]] would investigate the sale of Springsteen concert tickets amidst a number of complaints.<ref name="Springsteen & Fans Decry Ticketmaster"/><ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/brucetix.htm | title=Attorney General Investigating Ticket Sales for Springsteen Concert | publisher=[[New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs]] | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716114835/http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/brucetix.htm | archive-date=2011-07-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> As the matter gained national attention,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/05/ticketmaster.livenation/ | title=Ticketmaster-Live Nation talks raise concerns | author=Duke, Alan | publisher=CNN | date=2009-02-05 | access-date=2009-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b82375_bruce_springsteen_shows_taylor_swift.html | title=Bruce Springsteen Shows Taylor Swift, Ticketmaster Who's Boss | author=Jenison, David | publisher=[[E! Online]] | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2009-02-07}}</ref> it became what ''[[The Washington Post]]'' described as a "public relations nightmare" for Ticketmaster.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/11/AR2009021104075.html?nav%3Dhcmodule&sub=AR | title=Ticketmaster Practices Not Taken at Face Value |author1=David Montgomery |
Springsteen issued a statement on his website where he chastised Ticketmaster and made it clear that he had no affiliation with them (the venues had the affiliation).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html | title=A Letter to Our Fans | publisher=Brucespringsteen.net | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2009-02-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130091230/http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html | archive-date=2010-01-30 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Springsteen's organization, as well as record companies and promoters, held back substantial numbers of tickets from public sales and made their supply even tighter, especially for New Jersey shows.<ref name="nsl020209c"/> On the same day that [[New Jersey State Assembly]]men [[Gary Schaer]] and [[Wayne DeAngelo]] called for an inquiry,<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.assemblydems.com/pdf/0809Session/prschaerdeangelo020409.pdf | title=Shaer, DeAngelo to Ask AG to Determine Whether Jilted Springsteen Fans Have an Ally in State Law | publisher=[[New Jersey State Assembly]] | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525065057/http://www.assemblydems.com/pdf/0809Session/prschaerdeangelo020409.pdf | archive-date=2011-05-25 | url-status=dead }}</ref> [[New Jersey Attorney General]] [[Anne Milgram]] also said that her office and the [[New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs]] would investigate the sale of Springsteen concert tickets amidst a number of complaints.<ref name="Springsteen & Fans Decry Ticketmaster"/><ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/brucetix.htm | title=Attorney General Investigating Ticket Sales for Springsteen Concert | publisher=[[New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs]] | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716114835/http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/brucetix.htm | archive-date=2011-07-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> As the matter gained national attention,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/05/ticketmaster.livenation/ | title=Ticketmaster-Live Nation talks raise concerns | author=Duke, Alan | publisher=CNN | date=2009-02-05 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207222255/http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/05/ticketmaster.livenation/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b82375_bruce_springsteen_shows_taylor_swift.html | title=Bruce Springsteen Shows Taylor Swift, Ticketmaster Who's Boss | author=Jenison, David | publisher=[[E! Online]] | date=2009-02-04 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2009-04-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412084728/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b82375_bruce_springsteen_shows_taylor_swift.html | url-status=live }}</ref> it became what ''[[The Washington Post]]'' described as a "public relations nightmare" for Ticketmaster.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/11/AR2009021104075.html?nav%3Dhcmodule&sub=AR | title=Ticketmaster Practices Not Taken at Face Value | author1=David Montgomery | author2=J. Freedom du Lac | name-list-style=amp | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=2009-02-12 | access-date=2009-03-07 | archive-date=2012-11-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107151206/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/11/AR2009021104075.html?nav=hcmodule&sub=AR | url-status=live }}</ref> On February 5, Ticketmaster issued an "open letter of apology" to Springsteen and his fans, saying that it would no longer link to TicketsNow from Ticketmaster during high-demand sales and promising it would refund customers who inadvertently bought secondary market tickets.<ref name="nsl020609">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1233898004302820.xml&coll=1 | title=Ticket firm apologizes to Bruce and fans | author=McGlone, Peggy | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-02-06 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605104403/http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fnews-12%2F1233898004302820.xml&coll=1 | archive-date=2011-06-05 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Pascrell, whose office received over 1,000 complaints on the matter, and [[Connecticut Attorney General]] [[Richard Blumenthal]] also used the sales tales to indicate concern with the possible merger of Ticketmaster with [[Live Nation]].<ref name="Springsteen & Fans Decry Ticketmaster"/><ref name="nsl020609"/> Springsteen also voiced his objection to the merger, and his comments also gained national attention.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tickemaster5-2009feb05,0,1222255.story | title=Possible Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger draws boos from concert fans | author=Colker, David, Tiffany Hsu and Randy Lewis | work=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=2009-02-05 | access-date=2009-02-07 | archive-date=2009-02-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206184835/http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-tickemaster5-2009feb05,0,1222255.story | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
On February 23, 2009, Ticketmaster agreed to an out-of-court settlement with the New Jersey Attorney General.<ref name="nch4-022309">{{cite news | url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ticketmaster-NJ-Settle-Springsteen-Ticket-Flap.html | title=Ticketmaster Won't Be Fined for Springsteen Ticket Flap | author=Thompson, Brian | publisher=[[WNBC-TV]] | date=2009-02-23 | access-date=2009-02-23}}</ref> Ticketmaster agreed to refund payments made to TicketsNow and reduce its visibility, and made some 2,000 tickets to the New Jersey shows available to complaints via random lottery, with promises of additional reparations if Springsteen scheduled a third leg to return to the United States in the summer.<ref name="nch4-022309"/> The company was not fined, but did reimburse the Attorney General's office $350,000 for investigatory expenses.<ref name="nch4-022309"/> Over 1,800 people qualified for the March 31 lottery,<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases09/pr20090319a.html | title=Random Ticket Selection for Springsteen Concert Tickets Scheduled for March 31 | publisher=[[New Jersey Attorney General|Office of the Attorney General]] | date=2009-03-19 | access-date=2009-03-19}}</ref> and those that got them eventually picked up their tickets at an amusingly named "Attorney General Will Call Line" before the shows.<ref name="rs052609"/> In March 2009, Springsteen manager [[Jon Landau]] emphasized that Springsteen never directly releases tickets into the secondary market, in the wake of revelations about other artists doing so.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123672740386088613 | title=Concert Tickets Get Set Aside, Marked Up by Artists, Managers | author=Smith, Ethan | work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] | date=2009-03-11 | access-date=2009-03-17}}</ref> In May 2009 – and on the same day that Springsteen would perform at the local [[Xcel Energy Center]] – [[Governor of Minnesota]] [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed into law "the Bruce Springsteen bill", which forbade online ticket sellers from sending frustrated customers to resale sites that offer inflated-price secondary market tickets.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.startribune.com/local/44779897.html | title=The Boss rocked the X hours after state's 'Springsteen Law' was signed | author=Van Sternberg, Bob | work=[[Star Tribune]] | date=2009-05-12 | access-date=2009-05-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628025357/http://www.startribune.com/local/44779897.html | archive-date=2009-06-28 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
On February 23, 2009, Ticketmaster agreed to an out-of-court settlement with the New Jersey Attorney General.<ref name="nch4-022309">{{cite news | url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ticketmaster-NJ-Settle-Springsteen-Ticket-Flap.html | title=Ticketmaster Won't Be Fined for Springsteen Ticket Flap | author=Thompson, Brian | publisher=[[WNBC-TV]] | date=2009-02-23 | access-date=2009-02-23 | archive-date=2011-07-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723025310/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ticketmaster-NJ-Settle-Springsteen-Ticket-Flap.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Ticketmaster agreed to refund payments made to TicketsNow and reduce its visibility, and made some 2,000 tickets to the New Jersey shows available to complaints via random lottery, with promises of additional reparations if Springsteen scheduled a third leg to return to the United States in the summer.<ref name="nch4-022309"/> The company was not fined, but did reimburse the Attorney General's office $350,000 for investigatory expenses.<ref name="nch4-022309"/> Over 1,800 people qualified for the March 31 lottery,<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases09/pr20090319a.html | title=Random Ticket Selection for Springsteen Concert Tickets Scheduled for March 31 | publisher=[[New Jersey Attorney General|Office of the Attorney General]] | date=2009-03-19 | access-date=2009-03-19 | archive-date=2009-03-22 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322031317/http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases09/pr20090319a.html | url-status=live }}</ref> and those that got them eventually picked up their tickets at an amusingly named "Attorney General Will Call Line" before the shows.<ref name="rs052609"/> In March 2009, Springsteen manager [[Jon Landau]] emphasized that Springsteen never directly releases tickets into the secondary market, in the wake of revelations about other artists doing so.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123672740386088613 | title=Concert Tickets Get Set Aside, Marked Up by Artists, Managers | author=Smith, Ethan | work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] | date=2009-03-11 | access-date=2009-03-17 | archive-date=2015-01-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111131722/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123672740386088613 | url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2009 – and on the same day that Springsteen would perform at the local [[Xcel Energy Center]] – [[Governor of Minnesota]] [[Tim Pawlenty]] signed into law "the Bruce Springsteen bill", which forbade online ticket sellers from sending frustrated customers to resale sites that offer inflated-price secondary market tickets.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.startribune.com/local/44779897.html | title=The Boss rocked the X hours after state's 'Springsteen Law' was signed | author=Van Sternberg, Bob | work=[[Star Tribune]] | date=2009-05-12 | access-date=2009-05-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628025357/http://www.startribune.com/local/44779897.html | archive-date=2009-06-28 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
||
Different but similar Ticketmaster drama occurred on March 20 when tickets went on sale for Springsteen's two [[Asbury Park Convention Hall]] rehearsal shows a few days hence. Dozens of fans said that the Ticketmaster automated lines gave messages that no shows were on sale, while those using the human operator lines were able to make purchases.<ref name="app032109">{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1703855351.html?FMT=ABS&date=Mar+21%2C+2009 | title=Fans complain about Ticketmaster |author1=Mikle, Jean |
Different but similar Ticketmaster drama occurred on March 20 when tickets went on sale for Springsteen's two [[Asbury Park Convention Hall]] rehearsal shows a few days hence. Dozens of fans said that the Ticketmaster automated lines gave messages that no shows were on sale, while those using the human operator lines were able to make purchases.<ref name="app032109">{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1703855351.html?FMT=ABS&date=Mar+21%2C+2009 | title=Fans complain about Ticketmaster | author1=Mikle, Jean | author2=Bowman, Bill | name-list-style=amp | newspaper=[[Asbury Park Press]] | date=2009-03-21 | access-date=2009-03-23 | format=fee required | archive-date=2012-11-02 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102090457/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/app/access/1703855351.html?FMT=ABS&date=Mar+21,+2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Ticketmaster denied that anything had gone wrong.<ref name="app032109"/> |
||
The secondary markets ticket saga re-emerged in mid-May during the first leg of the tour when TicketsNow announced they had oversold by some 300 persons the date at Washington, D.C.'s [[Capital One Arena|Verizon Center]].<ref name="ps051409">{{cite news | url=http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/05/14/667080.aspx | title=Springsteen's Manager Comments On Latest TicketsNow Snafu | author=Smith, Jay | publisher=[[Pollstar]] | date=2009-05-14 | access-date=2009-05-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716081703/http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/05/14/667080.aspx | archive-date=2011-07-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> TicketsNow offered double refunds and inferiorly located tickets to other Springsteen shows, but Springsteen manager Landau was quite unhappy: "We would like our audience to know that this is a problem caused entirely by Ticketmaster and its wholly owned subsidiary TicketsNow. Neither Bruce nor his management have any control whatsoever over these two troubled entities but we deeply resent the abuse of our fans."<ref name="ps051409"/> |
The secondary markets ticket saga re-emerged in mid-May during the first leg of the tour when TicketsNow announced they had oversold by some 300 persons the date at Washington, D.C.'s [[Capital One Arena|Verizon Center]].<ref name="ps051409">{{cite news | url=http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/05/14/667080.aspx | title=Springsteen's Manager Comments On Latest TicketsNow Snafu | author=Smith, Jay | publisher=[[Pollstar]] | date=2009-05-14 | access-date=2009-05-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716081703/http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/05/14/667080.aspx | archive-date=2011-07-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> TicketsNow offered double refunds and inferiorly located tickets to other Springsteen shows, but Springsteen manager Landau was quite unhappy: "We would like our audience to know that this is a problem caused entirely by Ticketmaster and its wholly owned subsidiary TicketsNow. Neither Bruce nor his management have any control whatsoever over these two troubled entities but we deeply resent the abuse of our fans."<ref name="ps051409"/> |
||
When Springsteen's autumn [[Giants Stadium]] shows were announced in late May 2009, secondary market sellers began advertising steeply marked-up tickets before they went on sale.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/springsteens_giants_stadium_ti.html | title=Springsteen's Giants Stadium tickets are already offered by online brokers | author=McGlone, Peggy | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-05-26 | access-date=2009-06-21}}</ref> This caused Attorney General Milgram to file suit against three such sellers for fraudulent behavior, especially given that some of the advertised seat locations did not even exist.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/selectaticket.htm | title=Attorney General Milgram Files Suit in Response to Deceptive Sales of Springsteen Concert Tickets Before Initial Public Sales Date | publisher=[[New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs]] | date=2009-05-27 | access-date=2009-06-21 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716114853/http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/selectaticket.htm | archive-date=2011-07-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> On June 1, Congressman Pascrell announced proposed federal legislation, titled the "BOSS ACT" (Better Oversight of Secondary Sales and Accountability in Concert Ticketing), which would require primary ticket sellers to disclose how many tickets were being held back from sale, prohibit ticket brokers from buying tickets during the first 48 hours on sale, and prohibit primary ticket sellers, promoters, and artists from entering the secondary market.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-13/124382912174260.xml&coll=1 | title=The BOSS ACT rewrites rules on ticket sales | author=McGlone, Peggy | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-06-01 | access-date=2009-06-21}}</ref> |
When Springsteen's autumn [[Giants Stadium]] shows were announced in late May 2009, secondary market sellers began advertising steeply marked-up tickets before they went on sale.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/springsteens_giants_stadium_ti.html | title=Springsteen's Giants Stadium tickets are already offered by online brokers | author=McGlone, Peggy | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-05-26 | access-date=2009-06-21 | archive-date=2009-05-31 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531064544/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/springsteens_giants_stadium_ti.html | url-status=live }}</ref> This caused Attorney General Milgram to file suit against three such sellers for fraudulent behavior, especially given that some of the advertised seat locations did not even exist.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/selectaticket.htm | title=Attorney General Milgram Files Suit in Response to Deceptive Sales of Springsteen Concert Tickets Before Initial Public Sales Date | publisher=[[New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs]] | date=2009-05-27 | access-date=2009-06-21 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716114853/http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/press/selectaticket.htm | archive-date=2011-07-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> On June 1, Congressman Pascrell announced proposed federal legislation, titled the "BOSS ACT" (Better Oversight of Secondary Sales and Accountability in Concert Ticketing), which would require primary ticket sellers to disclose how many tickets were being held back from sale, prohibit ticket brokers from buying tickets during the first 48 hours on sale, and prohibit primary ticket sellers, promoters, and artists from entering the secondary market.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-13/124382912174260.xml&coll=1 | title=The BOSS ACT rewrites rules on ticket sales | author=McGlone, Peggy | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-06-01 | access-date=2009-06-21 | archive-date=2009-06-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611192246/http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/jersey/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fnews-13%2F124382912174260.xml&coll=1 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
||
In February 2010, Ticketmaster reached a settlement with the [[Federal Trade Commission]], which denounced the company's "deceptive bait-and-switch tactics" regarding phantom tickets, and made reference to an example in which the same 38 tickets to a tour show in Washington were sold and resold 1,600 times.<ref name="lat021910">{{cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16114.html | title=Ticketmaster accused of selling 'phantom' Springsteen tickets | author=Chmielewski, Dawn C. | newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=2010-02-19 | access-date=2010-02-26}}</ref> Ticketmaster conceded no wrongdoing but agreed to stop the practice; they also agreed to $1 million in refunds for overcharges for secondary market sales via TicketsNow.<ref name="lat021910"/><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6874550.html | title=Ticketmaster settles over marked-up Springsteen tickets | agency=[[Associated Press]] | newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] | date=2010-02-18 | access-date=2010-02-26}}</ref> |
In February 2010, Ticketmaster reached a settlement with the [[Federal Trade Commission]], which denounced the company's "deceptive bait-and-switch tactics" regarding phantom tickets, and made reference to an example in which the same 38 tickets to a tour show in Washington were sold and resold 1,600 times.<ref name="lat021910">{{cite news | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16114.html | title=Ticketmaster accused of selling 'phantom' Springsteen tickets | author=Chmielewski, Dawn C. | newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=2010-02-19 | access-date=2010-02-26 | archive-date=2009-11-24 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124194755/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16114.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Ticketmaster conceded no wrongdoing but agreed to stop the practice; they also agreed to $1 million in refunds for overcharges for secondary market sales via TicketsNow.<ref name="lat021910"/><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6874550.html | title=Ticketmaster settles over marked-up Springsteen tickets | agency=[[Associated Press]] | newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] | date=2010-02-18 | access-date=2010-02-26 | archive-date=2011-06-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604123010/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6874550.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
==The show== |
==The show== |
||
Line 72: | Line 72: | ||
One idea under early consideration was to include a mini-set at each stop, containing a full performance of one of Springsteen's classic albums.<ref name="rs-keepon"/> Van Zandt predicted that they would play most of ''Working on a Dream'' during the initial stages of the tour, but what the rest of the show would be was uncertain.<ref name="rs030309"/> If the full album idea did go forward, he thought his double album ''[[The River (Bruce Springsteen album)|The River]]'' (1980) combined with outtakes from those sessions would make a full show on its own.<ref name="rs030309"/> Nothing came of the full album notion right away; it would have to wait until the tour's U.S. third leg to materialize. <!-- that is described below --> |
One idea under early consideration was to include a mini-set at each stop, containing a full performance of one of Springsteen's classic albums.<ref name="rs-keepon"/> Van Zandt predicted that they would play most of ''Working on a Dream'' during the initial stages of the tour, but what the rest of the show would be was uncertain.<ref name="rs030309"/> If the full album idea did go forward, he thought his double album ''[[The River (Bruce Springsteen album)|The River]]'' (1980) combined with outtakes from those sessions would make a full show on its own.<ref name="rs030309"/> Nothing came of the full album notion right away; it would have to wait until the tour's U.S. third leg to materialize. <!-- that is described below --> |
||
Per past practice, Springsteen performed a couple of public rehearsal shows at [[Asbury Park Convention Hall]] before beginning the tour proper.<ref name="Mikle, Jean">{{cite news | url=http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090319/ENTERTAINMENT01/90319026/-1/newsfront | title=Springsteen returns to the Asbury boardwalk | author=Mikle, Jean | newspaper=[[Courier News (New Jersey)|Courier News]] | date=2009-03-19 | access-date=2010-07-20}}</ref> The eight-minute "Outlaw Pete" from ''Working on a Dream'' opened and various other selections from the album were played,<ref name="lat040509">{{cite news | url= |
Per past practice, Springsteen performed a couple of public rehearsal shows at [[Asbury Park Convention Hall]] before beginning the tour proper.<ref name="Mikle, Jean">{{cite news | url=http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090319/ENTERTAINMENT01/90319026/-1/newsfront | title=Springsteen returns to the Asbury boardwalk | author=Mikle, Jean | newspaper=[[Courier News (New Jersey)|Courier News]] | date=2009-03-19 | access-date=2010-07-20 | archive-date=2014-12-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214194835/http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090319/ENTERTAINMENT01/90319026/-1/newsfront | url-status=dead }}</ref> The eight-minute "Outlaw Pete" from ''Working on a Dream'' opened and various other selections from the album were played,<ref name="lat040509">{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-apr-05-ca-springsteen5-story.html | title=Bruce Springsteen, tour 2009: working on a dream | author=Boucher, Geoff | newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] | date=2009-04-05 | access-date=2010-07-20 | archive-date=2012-10-25 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025112852/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/apr/05/entertainment/ca-springsteen5 | url-status=live }}</ref> but the show generally included patterns and staples of the early [[Magic Tour (Bruce Springsteen)|Magic Tour]] and other previous outings.<ref name="cn032409">{{cite news | url=http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090324/ENTERTAINMENT/90324008 | title=Springsteen and crew tune up in Asbury | author=Cotter, Kelly-Jane | newspaper=[[Courier News (New Jersey)|Courier News]] | date=2009-03-24 | access-date=2010-07-20 | archive-date=2009-05-31 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531142650/http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20090324/ENTERTAINMENT/90324008 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html | title=March 23 / Asbury Park, New Jersey / Convention Hall | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-03-23 | access-date=2010-07-20 | archive-date=2011-01-01 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101015320/http://backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Jay Weinberg did some of the drumming, and the band was augmented by Curtis King Jr. and Cindy Mizelle (both veterans of the [[Sessions Band Tour]]) as additional backing vocalists.<ref name="cn032409"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Remec |first1=Erik |title=Curtis King Jr. Sings The Changes : The Backstreets Interview by Erik Remec |url=http://backstreets.com/curtiskingjr.html |website=Backstreets.com |publisher=Backstreets Magazine |access-date=24 June 2018 |archive-date=24 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624040035/http://backstreets.com/curtiskingjr.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
===North American first leg=== |
===North American first leg=== |
||
[[File:WorkingOnADreamHartford042409.jpg|thumb|right|257px|Deep blue stage lighting matched the album cover's look and feel during a tour performance of "[[Working on a Dream (song)|Working on a Dream]]", one of the few new songs played. [[Hartford Civic Center]], April 24, 2009.]] |
[[File:WorkingOnADreamHartford042409.jpg|thumb|right|257px|Deep blue stage lighting matched the album cover's look and feel during a tour performance of "[[Working on a Dream (song)|Working on a Dream]]", one of the few new songs played. [[Hartford Civic Center]], April 24, 2009.]] |
||
Once the first leg of the tour proper began at [[San Jose, California]], on April 1, the consistent show opener was "[[Badlands (Bruce Springsteen song)|Badlands]]"<ref name="pl042209"/> – whose ending, or false ending, was framed with a recurrence of the Magic Tour's question of "Is there anybody alive out there?"<ref name="gm050809"/><ref name="pi042909s">{{cite news <!--| url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20090429_Springsteen_returns_to_the_Spectrum.html--> | title=Springsteen returns to the Spectrum | author=DeLuca, Dan | newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] | date=2009-04-29 <!--| access-date=2009-05-10-->}}</ref> – several things became apparent. Typical shows contained only three songs from ''Working on a Dream'': "Outlaw Pete" (initially accompanied by a [[fog machine]]),<ref name="bh042209">{{cite news | url=http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/general/view.bg?articleid=1167259 | title=Bruce Springsteen raises Cain at sold-out Garden show | author=Gottlieb, Jed | work=[[Boston Herald]] | date=2009-04-22 | access-date=2009-05-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916211809/http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/general/view.bg?articleid=1167259 | archive-date=2012-09-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> "[[Working on a Dream (song)|Working on a Dream]]" and "Kingdom of Days".<ref name="cp042509"/> This was in stark departure from all previous Springsteen tours, when material from newly released albums was heavily featured. One other recently released Springsteen song, "[[The Wrestler (song)|The Wrestler]]", was also included in about half the set lists, although it did not share the new album's romantic pop style.<ref name="cp042509"/> Of the other ''Working on a Dream'' songs, a couple were never attempted in private rehearsal; some others were rehearsed privately but not publicly; "This Life" and "Surprise Surprise" did not survive past the first Asbury Park rehearsal show; "Good Eye" did not survive past the first proper show; and "[[My Lucky Day (Bruce Springsteen song)|My Lucky Day]]" was played in the first three shows before being dropped.<ref name="setlists">See [[Backstreets.com]] set lists for [http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html the first two legs] and [http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html the third leg]. These demonstrate the general focus on material from ''Born in the U.S.A.'' and earlier, with several songs from ''The Rising'' also being mainstays. The entries from "March 23 / Asbury Park, NJ / Convention Hall" through "April 7 / Tulsa, OK / BOK Center" describe the rapid dropping of ''Working on a Dream'' material from shows at the start of the tour. Of the album's song appearances over the course of the entire tour, "Working on a Dream" and "Outlaw Pete" were the only consistent regulars in tour set lists, with the latter missing a few shows during the third leg. "Kingdom of Days" was a regular during the first leg, appeared sporadically for the second, and then disappeared for the third. Album bonus song "The Wrestler" followed a somewhat similar pattern. After dropping out early in the first leg, "My Lucky Day" appeared for a run of shows in Europe before appearing just once back in America. "Surprise Surprise" appeared a handful of times following its initial dropping. "This Life" appeared in regular shows only twice, once during each of the first two legs. "Queen of the Supermarket" was played just once, to satisfy a sign request in Stockholm. "What Love Can Do" was also only played once, in Philadelphia during the third leg. "Good Eye" never reappeared after the first show. "Life Itself", "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "The Last Carnival" were never played in public, although the first two were heard being rehearsed behind closed doors – see {{cite news | url=http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/03/bruce_springsteens_tuesday_asb.html | title=Bruce Springsteen's Tuesday Asbury Park rehearsal show | author=Goldstein, Stan | newspaper=[[Newark Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-03-25}}</ref> The disappearance of "This Life" and "My Lucky Day" were especially notable, given the former had an elaborate, extended multi-part [[The Beach Boys|Beach Boys]]-style "Ba ba ba" outro section featuring King and Mizelle in its one rehearsal performance, and that the latter was the album's second single.<ref name="cn032409"/><ref name="ppg051709"/><ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE50G0EG20090117 | title=Preview of January/February 2009 album releases | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|agency=[[Reuters]]| date=2009-01-16 | access-date=2010-07-27}}</ref> Nor was the prior album, ''[[Magic (Bruce Springsteen album)|Magic]]'', given any due, with only "[[Radio Nowhere]]" included.<ref name="setlists"/> Set lists relied mostly upon Springsteen material up through ''[[Born in the U.S.A.]]'' (1984), ''[[The Rising (album)|The Rising]]'' (2002), and a few scattered selections from other periods.<ref name="setlists"/> |
Once the first leg of the tour proper began at [[San Jose, California]], on April 1, the consistent show opener was "[[Badlands (Bruce Springsteen song)|Badlands]]"<ref name="pl042209"/> – whose ending, or false ending, was framed with a recurrence of the Magic Tour's question of "Is there anybody alive out there?"<ref name="gm050809"/><ref name="pi042909s">{{cite news <!--| url=http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20090429_Springsteen_returns_to_the_Spectrum.html--> | title=Springsteen returns to the Spectrum | author=DeLuca, Dan | newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] | date=2009-04-29 <!--| access-date=2009-05-10-->}}</ref> – several things became apparent. Typical shows contained only three songs from ''Working on a Dream'': "Outlaw Pete" (initially accompanied by a [[fog machine]]),<ref name="bh042209">{{cite news | url=http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/general/view.bg?articleid=1167259 | title=Bruce Springsteen raises Cain at sold-out Garden show | author=Gottlieb, Jed | work=[[Boston Herald]] | date=2009-04-22 | access-date=2009-05-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916211809/http://www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/general/view.bg?articleid=1167259 | archive-date=2012-09-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> "[[Working on a Dream (song)|Working on a Dream]]" and "Kingdom of Days".<ref name="cp042509"/> This was in stark departure from all previous Springsteen tours, when material from newly released albums was heavily featured. One other recently released Springsteen song, "[[The Wrestler (song)|The Wrestler]]", was also included in about half the set lists, although it did not share the new album's romantic pop style.<ref name="cp042509"/> Of the other ''Working on a Dream'' songs, a couple were never attempted in private rehearsal; some others were rehearsed privately but not publicly; "This Life" and "Surprise Surprise" did not survive past the first Asbury Park rehearsal show; "Good Eye" did not survive past the first proper show; and "[[My Lucky Day (Bruce Springsteen song)|My Lucky Day]]" was played in the first three shows before being dropped.<ref name="setlists">See [[Backstreets.com]] set lists for [http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html the first two legs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101015320/http://backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html |date=2011-01-01 }} and [http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html the third leg] . These demonstrate the general focus on material from ''Born in the U.S.A.'' and earlier, with several songs from ''The Rising'' also being mainstays. The entries from "March 23 / Asbury Park, NJ / Convention Hall" through "April 7 / Tulsa, OK / BOK Center" describe the rapid dropping of ''Working on a Dream'' material from shows at the start of the tour. Of the album's song appearances over the course of the entire tour, "Working on a Dream" and "Outlaw Pete" were the only consistent regulars in tour set lists, with the latter missing a few shows during the third leg. "Kingdom of Days" was a regular during the first leg, appeared sporadically for the second, and then disappeared for the third. Album bonus song "The Wrestler" followed a somewhat similar pattern. After dropping out early in the first leg, "My Lucky Day" appeared for a run of shows in Europe before appearing just once back in America. "Surprise Surprise" appeared a handful of times following its initial dropping. "This Life" appeared in regular shows only twice, once during each of the first two legs. "Queen of the Supermarket" was played just once, to satisfy a sign request in Stockholm. "What Love Can Do" was also only played once, in Philadelphia during the third leg. "Good Eye" never reappeared after the first show. "Life Itself", "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "The Last Carnival" were never played in public, although the first two were heard being rehearsed behind closed doors – see {{cite news | url=http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/03/bruce_springsteens_tuesday_asb.html | title=Bruce Springsteen's Tuesday Asbury Park rehearsal show | author=Goldstein, Stan | newspaper=[[Newark Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-03-25 | access-date=2010-07-27 | archive-date=2011-05-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518130700/http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/03/bruce_springsteens_tuesday_asb.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The disappearance of "This Life" and "My Lucky Day" were especially notable, given the former had an elaborate, extended multi-part [[The Beach Boys|Beach Boys]]-style "Ba ba ba" outro section featuring King and Mizelle in its one rehearsal performance, and that the latter was the album's second single.<ref name="cn032409"/><ref name="ppg051709"/><ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE50G0EG20090117 | title=Preview of January/February 2009 album releases | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | agency=[[Reuters]] | date=2009-01-16 | access-date=2010-07-27 | archive-date=2010-03-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316031920/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE50G0EG20090117 | url-status=live }}</ref> Nor was the prior album, ''[[Magic (Bruce Springsteen album)|Magic]]'', given any due, with only "[[Radio Nowhere]]" included.<ref name="setlists"/> Set lists relied mostly upon Springsteen material up through ''[[Born in the U.S.A.]]'' (1984), ''[[The Rising (album)|The Rising]]'' (2002), and a few scattered selections from other periods.<ref name="setlists"/> |
||
Commenting on the paucity of new material, ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'' suggested that the whole production would more accurately be named the Havin’ a Blast Tour.<ref name="ajc042809"/> The ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'' said that "The strange thing ... is that the 'Working on a Dream' tour no longer seems to be about 'Working on a Dream'" and suggested that the album was unpopular among many fans and as a result, "Springsteen, always the savvy showman, has chosen not to shove it down anyone's throat."<ref name="ppg051709">{{cite news | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09137/970254-388.stm | title=Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band break tradition by improvising set list | author=Mervis, Scott | work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] | date=2009-05-17 | access-date=2009-06-21}}</ref> Springsteen fans instantly discussed and analyzed setlists as shows happened on the [[Backstreets.com]] BTX website,<ref name="wapo-nils-int"/> associated with which [[Twitter]] and other sources were used to post, or in some cases crudely broadcast, shows as they happened. E Street bassist [[Garry Tallent]] and guitarist [[Nils Lofgren]] found themselves amused that fans had complained on the previous Magic Tour of too much new material being played, and were now complaining of too little.<ref name="ppg051709"/><ref name="wapo-nils-int">{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postrock/2009/05/nils_lofgren.html | title=Nils Lofgren on Springsteen's Audibles, Audience Energy, Set List Criticism, TicketsNow and More |author1=du Lac |author2=J. Freedom | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=2009-05-15 | access-date=2009-05-17}}</ref> Guitarist [[Steve Van Zandt]] said that the ''Working on a Dream'' songs that were played were "big" songs, so that made up for their lack of number.<ref name="svz-conf">{{cite news | url=http://www.backstreets.com/newsarchive30.html | title=Little Steven's State of the Tour | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-05-27 | access-date=2010-07-12}}</ref> |
Commenting on the paucity of new material, ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'' suggested that the whole production would more accurately be named the Havin’ a Blast Tour.<ref name="ajc042809"/> The ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'' said that "The strange thing ... is that the 'Working on a Dream' tour no longer seems to be about 'Working on a Dream'" and suggested that the album was unpopular among many fans and as a result, "Springsteen, always the savvy showman, has chosen not to shove it down anyone's throat."<ref name="ppg051709">{{cite news | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09137/970254-388.stm | title=Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band break tradition by improvising set list | author=Mervis, Scott | work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] | date=2009-05-17 | access-date=2009-06-21 | archive-date=2012-01-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105104719/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09137/970254-388.stm?cmpid=newspanel0 | url-status=live }}</ref> Springsteen fans instantly discussed and analyzed setlists as shows happened on the [[Backstreets.com]] BTX website,<ref name="wapo-nils-int"/> associated with which [[Twitter]] and other sources were used to post, or in some cases crudely broadcast, shows as they happened. E Street bassist [[Garry Tallent]] and guitarist [[Nils Lofgren]] found themselves amused that fans had complained on the previous Magic Tour of too much new material being played, and were now complaining of too little.<ref name="ppg051709"/><ref name="wapo-nils-int">{{cite news | url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postrock/2009/05/nils_lofgren.html | title=Nils Lofgren on Springsteen's Audibles, Audience Energy, Set List Criticism, TicketsNow and More | author1=du Lac | author2=J. Freedom | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=2009-05-15 | access-date=2009-05-17 | archive-date=2012-03-21 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321174934/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postrock/2009/05/nils_lofgren.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> Guitarist [[Steve Van Zandt]] said that the ''Working on a Dream'' songs that were played were "big" songs, so that made up for their lack of number.<ref name="svz-conf">{{cite news | url=http://www.backstreets.com/newsarchive30.html | title=Little Steven's State of the Tour | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-05-27 | access-date=2010-07-12 | archive-date=2010-08-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808135304/http://www.backstreets.com/newsarchive30.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
[[File:HardTimesSpringsteenESB.jpg|thumb|right|257px|[[Stephen Foster]]'s "[[Hard Times Come Again No More]]" in its customary tour spot of leading off the encores. [[Meadowlands Arena]], May 21, 2009.]] |
[[File:HardTimesSpringsteenESB.jpg|thumb|right|257px|[[Stephen Foster]]'s "[[Hard Times Come Again No More]]" in its customary tour spot of leading off the encores. [[Meadowlands Arena]], May 21, 2009.]] |
||
One theme that ''was'' apparent in the show was the ongoing [[late-2000s recession]]. The early part of shows contained a "recession pack" consisting of "Seeds" (brought back from the 1980s), "[[Johnny 99 (song)|Johnny 99]]" (elongated with incongruous train "woo-whoo's"),<ref name="mc050209">{{cite news <!--| url=http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/music/all-d4_weekconcerts.6882370may02,0,2402026.story--> | title=Concert Reviews: Bruce Springsteen | author=Gehman, Geoff | work=[[The Morning Call]] | |
One theme that ''was'' apparent in the show was the ongoing [[late-2000s recession]]. The early part of shows contained a "recession pack" consisting of "Seeds" (brought back from the 1980s), "[[Johnny 99 (song)|Johnny 99]]" (elongated with incongruous train "woo-whoo's"),<ref name="mc050209">{{cite news <!--| url=http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/music/all-d4_weekconcerts.6882370may02,0,2402026.story--> | title=Concert Reviews: Bruce Springsteen | author=Gehman, Geoff | work=[[The Morning Call]] | |
||
date=2009-05-02 <!--| access-date=2009-05-10-->}}</ref> and either "Youngstown" or "[[The Ghost of Tom Joad (song)|The Ghost of Tom Joad]]"<ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="ppg051709"/><ref name="pi042909"/> (both featuring fiery guitar solos from [[Nils Lofgren]]).<ref name="mc050209"/><ref name="trib051209"/> Encores began with a rendition of [[Stephen Foster]]'s 1850s classic "[[Hard Times Come Again No More]]"<ref name="mc050209"/><ref name="atu051509"/> – which provided one of the few featured spots for King and Mizelle,<ref name="rs052609"/><ref name="pi042909"/> who otherwise played a lot of [[tambourine]] – and later included ''both'' of Springsteen's reunion-era encore epics of American struggle, survival and hope, "[[Land of Hope and Dreams]]" and "American Land".<ref name="pi042909"/> Van Zandt said that the emergence of the recession theme was in part why the concerts did not showcase the ''Working on a Dream'' album.<ref name="svz-conf"/> However, one regular moment of optimism was the playing of "[[Waitin' on a Sunny Day]]" from ''The Rising'', with Springsteen holding a microphone down to one or more young children in the front of the pit area to sing along to the chorus.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2009/09/14/1233449/review-bruce-springsteen-plays.html | title=Review: Bruce Springsteen plays on into overtime | author=Levin, Jordan | newspaper=[[The Miami Herald]] | date=2009-09-14}}</ref><ref name="ht-msg">{{cite news | url=http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/review-springsteen-the-e-street-band-give-fans-something-to-remember-msg/ | title=Review: Springsteen & the E Street Band Give Fans Something to Remember @ MSG | magazine=[[Glide Magazine]] | date=2009-11-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2009/11/born_to_run_is_reborn_when_bru.html | title='Born to Run' is reborn when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rock The Q | author=Soeder, John | newspaper=[[The Plain Dealer]] | location=Cleveland | date=2009-11-11}}</ref> |
date=2009-05-02 <!--| access-date=2009-05-10-->}}</ref> and either "Youngstown" or "[[The Ghost of Tom Joad (song)|The Ghost of Tom Joad]]"<ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="ppg051709"/><ref name="pi042909"/> (both featuring fiery guitar solos from [[Nils Lofgren]]).<ref name="mc050209"/><ref name="trib051209"/> Encores began with a rendition of [[Stephen Foster]]'s 1850s classic "[[Hard Times Come Again No More]]"<ref name="mc050209"/><ref name="atu051509"/> – which provided one of the few featured spots for King and Mizelle,<ref name="rs052609"/><ref name="pi042909"/> who otherwise played a lot of [[tambourine]] – and later included ''both'' of Springsteen's reunion-era encore epics of American struggle, survival and hope, "[[Land of Hope and Dreams]]" and "American Land".<ref name="pi042909"/> Van Zandt said that the emergence of the recession theme was in part why the concerts did not showcase the ''Working on a Dream'' album.<ref name="svz-conf"/> However, one regular moment of optimism was the playing of "[[Waitin' on a Sunny Day]]" from ''The Rising'', with Springsteen holding a microphone down to one or more young children in the front of the pit area to sing along to the chorus.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2009/09/14/1233449/review-bruce-springsteen-plays.html | title=Review: Bruce Springsteen plays on into overtime | author=Levin, Jordan | newspaper=[[The Miami Herald]] | date=2009-09-14}}</ref><ref name="ht-msg">{{cite news | url=http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/review-springsteen-the-e-street-band-give-fans-something-to-remember-msg/ | title=Review: Springsteen & the E Street Band Give Fans Something to Remember @ MSG | magazine=[[Glide Magazine]] | date=2009-11-07 | access-date=2010-08-17 | archive-date=2009-12-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213221855/http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/review-springsteen-the-e-street-band-give-fans-something-to-remember-msg/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2009/11/born_to_run_is_reborn_when_bru.html | title='Born to Run' is reborn when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rock The Q | author=Soeder, John | newspaper=[[The Plain Dealer]] | location=Cleveland | date=2009-11-11 | access-date=2010-08-17 | archive-date=2010-09-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913133102/http://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2009/11/born_to_run_is_reborn_when_bru.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
One holdover from the latter stages of the Magic Tour was the "Build Me a House" stage rap, now located in "Working on a Dream".<ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="cp042509"/> Springsteen would say: "We're not just here to rock the house tonight. We're going to build a house.... We're going to use the good news and we're going to use the bad news. We've got all the news we need – on this stage and in those seats."<ref name="nd050509"/> |
One holdover from the latter stages of the Magic Tour was the "Build Me a House" stage rap, now located in "Working on a Dream".<ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="cp042509"/> Springsteen would say: "We're not just here to rock the house tonight. We're going to build a house.... We're going to use the good news and we're going to use the bad news. We've got all the news we need – on this stage and in those seats."<ref name="nd050509"/> |
||
An even more visible holdover was the 'signs' segment.<ref name="bb051309">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268642/springsteens-audibles-cant-stump-nils-lofgren-and-e-street-band | title=Springsteen's Audibles Can't Stump Nils Lofgren And E Street Band | author=[[Gary Graff|Graff, Gary]] | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]| date=2009-05-13 | access-date=2009-05-17}}</ref> This would begin when Springsteen collected request signs from the pit audience as an extended introduction to "[[Raise Your Hand]]" was played.<ref name="pl042209"/> Once that song completed, Springsteen selected two or three numbers to play from the requests. The first was often a [[garage rock]] classic such as "[[Wild Thing (The Troggs song)|Wild Thing]]", "[[96 Tears]]", or "[[Mony Mony]]" or a [[punk rock]] staple such as "[[I Wanna Be Sedated]]" or "[[London Calling (song)|London Calling]]".<ref name="bb051309"/> This activity was billed as "Stump the Band",<ref name="cp042509"/><ref name="ajc042809"/> and led to impromptu arrangements being worked out onstage.<ref name="svz-conf"/> Springsteen would sometimes taunt the audience afterwards with declarations that the E Street Band could not be stumped, such as saying in [[Atlanta]]'s [[Philips Arena]], "...this is the greatest bar band in the land, and if they don't think we know 96 fuckin' Tears!"<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cinemaviewfinder.com/2009/04/this-is-greatest-bar-band-in-land-and.html | title=This is the greatest bar band in the land ... | publisher=Cinema Viewfinder | date=2009-04-27 | access-date=2009-04-29}}</ref> The immediate introduction of the signs segment surprised even E Street guitarist [[Nils Lofgren]], who thought Springsteen would hold it off until later in the tour.<ref name="bb051309"/> The precise degree of challenge in this segment was unclear, as lyrics were often loaded into the [[teleprompter]] that Springsteen uses<ref name="bb051309"/><ref name="ajc042809"/> and in some cases the songs had been [[soundcheck]]ed earlier.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html | title=April 29 / Philadelphia, PA / Wachovia Spectrum | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-04-30 | access-date=2010-07-12}}</ref> In any case, most of the challenges were to the band's shared knowledge of [[British Invasion]], [[Motown]], [[Stax Records|Stax-Volt]], and other 1960s material.<ref name="wapo-nils-int"/> Springsteen subsequently said, "we started to take unusual requests and do songs that we'd never played before, just depending on the common memory that the band would have from everyone's individual playing experience as teenagers. We ended up with a system where we can jump on a lot pretty quick."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> Other honored sign requests were usually for Springsteen songs not normally in the set list.<ref name="ajc042809"/><ref name="wapo-nils-int"/> |
An even more visible holdover was the 'signs' segment.<ref name="bb051309">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268642/springsteens-audibles-cant-stump-nils-lofgren-and-e-street-band | title=Springsteen's Audibles Can't Stump Nils Lofgren And E Street Band | author=[[Gary Graff|Graff, Gary]] | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=2009-05-13 | access-date=2009-05-17 | archive-date=2013-02-19 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219090448/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268642/springsteens-audibles-cant-stump-nils-lofgren-and-e-street-band | url-status=live }}</ref> This would begin when Springsteen collected request signs from the pit audience as an extended introduction to "[[Raise Your Hand]]" was played.<ref name="pl042209"/> Once that song completed, Springsteen selected two or three numbers to play from the requests. The first was often a [[garage rock]] classic such as "[[Wild Thing (The Troggs song)|Wild Thing]]", "[[96 Tears]]", or "[[Mony Mony]]" or a [[punk rock]] staple such as "[[I Wanna Be Sedated]]" or "[[London Calling (song)|London Calling]]".<ref name="bb051309"/> This activity was billed as "Stump the Band",<ref name="cp042509"/><ref name="ajc042809"/> and led to impromptu arrangements being worked out onstage.<ref name="svz-conf"/> Springsteen would sometimes taunt the audience afterwards with declarations that the E Street Band could not be stumped, such as saying in [[Atlanta]]'s [[Philips Arena]], "...this is the greatest bar band in the land, and if they don't think we know 96 fuckin' Tears!"<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.cinemaviewfinder.com/2009/04/this-is-greatest-bar-band-in-land-and.html | title=This is the greatest bar band in the land ... | publisher=Cinema Viewfinder | date=2009-04-27 | access-date=2009-04-29 | archive-date=2009-08-20 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820043724/http://www.cinemaviewfinder.com/2009/04/this-is-greatest-bar-band-in-land-and.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The immediate introduction of the signs segment surprised even E Street guitarist [[Nils Lofgren]], who thought Springsteen would hold it off until later in the tour.<ref name="bb051309"/> The precise degree of challenge in this segment was unclear, as lyrics were often loaded into the [[teleprompter]] that Springsteen uses<ref name="bb051309"/><ref name="ajc042809"/> and in some cases the songs had been [[soundcheck]]ed earlier.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html | title=April 29 / Philadelphia, PA / Wachovia Spectrum | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-04-30 | access-date=2010-07-12 | archive-date=2011-01-01 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101015320/http://backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In any case, most of the challenges were to the band's shared knowledge of [[British Invasion]], [[Motown]], [[Stax Records|Stax-Volt]], and other 1960s material.<ref name="wapo-nils-int"/> Springsteen subsequently said, "we started to take unusual requests and do songs that we'd never played before, just depending on the common memory that the band would have from everyone's individual playing experience as teenagers. We ended up with a system where we can jump on a lot pretty quick."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> Other honored sign requests were usually for Springsteen songs not normally in the set list.<ref name="ajc042809"/><ref name="wapo-nils-int"/> |
||
Show lengths were generally between 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.<ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="cp042509"/><ref name="ajc042809"/><ref name="pi042909"/> Springsteen scheduled his two [[Philadelphia]] shows at the soon-to-be-demolished [[Wachovia Spectrum|Spectrum]],<ref name="pi042909s"/> commenting that "They don't make arenas like this anymore" and stating that the smaller size and lack of [[luxury boxes]] made the old venue "ideal for rock shows."<ref name="nsl042909">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/04/one_more_time_springsteen_at_t.html | title='One more time': Springsteen at the Spectrum | author=Lustig, Jay | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-04-29 | access-date=2009-04-30 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502153108/http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/04/one_more_time_springsteen_at_t.html | archive-date=2009-05-02 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The Spectrum had seen Springsteen's first headlining arena show in 1976 during the [[Born to Run tours]], and now he said they would "fulfill our solemn vow to rock the Spectrum one more time."<ref name="nsl042909"/> Accordingly, the band played local act [[The Dovells]]' 1963 hit "[[You Can't Sit Down]]" among other Philadelphia-related selections.<ref name="mc050209"/><ref name="nsl042909"/> Springsteen voiced similar sentiments about the old-but-still-going [[Nassau Coliseum]], and selected [[The Soul Survivors]]' 1967 hit "[[Expressway to Your Heart]]" as a tribute to the nearby [[Long Island Expressway]].<ref name="nd050509">{{cite news <!--| url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/ny-etbruce0512732561may04,0,6388094.story--> | title=Springsteen rocks the house at Nassau Coliseum | author=Gamboa, Glenn | newspaper=[[Newsday]] | date=2009-05-05 <!--| access-date=2009-05-06-->}}</ref> |
Show lengths were generally between 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.<ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="cp042509"/><ref name="ajc042809"/><ref name="pi042909"/> Springsteen scheduled his two [[Philadelphia]] shows at the soon-to-be-demolished [[Wachovia Spectrum|Spectrum]],<ref name="pi042909s"/> commenting that "They don't make arenas like this anymore" and stating that the smaller size and lack of [[luxury boxes]] made the old venue "ideal for rock shows."<ref name="nsl042909">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/04/one_more_time_springsteen_at_t.html | title='One more time': Springsteen at the Spectrum | author=Lustig, Jay | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-04-29 | access-date=2009-04-30 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502153108/http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/04/one_more_time_springsteen_at_t.html | archive-date=2009-05-02 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The Spectrum had seen Springsteen's first headlining arena show in 1976 during the [[Born to Run tours]], and now he said they would "fulfill our solemn vow to rock the Spectrum one more time."<ref name="nsl042909"/> Accordingly, the band played local act [[The Dovells]]' 1963 hit "[[You Can't Sit Down]]" among other Philadelphia-related selections.<ref name="mc050209"/><ref name="nsl042909"/> Springsteen voiced similar sentiments about the old-but-still-going [[Nassau Coliseum]], and selected [[The Soul Survivors]]' 1967 hit "[[Expressway to Your Heart]]" as a tribute to the nearby [[Long Island Expressway]].<ref name="nd050509">{{cite news <!--| url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/ny-etbruce0512732561may04,0,6388094.story--> | title=Springsteen rocks the house at Nassau Coliseum | author=Gamboa, Glenn | newspaper=[[Newsday]] | date=2009-05-05 <!--| access-date=2009-05-06-->}}</ref> |
||
Jay Weinberg appeared at a number of shows on the first, North American leg, drumming on anywhere from four songs to half the show.<ref name="mtv050409">{{cite news | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610571/20090504/springsteen_bruce.jhtml?rsspartner=rssYahooNewscrawler | title=Jay Weinberg Feels 'Super Fortunate' To Play On Bruce Springsteen Tour | author=Wolfson, Melanie | publisher=[[MTV News]] | date=2009-05-04 | access-date=2009-05-11}}</ref><ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="gnr050409">{{cite news | url=http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/05/03/article/3_hour_show_rocks_steensboro | title=Review: 3-hour show rocks 'Steensboro' | author=Puterbaugh, Parke | work=[[News & Record (Greensboro)|News & Record]] | date=2009-05-04 | access-date=2009-05-10 | archive-date=2012-02-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213223112/http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/05/03/article/3_hour_show_rocks_steensboro | url-status=dead }}</ref> He had been a fan of [[heavy metal music]] for much of his life,<ref name="mtv050409"/> and in playing with Springsteen he integrated a [[polyrhythmic]] approach influenced by metal bands such as [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]] and [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] with the E Street drumming style derived from [[big band]]s and early [[rock and roll]].<ref name="mst050909">{{cite news | url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/44553222.html | title=The beat goes on | author=Bream, Jon | work=[[Star Tribune]] | date=2009-05-09 | access-date=2009-05-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513095431/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/44553222.html | archive-date=2009-05-13 | url-status=dead }}</ref> He received a very positive reaction from both audiences and reviewers as a spark plug for the band,<ref name="gnr050409"/> with his vigorous, long-hair-flying style inviting comparisons to [[Dave Grohl]]<ref name="mc050209"/> and his potential for replacing his father drawing allusions to [[Wally Pipp]].<ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="mst050909"/> ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' critic [[Greg Kot]] wrote, "All hail Jay Weinberg. ... With [him drumming] the band's chemistry was slightly unsettled for the better. ... His fills during 'Radio Nowhere' kicked the song, and the concert, into a higher gear, and galvanized a band that was starting to pace itself."<ref name="trib051209"/> Jay Weinberg said "it's a summer job that anybody would want,"<ref name="mtv050409"/> while Max Weinberg said Jay's segments allowed him a "total out-of-body experience. For the first time in – I've been with Bruce for 35 years – I've been able to go out in the audience and enjoy a Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert."<ref name="mst050909"/> Jay Weinberg played his first full show on May 14 at the [[Times Union Center]] in [[Albany, New York]], as Max Weinberg was in California to prepare test runs for ''[[The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien]]'' start.<ref name="atu051509">{{cite news | url=http://blogs.timesunion.com/reviews/?p=900 | title=Bruce Springsteen @ Times Union Center 5/14/09 | author=Eck, Michael | work=[[Times Union (Albany)|Times Union]] | date=2009-05-15 | access-date=2009-05-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518180059/http://blogs.timesunion.com/reviews/?p=900 | archive-date=2009-05-18 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="nsl051509"/> Springsteen said of the occasion, "This is the first night in 35 years that somebody else sat at the drums."<ref name="atu051509"/> Overall, ''[[Modern Drummer]]'' magazine's editor said that a college freshman playing on one of the year's biggest rock tours was "certainly a unique story".<ref name="nsl051509">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2009/05/born_to_drum_two_generations_o.html | title=Born To Drum: Two generations of Weinbergs do the E Street Shuffle | author=Lustig, Jay | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-05-15 | access-date=2009-05-16}}</ref> For the final [[Meadowlands Arena]] shows of the first leg, Jay Weinberg did the first but his father took a [[red-eye flight]] back from Los Angeles to do the second.<ref name="nyt060509"/> |
Jay Weinberg appeared at a number of shows on the first, North American leg, drumming on anywhere from four songs to half the show.<ref name="mtv050409">{{cite news | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610571/20090504/springsteen_bruce.jhtml?rsspartner=rssYahooNewscrawler | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129074422/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610571/20090504/springsteen_bruce.jhtml?rsspartner=rssYahooNewscrawler | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 29, 2013 | title=Jay Weinberg Feels 'Super Fortunate' To Play On Bruce Springsteen Tour | author=Wolfson, Melanie | publisher=[[MTV News]] | date=2009-05-04 | access-date=2009-05-11}}</ref><ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="gnr050409">{{cite news | url=http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/05/03/article/3_hour_show_rocks_steensboro | title=Review: 3-hour show rocks 'Steensboro' | author=Puterbaugh, Parke | work=[[News & Record (Greensboro)|News & Record]] | date=2009-05-04 | access-date=2009-05-10 | archive-date=2012-02-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213223112/http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/05/03/article/3_hour_show_rocks_steensboro | url-status=dead }}</ref> He had been a fan of [[heavy metal music]] for much of his life,<ref name="mtv050409"/> and in playing with Springsteen he integrated a [[polyrhythmic]] approach influenced by metal bands such as [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]] and [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]] with the E Street drumming style derived from [[big band]]s and early [[rock and roll]].<ref name="mst050909">{{cite news | url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/44553222.html | title=The beat goes on | author=Bream, Jon | work=[[Star Tribune]] | date=2009-05-09 | access-date=2009-05-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513095431/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/44553222.html | archive-date=2009-05-13 | url-status=dead }}</ref> He received a very positive reaction from both audiences and reviewers as a spark plug for the band,<ref name="gnr050409"/> with his vigorous, long-hair-flying style inviting comparisons to [[Dave Grohl]]<ref name="mc050209"/> and his potential for replacing his father drawing allusions to [[Wally Pipp]].<ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="mst050909"/> ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' critic [[Greg Kot]] wrote, "All hail Jay Weinberg. ... With [him drumming] the band's chemistry was slightly unsettled for the better. ... His fills during 'Radio Nowhere' kicked the song, and the concert, into a higher gear, and galvanized a band that was starting to pace itself."<ref name="trib051209"/> Jay Weinberg said "it's a summer job that anybody would want,"<ref name="mtv050409"/> while Max Weinberg said Jay's segments allowed him a "total out-of-body experience. For the first time in – I've been with Bruce for 35 years – I've been able to go out in the audience and enjoy a Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert."<ref name="mst050909"/> Jay Weinberg played his first full show on May 14 at the [[Times Union Center]] in [[Albany, New York]], as Max Weinberg was in California to prepare test runs for ''[[The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien]]'' start.<ref name="atu051509">{{cite news | url=http://blogs.timesunion.com/reviews/?p=900 | title=Bruce Springsteen @ Times Union Center 5/14/09 | author=Eck, Michael | work=[[Times Union (Albany)|Times Union]] | date=2009-05-15 | access-date=2009-05-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090518180059/http://blogs.timesunion.com/reviews/?p=900 | archive-date=2009-05-18 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="nsl051509"/> Springsteen said of the occasion, "This is the first night in 35 years that somebody else sat at the drums."<ref name="atu051509"/> Overall, ''[[Modern Drummer]]'' magazine's editor said that a college freshman playing on one of the year's biggest rock tours was "certainly a unique story".<ref name="nsl051509">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2009/05/born_to_drum_two_generations_o.html | title=Born To Drum: Two generations of Weinbergs do the E Street Shuffle | author=Lustig, Jay | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-05-15 | access-date=2009-05-16 | archive-date=2009-05-20 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520141842/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2009/05/born_to_drum_two_generations_o.html | url-status=live }}</ref> For the final [[Meadowlands Arena]] shows of the first leg, Jay Weinberg did the first but his father took a [[red-eye flight]] back from Los Angeles to do the second.<ref name="nyt060509"/> |
||
===Western European second leg=== |
===Western European second leg=== |
||
Once the show moved into its European second leg, more ''Working on a Dream'' songs began to sporadically appear, with "[[My Lucky Day (Bruce Springsteen song)|My Lucky Day]]" becoming a regular for a while and "Queen of the Supermarket" getting its first airing anywhere. For Scandinavian shows, as band members walked on stage, Lofgren opened with solo accordion performances of local summer-themed specialties, "[[:sv:Idas sommarvisa|Idas Sommarvisa]]" in Sweden<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/konsertrecensioner/bruce-springsteen-pa-stockholms-stadion-dag-1-1.884752 | title=Bruce Springsteen på Stockholms stadion, dag 1 | author=Tidholm, Po | work=[[Dagens Nyheter]] | date=2009-06-04 | access-date=2009-06-21 | language=sv}}</ref> and "[[Du skal ikkje sova bort sumarnatta]]" in Norway.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.vg.no/musikk/artikkel.php?artid=565665 | title=Verdens beste Bergens-Bruce |
Once the show moved into its European second leg, more ''Working on a Dream'' songs began to sporadically appear, with "[[My Lucky Day (Bruce Springsteen song)|My Lucky Day]]" becoming a regular for a while and "Queen of the Supermarket" getting its first airing anywhere. For Scandinavian shows, as band members walked on stage, Lofgren opened with solo accordion performances of local summer-themed specialties, "[[:sv:Idas sommarvisa|Idas Sommarvisa]]" in Sweden<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/konsertrecensioner/bruce-springsteen-pa-stockholms-stadion-dag-1-1.884752 | title=Bruce Springsteen på Stockholms stadion, dag 1 | author=Tidholm, Po | work=[[Dagens Nyheter]] | date=2009-06-04 | access-date=2009-06-21 | language=sv | archive-date=2009-06-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614060637/http://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/konsertrecensioner/bruce-springsteen-pa-stockholms-stadion-dag-1-1.884752 | url-status=live }}</ref> and "[[Du skal ikkje sova bort sumarnatta]]" in Norway.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.vg.no/musikk/artikkel.php?artid=565665 | title=Verdens beste Bergens-Bruce | author=Østbø, Stein | work=[[Verdens Gang]] | date=2009-06-10 | access-date=2009-06-21 | language=no | archive-date=2009-07-22 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722202632/http://www.vg.no/musikk/artikkel.php?artid=565665 | url-status=live }}</ref> Jay Weinberg did the first seven shows, as his father was now beginning ''The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien''.<ref name="nyt060509">{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/06/arts/television/06max.html | title=For TV Band, Jet Lag Is Part of the Job | author=Steinberg, Jacques | work=[[The New York Times]] | date=2009-06-05 | access-date=2009-06-21 | archive-date=2011-09-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923013549/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/06/arts/television/06max.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
[[Image:SpringsteenESBGlastonbury2009.jpg|thumb|257px|right|Springsteen and the band perform before a sea of flags at the [[Glastonbury Festival]] on June 27, 2009.]] |
[[Image:SpringsteenESBGlastonbury2009.jpg|thumb|257px|right|Springsteen and the band perform before a sea of flags at the [[Glastonbury Festival]] on June 27, 2009.]] |
||
Springsteen and the band returned to the United States to make their first-ever appearance at the [[Bonnaroo Music Festival]], as the [[2009 Bonnaroo Music Festival|headlining act on June 13, 2009]].<ref name="bb061809">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268342/phish-revels-in-glory-day-of-springsteen-bonnaroo-jam | title=Phish Revels In Glory Day Of Springsteen Bonnaroo Jam | author=Waddell, Ray | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=2009-06-22 | access-date=2009-06-22}}</ref> Playing before festival audiences who were not guaranteed to be fans of his music was largely new to Springsteen, but after a slow start the show captured over most of the Bonnaroo audience.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE55E0P820090615 | title=Bruce Springsteen finds new fans at Bonnaroo fest |author1=Carpenter, Troy |
Springsteen and the band returned to the United States to make their first-ever appearance at the [[Bonnaroo Music Festival]], as the [[2009 Bonnaroo Music Festival|headlining act on June 13, 2009]].<ref name="bb061809">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268342/phish-revels-in-glory-day-of-springsteen-bonnaroo-jam | title=Phish Revels In Glory Day Of Springsteen Bonnaroo Jam | author=Waddell, Ray | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=2009-06-22 | access-date=2009-06-22 | archive-date=2013-04-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423123145/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268342/phish-revels-in-glory-day-of-springsteen-bonnaroo-jam | url-status=live }}</ref> Playing before festival audiences who were not guaranteed to be fans of his music was largely new to Springsteen, but after a slow start the show captured over most of the Bonnaroo audience.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE55E0P820090615 | title=Bruce Springsteen finds new fans at Bonnaroo fest | author1=Carpenter, Troy | author2=Vrabel, Jeff | name-list-style=amp | work=Reuters | date=2009-06-15 | access-date=2009-06-21 | archive-date=2009-06-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618123445/http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE55E0P820090615 | url-status=live }}</ref> The following night, Springsteen joined the recently reunited and headlining [[Phish]] for three songs, "[[Mustang Sally (song)|Mustang Sally]]", "[[Bobby Jean]]" and "[[Glory Days (Bruce Springsteen song)|Glory Days]]".<ref name="bb061809"/> Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio said later, "I got to play with Bruce. That's my hero."<ref name="bb061809"/> The Bonnaroo performance of "Outlaw Pete" was included on a [[Fuse TV]] show of festival highlights, and the performance of "[[Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out]]" included a bit with [[Triumph the Insult Comic Dog]] singing along that was included on a ''Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien'' segment.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://watching-tv.ew.com/2009/06/conan-obrien-triumph-the-insult-comic-dog-bonnaroo.html | title=Triumph the Insult Comic Dog invades Bonnaroo, meets 'thousands of pungent hippies' | publisher=[[EW.com]] | author=Tucker, Ken | date=June 20, 2009 | access-date=June 21, 2009 | archive-date=June 22, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090622082459/http://watching-tv.ew.com/2009/06/conan-obrien-triumph-the-insult-comic-dog-bonnaroo.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Springsteen subsequently reflected, "We played festivals for the very first time on this tour, and that was one of the greatest experiences of all of them. That was an eye-opener. When we played Glastonbury [...] you come out and there's like 100,000 kids in their 20s and under. It was fun playing on bills with other bands, and it's something I'd do again in the future."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> |
||
On June 25, Max Weinberg departed ''The Tonight Show'' temporarily for four weeks to join the band for the resumption of its Western European leg, via a comedy bit that had his drum riser turn into a [[Float (parade)|float]] that took him outside and studio and purportedly to the airport.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2009/07/whats-working-for-me----1-michael-jackson-tributes-the-streetmobs-in-new-york-london-and-new-orleans-paying-tribute-to-t.html | title=What's working for me | author=Barnhart, Aaron | work=[[The Kansas City Star]] | date=2009-07-07 | access-date=2009-07-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712074707/http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2009/07/whats-working-for-me----1-michael-jackson-tributes-the-streetmobs-in-new-york-london-and-new-orleans-paying-tribute-to-t.html | archive-date=2009-07-12 | url-status=dead }}</ref> During this stretch, Jay Weinberg did not appear during any of the shows until reappearing during the Spanish shows at the end of the leg. While Springsteen's wife Scialfa was nowhere to be seen in Europe, their son Evan appeared and played guitar during encores of a number of shows,<ref name="it071309"/> while Clarence Clemons' nephew Jake also made playing appearances and Springsteen's mother and aunt also took the stage.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.pointblankmag.com/news/2009/07/july-11-dublin.html | title=July 11: Dublin | publisher=Pointblankmag.com | date=2009-07-11 | access-date=2010-07-21 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715101522/http://www.pointblankmag.com/news/2009/07/july-11-dublin.html | archive-date=2011-07-15 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nme.com/awards/video/id/X3DMCDoHlYo/search/2009-07-19 | title=Bruce Springsteen Rome – Roma 2009-07-19 Bruce's mom Adele and aunt Edie Zirilli dancing video | work=[[NME]] | access-date=2010-07-21}}</ref> |
On June 25, Max Weinberg departed ''The Tonight Show'' temporarily for four weeks to join the band for the resumption of its Western European leg, via a comedy bit that had his drum riser turn into a [[Float (parade)|float]] that took him outside and studio and purportedly to the airport.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2009/07/whats-working-for-me----1-michael-jackson-tributes-the-streetmobs-in-new-york-london-and-new-orleans-paying-tribute-to-t.html | title=What's working for me | author=Barnhart, Aaron | work=[[The Kansas City Star]] | date=2009-07-07 | access-date=2009-07-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712074707/http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2009/07/whats-working-for-me----1-michael-jackson-tributes-the-streetmobs-in-new-york-london-and-new-orleans-paying-tribute-to-t.html | archive-date=2009-07-12 | url-status=dead }}</ref> During this stretch, Jay Weinberg did not appear during any of the shows until reappearing during the Spanish shows at the end of the leg. While Springsteen's wife Scialfa was nowhere to be seen in Europe, their son Evan appeared and played guitar during encores of a number of shows,<ref name="it071309"/> while Clarence Clemons' nephew Jake also made playing appearances and Springsteen's mother and aunt also took the stage.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.pointblankmag.com/news/2009/07/july-11-dublin.html | title=July 11: Dublin | publisher=Pointblankmag.com | date=2009-07-11 | access-date=2010-07-21 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715101522/http://www.pointblankmag.com/news/2009/07/july-11-dublin.html | archive-date=2011-07-15 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nme.com/awards/video/id/X3DMCDoHlYo/search/2009-07-19 | title=Bruce Springsteen Rome – Roma 2009-07-19 Bruce's mom Adele and aunt Edie Zirilli dancing video | work=[[NME]] | access-date=2010-07-21 | archive-date=2016-01-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126214525/http://www.nme.com/awards/video/id/X3DMCDoHlYo/search/2009-07-19 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
He also was the headliner of the [[Vieilles Charrues Festival|Festival des Vieilles Charrues]] in Brittany, France in July, his only tour stop in France. His son Evan participated in the concert, playing guitar. |
He also was the headliner of the [[Vieilles Charrues Festival|Festival des Vieilles Charrues]] in Brittany, France in July, his only tour stop in France. His son Evan participated in the concert, playing guitar. |
||
[[Image:BruceSpringsteen2009.jpg|thumb|right|257px|Springsteen performing at the August 1, 2009, show at [[Estadio José Zorrilla]], [[Valladolid]], Spain.]] |
[[Image:BruceSpringsteen2009.jpg|thumb|right|257px|Springsteen performing at the August 1, 2009, show at [[Estadio José Zorrilla]], [[Valladolid]], Spain.]] |
||
Lofgren continued to open shows, playing national songs on accordion. Set lists further loosened, with many tour premieres showing up in request slots or elsewhere and shows sometimes running to 30 songs in length.<ref name="it071309">{{cite news | url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2009/0713/1224250542297.html | title=Springsteen may sing about tough life – but he never fails to bring joy | author=Hegarty, Shane | newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] | date=2009-07-13 | access-date=2009-07-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/07/great_setlist_by_bruce_springs.html | title=Great setlist by Bruce Springsteen in Vienna on Sunday | author=Goldstein, Stan | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-07-05 | access-date=2009-07-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/07/bruce_springsteen_plays_30_son.html | title=Bruce Springsteen plays 30 songs in Dublin! | author=Goldstein, Stan | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-07-12 | access-date=2009-07-30}}</ref> After a while, the encore break was disposed with and the show ran continuously to the end without the band ever leaving the stage.<ref name="it071309"/> Springsteen ran past local curfews at both Dublin shows and at Glastonbury.<ref name="bt072109">{{cite news | url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/springsteen-faces-fines-for-brucie-bonus-14420022.html | title=Springsteen faces fines for Brucie bonus | work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] | date=2009-07-21 | access-date=2009-07-30}}</ref> The Dublin violations resulted in a potential €50,000 fine, but Springsteen mocked the prospect by on-staging a bit: "We have to go, we have a curfew!" with Van Zandt replying, "We don't care about the curfew, this is the curfew breaking Boss and E Street Band!"<ref name="bt072109"/> "[[American Skin (41 Shots)]]" made unexpected appearances in Dublin and at several stops in Italy,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://guide.supereva.it/friuli_venezia_giulia/interventi/2009/07/springsteen-a-udine.-rock-vero-e-energia-pura | title=Springsteen a Udine. Rock vero, energia pura | author=Carretta, Luisa Maria | publisher=[[Friuli |
Lofgren continued to open shows, playing national songs on accordion. Set lists further loosened, with many tour premieres showing up in request slots or elsewhere and shows sometimes running to 30 songs in length.<ref name="it071309">{{cite news | url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2009/0713/1224250542297.html | title=Springsteen may sing about tough life – but he never fails to bring joy | author=Hegarty, Shane | newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] | date=2009-07-13 | access-date=2009-07-30 | archive-date=2012-06-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607124921/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2009/0713/1224250542297.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/07/great_setlist_by_bruce_springs.html | title=Great setlist by Bruce Springsteen in Vienna on Sunday | author=Goldstein, Stan | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-07-05 | access-date=2009-07-30 | archive-date=2009-07-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709040245/http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/07/great_setlist_by_bruce_springs.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/07/bruce_springsteen_plays_30_son.html | title=Bruce Springsteen plays 30 songs in Dublin! | author=Goldstein, Stan | work=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-07-12 | access-date=2009-07-30 | archive-date=2009-07-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715020937/http://blog.nj.com/springsteen/2009/07/bruce_springsteen_plays_30_son.html | url-status=live }}</ref> After a while, the encore break was disposed with and the show ran continuously to the end without the band ever leaving the stage.<ref name="it071309"/> Springsteen ran past local curfews at both Dublin shows and at Glastonbury.<ref name="bt072109">{{cite news | url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/springsteen-faces-fines-for-brucie-bonus-14420022.html | title=Springsteen faces fines for Brucie bonus | work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] | date=2009-07-21 | access-date=2009-07-30 | archive-date=2009-07-24 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724151431/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/springsteen-faces-fines-for-brucie-bonus-14420022.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The Dublin violations resulted in a potential €50,000 fine, but Springsteen mocked the prospect by on-staging a bit: "We have to go, we have a curfew!" with Van Zandt replying, "We don't care about the curfew, this is the curfew breaking Boss and E Street Band!"<ref name="bt072109"/> "[[American Skin (41 Shots)]]" made unexpected appearances in Dublin and at several stops in Italy,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://guide.supereva.it/friuli_venezia_giulia/interventi/2009/07/springsteen-a-udine.-rock-vero-e-energia-pura | title=Springsteen a Udine. Rock vero, energia pura | author=Carretta, Luisa Maria | publisher=[[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]] | date=2009-07-24 | access-date=2009-07-30 | language=it | archive-date=2009-08-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090812124754/http://guide.supereva.it/friuli_venezia_giulia/interventi/2009/07/springsteen-a-udine.-rock-vero-e-energia-pura | url-status=live }}</ref> while "[[My City of Ruins]]" was played at [[Stadio Olimpico]] in Rome in honor of the victims of the [[2009 L'Aquila earthquake]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.repubblica.it/2009/07/sezioni/spettacoli_e_cultura/springsteen-roma/springsteen-roma/springsteen-roma.html?ref=hpspr1 | title=Springsteen non delude mai il suo rock illumina Roma | author=Castaldo, Gino | work=[[la Repubblica]] | date=2009-07-20 | access-date=2009-07-30 | language=it | archive-date=2011-06-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606030020/http://www.repubblica.it/2009/07/sezioni/spettacoli_e_cultura/springsteen-roma/springsteen-roma/springsteen-roma.html?ref=hpspr1 | url-status=live }}</ref> The Western European leg ended with five shows in Spain,<ref name="tour-dates-1">{{cite web | url=http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index_archive.html | title=Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to Launch 2009 US and European Tour | publisher=Brucespringsteen.net | access-date=2010-07-22 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118023435/http://www.brucespringsteen.net/news/index_archive.html | archive-date=2012-01-18 | url-status=dead }}</ref> at more out-of-the-way locations than in the past.<ref>The routing avoided stops in Madrid and Barcelona, the sites of many past Springsteen concerts including the one featured in the 2003 ''[[Live in Barcelona (Bruce Springsteen video)|Live in Barcelona]]'' DVD.</ref> The last of these shows, at the [[Auditorio Monte do Gozo]] in [[Santiago de Compostela]], was marred by disorganized security and overbooking by the promoter, leaving some of the approximately 40,000 ticket holders unable to get in.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.atlantico.net/noticia/84210/brucespringsteen/verano2009/ | title=Bruce Springsteen hace vibrar a 40.000 seguidores en su concierto de Santiago | newspaper=[[Diario Atlántico]] | date=2009-08-03 | access-date=2010-07-23 | language=es | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723021252/http://www.atlantico.net/noticia/84210/brucespringsteen/verano2009/ | archive-date=2011-07-23 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.elcorreogallego.es/verano/ecg/caos-protestas-concierto-springsteen/idEdicion-2009-08-03/idNoticia-454606/ | title=Caos y protestas en el concierto de Bruce Springsteen en Santiago | author=Cuiña, S. | newspaper=[[El Correo Gallego]] | date=2009-08-03 | access-date=2010-07-23 | language=es | archive-date=2009-08-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806102647/http://www.elcorreogallego.es/verano/ecg/caos-protestas-concierto-springsteen/idEdicion-2009-08-03/idNoticia-454606 | url-status=live }}</ref> (Dozens of complaints against the promoter were filed to police, city, and consumer authorities the following day.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/sociedad/2009/08/04/0003_7887306.htm | title=El Monte do Gozo no da más de sí | author=Mirás, Nacho | newspaper=[[La Voz de Galicia]] | date=2009-08-03 | access-date=2010-07-23 | language=es | archive-date=2010-06-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629155212/http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/sociedad/2009/08/04/0003_7887306.htm | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="es-dv">{{cite news | url=http://canales.diariovasco.com/ocio/meca/bruce-springsteen-concierto-santiago-caos-200908041651.php | title=Caos en el concierto de Bruce Springsteen en Santiago | newspaper=[[Diario Vasco]] | date=2009-08-04 | access-date=2010-07-23 | language=es | archive-date=2009-11-20 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120111903/http://canales.diariovasco.com/ocio/meca/bruce-springsteen-concierto-santiago-caos-200908041651.php | url-status=live }}</ref>) In any event, the band played "[[Rockin' All Over the World]]" and concluded its encore with "[[Born in the U.S.A. (song)|Born in the U.S.A.]]"<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html | title=August 2 / Monte Del Gozo / Santiago, ESP | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-08-02 | access-date=2010-07-13 | archive-date=2011-01-01 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101015320/http://backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html | url-status=live }}</ref> after 1 a.m. local time (the Spanish shows did not begin until 10 p.m.).<ref name="es-dv"/><ref>{{cite news | url=http://news-spain.euroresidentes.com/2009/07/bruce-springsteen-in-bilbao.html | title=Bruce Springsteen lights up Bilbao with his first Spanish concert | work=News from Spain | publisher=Euroresidentes.com | date=2009-07-27 | access-date=2010-07-25 | archive-date=2011-03-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110308131029/http://news-spain.euroresidentes.com/2009/07/bruce-springsteen-in-bilbao.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Max Weinberg immediately flew back to Los Angeles and resumed his role on ''The Tonight Show'' later that same day.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0899126/epcast | title=Episodes cast for 'The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien' | publisher=[[Internet Movie Database]] | access-date=2010-07-23 | archive-date=2015-08-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811224226/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0899126/epcast | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
===U.S. third leg=== |
===U.S. third leg=== |
||
The American third leg began in mid-August with shows at outdoor [[Amphitheatre|amphitheaters]] as well as indoor [[arena]]s. Shows were often scheduled for weekends, to allow Max Weinberg to play without missing any ''Tonight Show'' time; Jay Weinberg played those shows held during the week. Then on September 25, Max Weinberg took a two-month absence from the television show, to join Springsteen for the final portion of the leg. Ticket sales were slower than normal on this leg, partly due to [[Ticketmaster]]'s new "paperless ticketing" system that may have come into effect due to the earlier problems with Springsteen sales.<ref name="cons091609">{{cite news | url=https://consequence.net/2009/09/16/bruce-springsteen-the-e-street-band-announce-hitaus/ | title=Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band announce hiatus | author=Young, Alex | publisher=[[Consequence of Sound]] | date=2009-09-16 | access-date=2009-09-18}}</ref> In arenas that did not sell well, management relocated the people who bought tickets behind the stage to other sections and put up the screen used for stadium and amphitheater shows behind the stage. In a hint to fans to buy up, Van Zandt said, "You never know. This could be the last tour. We do every show like it's our last show anyway."<ref name="ld091609"/> In any case, by September 2009 the tour had sold over two million tickets overall.<ref name="ld091609">{{cite news | url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/20133.html | title=Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band planning hiatus | author=Gallo, Phil | publisher=[[LiveDaily]] | date=2009-09-16 | access-date=2009-09-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922171813/http://www.livedaily.com/news/20133.html | archive-date=2009-09-22 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Even some shows in Philadelphia, long a Springsteen bastion, were not sold out.<ref name="nsl101409">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/10/bruce_springsteen_opens_four-n.html | title=Bruce Springsteen opens four-night stand at the Philadelphia Spectrum | author=Goldstein, Stan | newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-10-14 | access-date=2009-10-14}}</ref> |
The American third leg began in mid-August with shows at outdoor [[Amphitheatre|amphitheaters]] as well as indoor [[arena]]s. Shows were often scheduled for weekends, to allow Max Weinberg to play without missing any ''Tonight Show'' time; Jay Weinberg played those shows held during the week. Then on September 25, Max Weinberg took a two-month absence from the television show, to join Springsteen for the final portion of the leg. Ticket sales were slower than normal on this leg, partly due to [[Ticketmaster]]'s new "paperless ticketing" system that may have come into effect due to the earlier problems with Springsteen sales.<ref name="cons091609">{{cite news | url=https://consequence.net/2009/09/16/bruce-springsteen-the-e-street-band-announce-hitaus/ | title=Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band announce hiatus | author=Young, Alex | publisher=[[Consequence of Sound]] | date=2009-09-16 | access-date=2009-09-18}}</ref> In arenas that did not sell well, management relocated the people who bought tickets behind the stage to other sections and put up the screen used for stadium and amphitheater shows behind the stage. In a hint to fans to buy up, Van Zandt said, "You never know. This could be the last tour. We do every show like it's our last show anyway."<ref name="ld091609"/> In any case, by September 2009 the tour had sold over two million tickets overall.<ref name="ld091609">{{cite news | url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/20133.html | title=Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band planning hiatus | author=Gallo, Phil | publisher=[[LiveDaily]] | date=2009-09-16 | access-date=2009-09-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922171813/http://www.livedaily.com/news/20133.html | archive-date=2009-09-22 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Even some shows in Philadelphia, long a Springsteen bastion, were not sold out.<ref name="nsl101409">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/10/bruce_springsteen_opens_four-n.html | title=Bruce Springsteen opens four-night stand at the Philadelphia Spectrum | author=Goldstein, Stan | newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-10-14 | access-date=2009-10-14 | archive-date=2009-10-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015074303/http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/10/bruce_springsteen_opens_four-n.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
[[Image:American Land ESB Fireworks Giants 100309.jpg|thumb|right|257px|Fireworks go off at the conclusion of the "E! Street! Band!" exhortation at the end of "American Land", during the third of five final shows at [[Giants Stadium]] in [[New Jersey]]. October 3, 2009.]] |
[[Image:American Land ESB Fireworks Giants 100309.jpg|thumb|right|257px|Fireworks go off at the conclusion of the "E! Street! Band!" exhortation at the end of "American Land", during the third of five final shows at [[Giants Stadium]] in [[New Jersey]]. October 3, 2009.]] |
||
During the U.S. third leg, it was reported that ''[[Born to Run]]'' would be featured in its entirety during several shows, possibly in a scheme to boost ticket sales.<ref name="cons091609"/><ref>{{cite news | url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2009/07/springsteen-to-play-born-to-run-album-in-united-center-return.html | title=Springsteen to play 'Born to Run' album in United Center return | author=[[Greg Kot|Kot, Greg]] | work=[[Chicago Tribune]] | date=2009-07-27 | access-date=2009-07-30}}</ref> The full-album idea took fruition with the late September-early October set of five shows at [[Giants Stadium]], which would be the final concerts ever in that venue in Springsteen's home state.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/10/10/arts/AP-US-People-Springsteen-Giants-Stadium.html | title=Springsteen Plays Last Show at Giants Stadium | agency=[[Associated Press]] | newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | date=2009-10-10 | access-date=2009-10-14}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> ''Born to Run'' was played at two shows, ''[[Darkness on the Edge of Town]]'' at one show, and ''[[Born in the U.S.A.]]'' at two shows.<ref name="nsl101009">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2009/10/bruce_springsteen_rocks_giants.html | title=Bruce Springsteen rocks Giants Stadium for the last time | author=Lustig, Jay | newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-10-10 | access-date=2009-10-14}}</ref> Springsteen later said of the full album idea, "We had done so many shows and were going to come back around one more time, so we were like, 'OK, what can we do that we haven't done? Let's try to play some of the albums.' There were some people who were starting to do it, it sounded like a good idea, and my audience fundamentally experienced all my music in album form. People took ''Born to Run'' home and played it start to finish 100 times; they didn't slip on a cut in the middle. And we made albums – we took a long time, and we built them to last. ... Those records are packed with songs that have lasted 30–35 years. It simply was a way to revitalize the show and do something appealing and fun for the fans, but it ended up being a much bigger emotional experience than I thought it would be."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> |
During the U.S. third leg, it was reported that ''[[Born to Run]]'' would be featured in its entirety during several shows, possibly in a scheme to boost ticket sales.<ref name="cons091609"/><ref>{{cite news | url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2009/07/springsteen-to-play-born-to-run-album-in-united-center-return.html | title=Springsteen to play 'Born to Run' album in United Center return | author=[[Greg Kot|Kot, Greg]] | work=[[Chicago Tribune]] | date=2009-07-27 | access-date=2009-07-30 | archive-date=2009-07-30 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730024747/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2009/07/springsteen-to-play-born-to-run-album-in-united-center-return.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The full-album idea took fruition with the late September-early October set of five shows at [[Giants Stadium]], which would be the final concerts ever in that venue in Springsteen's home state.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/10/10/arts/AP-US-People-Springsteen-Giants-Stadium.html | title=Springsteen Plays Last Show at Giants Stadium | agency=[[Associated Press]] | newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | date=2009-10-10 | access-date=2009-10-14}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> ''Born to Run'' was played at two shows, ''[[Darkness on the Edge of Town]]'' at one show, and ''[[Born in the U.S.A.]]'' at two shows.<ref name="nsl101009">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2009/10/bruce_springsteen_rocks_giants.html | title=Bruce Springsteen rocks Giants Stadium for the last time | author=Lustig, Jay | newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-10-10 | access-date=2009-10-14 | archive-date=2009-10-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091013114647/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2009/10/bruce_springsteen_rocks_giants.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Springsteen later said of the full album idea, "We had done so many shows and were going to come back around one more time, so we were like, 'OK, what can we do that we haven't done? Let's try to play some of the albums.' There were some people who were starting to do it, it sounded like a good idea, and my audience fundamentally experienced all my music in album form. People took ''Born to Run'' home and played it start to finish 100 times; they didn't slip on a cut in the middle. And we made albums – we took a long time, and we built them to last. ... Those records are packed with songs that have lasted 30–35 years. It simply was a way to revitalize the show and do something appealing and fun for the fans, but it ended up being a much bigger emotional experience than I thought it would be."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> |
||
The Giants Stadium shows were opened with a new Springsteen song written for the occasion, "Wrecking Ball", written from the point of view of the stadium itself:<ref name="nyt101109">{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/arts/music/12bruce.html | title=For Springsteen and Giants Stadium, a Last Dance | author=[[Jon Pareles|Pareles, Jon]] | newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | date=2009-10-11 | access-date=2009-10-14}}</ref> "I was raised out of steel here in the swamps of Jersey, some misty years ago ..."<ref name="ew100109"/> The stand featured several other new touches as well, including Springsteen [[crowd surfing]] during "[[Hungry Heart]]", evocative behind-the-stage upper-level lighting during "[[The Rising (Bruce Springsteen song)|The Rising]]", and fireworks at the "E! Street! Band!" conclusion of "American Land".<ref name="nyt101109"/><ref name="app101009">{{cite news | title=Boss' final show at Meadowlands draws 60,000 | author=Jordan, Chris | agency=[[Gannett New Jersey]] | newspaper=[[Asbury Park Press]] | date=2009-10-10}}</ref> The final show, which drew nearly 60,000 people,<ref name="app101009"/> concluded with the second playing on the stand of "[[Jersey Girl (song)|Jersey Girl]]", dedicated to "all the crew and staff that's worked all these years at Giants Stadium."<ref name="nyt101109"/> |
The Giants Stadium shows were opened with a new Springsteen song written for the occasion, "Wrecking Ball", written from the point of view of the stadium itself:<ref name="nyt101109">{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/arts/music/12bruce.html | title=For Springsteen and Giants Stadium, a Last Dance | author=[[Jon Pareles|Pareles, Jon]] | newspaper=[[The New York Times]] | date=2009-10-11 | access-date=2009-10-14 | archive-date=2012-07-08 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708114624/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/arts/music/12bruce.html | url-status=live }}</ref> "I was raised out of steel here in the swamps of Jersey, some misty years ago ..."<ref name="ew100109"/> The stand featured several other new touches as well, including Springsteen [[crowd surfing]] during "[[Hungry Heart]]", evocative behind-the-stage upper-level lighting during "[[The Rising (Bruce Springsteen song)|The Rising]]", and fireworks at the "E! Street! Band!" conclusion of "American Land".<ref name="nyt101109"/><ref name="app101009">{{cite news | title=Boss' final show at Meadowlands draws 60,000 | author=Jordan, Chris | agency=[[Gannett New Jersey]] | newspaper=[[Asbury Park Press]] | date=2009-10-10}}</ref> The final show, which drew nearly 60,000 people,<ref name="app101009"/> concluded with the second playing on the stand of "[[Jersey Girl (song)|Jersey Girl]]", dedicated to "all the crew and staff that's worked all these years at Giants Stadium."<ref name="nyt101109"/> |
||
The full album versions continued, as well as a localized rendition of "Wrecking Ball", at Springsteen's four shows to close out the [[Philadelphia Spectrum]] as well;<ref name="nsl101409"/> some 43 different songs were playing during the stand.<ref name="bb-qanda"/> Apart from the album playings, Springsteen kept setlists flexible during the third leg; sign requests continued, as in Springsteen's words they allowed "the fans to have input into the show in a way that just pumps the blood into everything and enlivens the evening."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> ''Born to Run'' remained the standard full album choice for the rest of the tour, but the two shows at New York's [[Madison Square Garden]] saw ''[[The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle]]'' and ''[[The River (Bruce Springsteen album)|The River]]'', with the latter's 20-song length dominating the setlist. Springsteen felt ''The River'' show succeeded, saying "I sequenced [the album] to feel like a live show, so you have four fast songs and a couple of ballads. It played real well when we went to play it."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> |
The full album versions continued, as well as a localized rendition of "Wrecking Ball", at Springsteen's four shows to close out the [[Philadelphia Spectrum]] as well;<ref name="nsl101409"/> some 43 different songs were playing during the stand.<ref name="bb-qanda"/> Apart from the album playings, Springsteen kept setlists flexible during the third leg; sign requests continued, as in Springsteen's words they allowed "the fans to have input into the show in a way that just pumps the blood into everything and enlivens the evening."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> ''Born to Run'' remained the standard full album choice for the rest of the tour, but the two shows at New York's [[Madison Square Garden]] saw ''[[The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle]]'' and ''[[The River (Bruce Springsteen album)|The River]]'', with the latter's 20-song length dominating the setlist. Springsteen felt ''The River'' show succeeded, saying "I sequenced [the album] to feel like a live show, so you have four fast songs and a couple of ballads. It played real well when we went to play it."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> |
||
Springsteen's show on November 13, 2009, at [[the Palace of Auburn Hills]] outside [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]], became well known for Springsteen's multiple statements to the crowd about being in [[Ohio]], the first as he came on, the second during the lyric to "Wrecking Ball", and the third in the "Build me a house" rap during "Working on a Dream".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009b.html | title=November 13 / Palace at Auburn Hills / Auburn Hills, MI | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-11-13 | access-date=2010-07-12}}</ref><ref name="rs111509">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/11/15/e-streets-van-zandt-on-bruce-springsteens-ohio-blunder-he-made-a-great-joke-out-of-it/--> | title=E Street's Van Zandt on Bruce Springsteen's 'Ohio' Blunder: 'He Made a Great Joke Out of It' | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-11-15 <!--| access-date=2009-11-19-->}}</ref> (The band had played in [[Cleveland, Ohio]], three nights earlier.) By now getting some boos from the crowd, guitarist Van Zandt, who had hoped Springsteen would stop making the mistake on his own, finally went over to Springsteen and corrected him: "‘You don’t realize it, but you’re saying Ohio and we’re in Michigan.’ He was like ‘What!?’"<ref name="rs111509"/> Springsteen then told the crowd that he had committed "every front man's nightmare," and made a show of saying "Michigan" from then on.<ref name="usa111509"/><ref>{{cite news | title=Springsteen guitarist on gaffe: 'They're going to attack us!' | author=McCollum, Brian | newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]] | date=2009-11-16 }}</ref> The [[Spinal Tap (band)|Spinal Tap]]-esque blunder attracted worldwide television and print publicity.<ref name="rs111509"/><ref name="usa111509">{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2009-11-15-springsteen-michigan_N.htm | title='Hello, Ohio!' (Psst! Boss, we're in Michigan) | author=McCollum, Brian | newspaper=[[USA Today]] | date=2009-11-15 | access-date=2009-11-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#33951158 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031207132319/http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#33951158 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2003-12-07 | title=Blushing Boss bungles concert location | work=[[NBC Nightly News]] | publisher=[[MSNBC]] | date=2009-11-15 | access-date=2009-11-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#33963145 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031207132319/http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#33963145 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2003-12-07 | title=No, Mr. Springsteen, you're not in Ohio | work=[[Morning Joe]] | publisher=[[MSNBC]] | date=2009-11-16 | access-date=2009-11-19}}</ref> (The show subsequently featured a rare performance of [[Bob Seger]]'s "[[Ramblin' Gamblin' Man (song)|Ramblin' Gamblin' Man]]", appealing to Seger's fan base in Detroit.<ref name="usa111509"/>) Springsteen made joking references to being in Ohio, or made exaggerated statements as to being in the correct state, in subsequent shows.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/11/bruce_springsteen_plays_living.html | title=Bruce Springsteen plays 'Living Proof' in Milwaukee | author=Goldstein, Stan | newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-11-16 | access-date=2009-11-19}}</ref> |
Springsteen's show on November 13, 2009, at [[the Palace of Auburn Hills]] outside [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]], became well known for Springsteen's multiple statements to the crowd about being in [[Ohio]], the first as he came on, the second during the lyric to "Wrecking Ball", and the third in the "Build me a house" rap during "Working on a Dream".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009b.html | title=November 13 / Palace at Auburn Hills / Auburn Hills, MI | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-11-13 | access-date=2010-07-12 | archive-date=2010-07-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729011123/http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009b.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="rs111509">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/11/15/e-streets-van-zandt-on-bruce-springsteens-ohio-blunder-he-made-a-great-joke-out-of-it/--> | title=E Street's Van Zandt on Bruce Springsteen's 'Ohio' Blunder: 'He Made a Great Joke Out of It' | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-11-15 <!--| access-date=2009-11-19-->}}</ref> (The band had played in [[Cleveland, Ohio]], three nights earlier.) By now getting some boos from the crowd, guitarist Van Zandt, who had hoped Springsteen would stop making the mistake on his own, finally went over to Springsteen and corrected him: "‘You don’t realize it, but you’re saying Ohio and we’re in Michigan.’ He was like ‘What!?’"<ref name="rs111509"/> Springsteen then told the crowd that he had committed "every front man's nightmare," and made a show of saying "Michigan" from then on.<ref name="usa111509"/><ref>{{cite news | title=Springsteen guitarist on gaffe: 'They're going to attack us!' | author=McCollum, Brian | newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]] | date=2009-11-16 }}</ref> The [[Spinal Tap (band)|Spinal Tap]]-esque blunder attracted worldwide television and print publicity.<ref name="rs111509"/><ref name="usa111509">{{cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2009-11-15-springsteen-michigan_N.htm | title='Hello, Ohio!' (Psst! Boss, we're in Michigan) | author=McCollum, Brian | newspaper=[[USA Today]] | date=2009-11-15 | access-date=2009-11-19 | archive-date=2009-11-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091118015007/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2009-11-15-springsteen-michigan_N.htm? | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#33951158 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031207132319/http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#33951158 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2003-12-07 | title=Blushing Boss bungles concert location | work=[[NBC Nightly News]] | publisher=[[MSNBC]] | date=2009-11-15 | access-date=2009-11-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#33963145 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031207132319/http://msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#33963145 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2003-12-07 | title=No, Mr. Springsteen, you're not in Ohio | work=[[Morning Joe]] | publisher=[[MSNBC]] | date=2009-11-16 | access-date=2009-11-19}}</ref> (The show subsequently featured a rare performance of [[Bob Seger]]'s "[[Ramblin' Gamblin' Man (song)|Ramblin' Gamblin' Man]]", appealing to Seger's fan base in Detroit.<ref name="usa111509"/>) Springsteen made joking references to being in Ohio, or made exaggerated statements as to being in the correct state, in subsequent shows.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/11/bruce_springsteen_plays_living.html | title=Bruce Springsteen plays 'Living Proof' in Milwaukee | author=Goldstein, Stan | newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-11-16 | access-date=2009-11-19 | archive-date=2009-11-19 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119134320/http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/11/bruce_springsteen_plays_living.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
During the final stretch of the tour, the final encores of many shows presented a long, rousing, ebullient rendition of [[Jackie Wilson]]'s classic "[[(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher]]".<ref name="usa111509"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/03/AR2009110303646.html | title=Springsteen and his Verizon Center fans prove it all night | author=Richards, Chris | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=2009-11-04 | access-date=2009-11-19}}</ref><ref name="tenn111909">{{cite news | url=http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2009/11/19/bruce-springsteen-shares-power-presence-and-born-to-run-with-sommet-crowd/ | title=Bruce Springsteen shares power, presence and 'Born To Run' with Sommet crowd | author=Cooper, Peter | newspaper=[[The Tennessean]] | date=2009-11-19 | access-date=2009-11-19}}</ref> Showcasing featured vocals from Cindy Mizelle or Curtis King Jr. and trumpet solos from Curt Ramm, the song stretched to eight minutes with key changes, reprises, and walks through the pit area by Springsteen and the singers, and became recognized as one of the highpoints of the entire tour.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009b.html | title=November 3 / Time Warner Arena / Charlotte, NC | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-11-03 | access-date=2010-07-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009b.html | title=November 10 / Quicken Loans Arena / Cleveland, OH | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-11-10 | access-date=2010-07-25}}</ref> Springsteen dispelled any notion of this being the final E Street Band show or the last for a long time;<ref name="bb-qanda"/><ref name="rs112309"/> in an interview near the end of the tour he said, "We're playing to an audience now that will outlive us. But at the same time the band is very, very powerful right now. And part of the reason it's powerful is that it's carrying a lot of very strong cumulative history. You come and you see 35 years of a speeding train going down the track, and you're gonna get to be on the front end of it. We look forward to many, many more years of touring and playing and enjoying it."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> |
During the final stretch of the tour, the final encores of many shows presented a long, rousing, ebullient rendition of [[Jackie Wilson]]'s classic "[[(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher]]".<ref name="usa111509"/><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/03/AR2009110303646.html | title=Springsteen and his Verizon Center fans prove it all night | author=Richards, Chris | newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] | date=2009-11-04 | access-date=2009-11-19 | archive-date=2012-11-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109080415/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/03/AR2009110303646.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="tenn111909">{{cite news | url=http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2009/11/19/bruce-springsteen-shares-power-presence-and-born-to-run-with-sommet-crowd/ | title=Bruce Springsteen shares power, presence and 'Born To Run' with Sommet crowd | author=Cooper, Peter | newspaper=[[The Tennessean]] | date=2009-11-19 | access-date=2009-11-19}}</ref> Showcasing featured vocals from Cindy Mizelle or Curtis King Jr. and trumpet solos from Curt Ramm, the song stretched to eight minutes with key changes, reprises, and walks through the pit area by Springsteen and the singers, and became recognized as one of the highpoints of the entire tour.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009b.html | title=November 3 / Time Warner Arena / Charlotte, NC | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-11-03 | access-date=2010-07-25 | archive-date=2010-07-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729011123/http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009b.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009b.html | title=November 10 / Quicken Loans Arena / Cleveland, OH | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-11-10 | access-date=2010-07-25 | archive-date=2010-07-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729011123/http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009b.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Springsteen dispelled any notion of this being the final E Street Band show or the last for a long time;<ref name="bb-qanda"/><ref name="rs112309"/> in an interview near the end of the tour he said, "We're playing to an audience now that will outlive us. But at the same time the band is very, very powerful right now. And part of the reason it's powerful is that it's carrying a lot of very strong cumulative history. You come and you see 35 years of a speeding train going down the track, and you're gonna get to be on the front end of it. We look forward to many, many more years of touring and playing and enjoying it."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> |
||
The tour concluded with the November 22, 2009, show at [[HSBC Arena (Buffalo)|HSBC Arena]] in [[Buffalo, New York]].<ref name="rs112309">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/11/23/bruce-springsteen-and-e-street-say-goodbye-for-a-little-while-as-tour-wraps-in-buffalo/--> | title=Bruce Springsteen and E Street "Say Goodbye for a Little While" as Tour Wraps in Buffalo | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-11-23 <!--| access-date=2009-11-25-->}}</ref> Fans came from far away and the show dominated the feel of the city that day.<ref name="rs112309"/><ref name="bn112409">{{cite news | url=http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/story/870946.html | title=Springsteen's glorious goodbye—or is it? | author=Miers, Jeff | newspaper=[[Buffalo News]] | date=2009-11-24 | access-date=2009-11-25 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126015143/http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/story/870946.html | archive-date=2009-11-26 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="nsl112309"/> The full album played was Springsteen's first, ''[[Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.]]'', which he wryly said "was the miracle. This was the record that took everything from way below zero to ... ''one''."<ref name="rs112309"/> The performance of it was dedicated to his first manager and producer, [[Mike Appel]], who was present in the audience,<ref name="nsl112309">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/11/bruce_springsteen_plays_the_fi.html | title=Bruce Springsteen plays the final show of his 2009 tour in Buffalo on Sunday night | author=Goldstein, Stan | newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-11-23 | access-date=2009-11-25}}</ref> and featured quite rare renditions of "[[Mary Queen of Arkansas]]" and (the first ever with the E Street Band) "[[The Angel (Bruce Springsteen song)|The Angel]]".<ref name="rs112309"/> Other rarities peppered the 34-song, nearly 3½-hour night, including [[Chuck Willis]]'s "(I Don't Want to) Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes" and, to mark Steven Van Zandt's birthday, totally obscure outtake "Restless Nights" (supposedly Van Zandt's favorite Springsteen song) and a now-unusual second song from the current album, "Surprise Surprise".<ref name="rs112309"/><ref name="bn112409"/> Near the end he said, "So we're gonna say goodbye, but just for a little while ... a ''very'' little while ..."<ref name="rs112309"/> The tour finished not with the emotional statement in song that some other Springsteen tours have in the 2000s, but instead with [[John Fogerty]]'s "[[Rockin' All Over the World (song)|Rockin' All Over the World]]".<ref name="rs112309"/><ref name="nsl112309"/> |
The tour concluded with the November 22, 2009, show at [[HSBC Arena (Buffalo)|HSBC Arena]] in [[Buffalo, New York]].<ref name="rs112309">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/11/23/bruce-springsteen-and-e-street-say-goodbye-for-a-little-while-as-tour-wraps-in-buffalo/--> | title=Bruce Springsteen and E Street "Say Goodbye for a Little While" as Tour Wraps in Buffalo | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-11-23 <!--| access-date=2009-11-25-->}}</ref> Fans came from far away and the show dominated the feel of the city that day.<ref name="rs112309"/><ref name="bn112409">{{cite news | url=http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/story/870946.html | title=Springsteen's glorious goodbye—or is it? | author=Miers, Jeff | newspaper=[[Buffalo News]] | date=2009-11-24 | access-date=2009-11-25 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126015143/http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/story/870946.html | archive-date=2009-11-26 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="nsl112309"/> The full album played was Springsteen's first, ''[[Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.]]'', which he wryly said "was the miracle. This was the record that took everything from way below zero to ... ''one''."<ref name="rs112309"/> The performance of it was dedicated to his first manager and producer, [[Mike Appel]], who was present in the audience,<ref name="nsl112309">{{cite news | url=http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/11/bruce_springsteen_plays_the_fi.html | title=Bruce Springsteen plays the final show of his 2009 tour in Buffalo on Sunday night | author=Goldstein, Stan | newspaper=[[The Star-Ledger]] | date=2009-11-23 | access-date=2009-11-25 | archive-date=2009-11-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126013451/http://www.nj.com/springsteen/index.ssf/2009/11/bruce_springsteen_plays_the_fi.html | url-status=live }}</ref> and featured quite rare renditions of "[[Mary Queen of Arkansas]]" and (the first ever with the E Street Band) "[[The Angel (Bruce Springsteen song)|The Angel]]".<ref name="rs112309"/> Other rarities peppered the 34-song, nearly 3½-hour night, including [[Chuck Willis]]'s "(I Don't Want to) Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes" and, to mark Steven Van Zandt's birthday, totally obscure outtake "Restless Nights" (supposedly Van Zandt's favorite Springsteen song) and a now-unusual second song from the current album, "Surprise Surprise".<ref name="rs112309"/><ref name="bn112409"/> Near the end he said, "So we're gonna say goodbye, but just for a little while ... a ''very'' little while ..."<ref name="rs112309"/> The tour finished not with the emotional statement in song that some other Springsteen tours have in the 2000s, but instead with [[John Fogerty]]'s "[[Rockin' All Over the World (song)|Rockin' All Over the World]]".<ref name="rs112309"/><ref name="nsl112309"/> |
||
==Critical and commercial reception== |
==Critical and commercial reception== |
||
[[File:Bruce Springsteen Victory pose.jpg|thumb|257px|right|Springsteen exhorting the audience during "[[Raise Your Hand]]", August 1, 2009, at [[Estadio José Zorrilla]], [[Valladolid]], Spain.]] |
[[File:Bruce Springsteen Victory pose.jpg|thumb|257px|right|Springsteen exhorting the audience during "[[Raise Your Hand]]", August 1, 2009, at [[Estadio José Zorrilla]], [[Valladolid]], Spain.]] |
||
Newspaper reviews of the show often commented on the high level of energy and stamina the nearly 60-year-old Springsteen brought to the concerts.<ref name="pl042209">{{cite news | url=http://www.patriotledger.com/entertainment/x50626460/Boss-and-band-cover-a-lot-of-ground-in-Boston | title=Boss and band cover a lot of ground in Boston | author=Miller, Jay N. | work=[[The Patriot Ledger]] | date=2009-04-22 | access-date=2009-04-29}}</ref><ref name="cp042509">{{cite news <!--| url=http://www.connpost.com/ci_12228471--> | title=Springsteen concert good, not great | author=Spillane, Sean | newspaper=[[Connecticut Post]] | date=2009-04-25 <!--| access-date=2009-04-26-->}}</ref><ref name="ajc042809">{{cite news | url=http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/04/28/springsteen0428.html | title=Springsteen rocks hard | author=Kloer, Phil | work=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]] | date=2009-04-28 | access-date=2009-04-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622095710/http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/04/28/springsteen0428.html | archive-date=2011-06-22 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'' and the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' favorably compared Springsteen to the rest of the band in this regard, saying "Some of the guys in the band look their age"<ref name="ajc042809"/> and "they lack the physicality, the sustained urgency of their prime."<ref name="trib051209"/> |
Newspaper reviews of the show often commented on the high level of energy and stamina the nearly 60-year-old Springsteen brought to the concerts.<ref name="pl042209">{{cite news | url=http://www.patriotledger.com/entertainment/x50626460/Boss-and-band-cover-a-lot-of-ground-in-Boston | title=Boss and band cover a lot of ground in Boston | author=Miller, Jay N. | work=[[The Patriot Ledger]] | date=2009-04-22 | access-date=2009-04-29 | archive-date=2009-06-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629022829/http://www.patriotledger.com/entertainment/x50626460/Boss-and-band-cover-a-lot-of-ground-in-Boston | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="cp042509">{{cite news <!--| url=http://www.connpost.com/ci_12228471--> | title=Springsteen concert good, not great | author=Spillane, Sean | newspaper=[[Connecticut Post]] | date=2009-04-25 <!--| access-date=2009-04-26-->}}</ref><ref name="ajc042809">{{cite news | url=http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/04/28/springsteen0428.html | title=Springsteen rocks hard | author=Kloer, Phil | work=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]] | date=2009-04-28 | access-date=2009-04-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622095710/http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/04/28/springsteen0428.html | archive-date=2011-06-22 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'' and the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' favorably compared Springsteen to the rest of the band in this regard, saying "Some of the guys in the band look their age"<ref name="ajc042809"/> and "they lack the physicality, the sustained urgency of their prime."<ref name="trib051209"/> |
||
''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' and the ''[[The Mercury News|San Jose Mercury News]]'' both commented on the fundamental problem that Springsteen seemed to be facing on the tour. The former said "Bruce Springsteen may well have miscalculated earlier this year when he released ''Working on a Dream'', one of the most hopeful and downright happy sounding albums of his career just as a cratering economy was rendering the songs of struggle and strife that are his stock in trade more resonant than they have sounded in years."<ref name="pi042909"/> The latter said, "As Don Rumsfeld might say, you don't go on tour with the album you wish you had, you go on tour with the album you've got. So Springsteen faces the tough task of hyping a new romantic pop record while simultaneously offering hope and support to a wounded nation – not an easy task."<ref name="sjmn040209"/> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' voiced a similar theory.<ref name="rs052609"/> ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' critic [[Greg Kot]] wrote that "If there was a disappointment, it was that Springsteen didn’t make a stronger case for his latest album, ''Working on a Dream''. I’m not a fan of the album, but I always look forward to how the singer reinvents his studio work on the stage. In this case, however, he barely touched the new material ..."<ref name="trib051209">{{cite news | url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2009/05/concert-review-bruce-springsteen-at-united-center.html | title=Concert review: Bruce Springsteen at United Center | author=[[Greg Kot|Kot, Greg]] | work=[[Chicago Tribune]] | date=2009-05-12 | access-date=2009-05-14}}</ref> Views on one, the early-in-show, eight-minute "Outlaw Pete" – one of the few new material centerpieces – varied considerably.<ref name="gm050809"/><ref name="bh042209"/><ref name="trib051209"/> |
''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' and the ''[[The Mercury News|San Jose Mercury News]]'' both commented on the fundamental problem that Springsteen seemed to be facing on the tour. The former said "Bruce Springsteen may well have miscalculated earlier this year when he released ''Working on a Dream'', one of the most hopeful and downright happy sounding albums of his career just as a cratering economy was rendering the songs of struggle and strife that are his stock in trade more resonant than they have sounded in years."<ref name="pi042909"/> The latter said, "As Don Rumsfeld might say, you don't go on tour with the album you wish you had, you go on tour with the album you've got. So Springsteen faces the tough task of hyping a new romantic pop record while simultaneously offering hope and support to a wounded nation – not an easy task."<ref name="sjmn040209"/> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' voiced a similar theory.<ref name="rs052609"/> ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' critic [[Greg Kot]] wrote that "If there was a disappointment, it was that Springsteen didn’t make a stronger case for his latest album, ''Working on a Dream''. I’m not a fan of the album, but I always look forward to how the singer reinvents his studio work on the stage. In this case, however, he barely touched the new material ..."<ref name="trib051209">{{cite news | url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2009/05/concert-review-bruce-springsteen-at-united-center.html | title=Concert review: Bruce Springsteen at United Center | author=[[Greg Kot|Kot, Greg]] | work=[[Chicago Tribune]] | date=2009-05-12 | access-date=2009-05-14 | archive-date=2009-05-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515234928/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2009/05/concert-review-bruce-springsteen-at-united-center.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Views on one, the early-in-show, eight-minute "Outlaw Pete" – one of the few new material centerpieces – varied considerably.<ref name="gm050809"/><ref name="bh042209"/><ref name="trib051209"/> |
||
The ''[[The Mercury News|San Jose Mercury News]]'' and the ''[[Connecticut Post]]'' both gave the show a mixed review, with the former saying it was "decidedly subpar"<ref name="sjmn040209">{{cite news |author=Quillen |first=Shay |date=2009-04-02 |title=Springsteen & E Street Band fall short on opening-night show in San Jose |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12053748?nclick_check=1 |access-date=2009-04-26 |work=[[San Jose Mercury News]]}}</ref> and latter saying "the concert itself wasn't as captivating as past visits to the state."<ref name="cp042509"/> ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'' and ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' were unreserved in their praise, with the former saying Springsteen "deliver[ed] a show that proves boomer-oriented rock 'n' roll can still tear it up"<ref name="ajc042809"/> and the latter saying Springsteen adapted to circumstances "with an altered game plan that wisely plays to his strengths".<ref name="pi042909">{{cite news | url=http://www.phrequency.com/blog/43981677.html | title=Review: Springsteen plays to his strengths | author=DeLuca, Dan | newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] | date=2009-04-29 | access-date=2010-05-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715082931/http://www.phrequency.com/blog/43981677.html | archive-date=2011-07-15 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Greensboro, North Carolina]] ''[[News & Record (Greensboro)|News & Record]]'' said that "Springsteen and the E Street Band were received like conquering heroes during an exhilarating three-hour show that repeatedly drove the adoring, near-sellout crowd into fist-thrusting, sing-along frenzies."<ref name="gnr050409"/> ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' said of the tour's sole Canadian show, "an evening with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band still ranks as the epitome of the rock concert experience."<ref name="gm050809">{{cite news | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090508.wspringsteen0509/BNStory/Entertainment/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090508.wspringsteen0509 | title=Less power, more preach, but the Boss still satisfies | author=Niester, Alan | work=[[The Globe and Mail]] | date=2009-05-09 | access-date=2009-05-11 | format=fee required}}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' said of the first leg's concluding New Jersey shows, "Springsteen tours don’t usually hit highs like this until the end, but the band has essentially been on the road since September 2007."<ref name="rs052609">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/05/26/bruce-springsteen-closes-out-tour-with-hometown-marathon/--> | title=Bruce Springsteen Closes Out Tour With Hometown Marathon | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-05-26 <!--| access-date=2009-07-01-->}}</ref> |
The ''[[The Mercury News|San Jose Mercury News]]'' and the ''[[Connecticut Post]]'' both gave the show a mixed review, with the former saying it was "decidedly subpar"<ref name="sjmn040209">{{cite news |author=Quillen |first=Shay |date=2009-04-02 |title=Springsteen & E Street Band fall short on opening-night show in San Jose |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12053748?nclick_check=1 |access-date=2009-04-26 |work=[[San Jose Mercury News]] |archive-date=2011-06-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604091246/http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12053748?nclick_check=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> and latter saying "the concert itself wasn't as captivating as past visits to the state."<ref name="cp042509"/> ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'' and ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'' were unreserved in their praise, with the former saying Springsteen "deliver[ed] a show that proves boomer-oriented rock 'n' roll can still tear it up"<ref name="ajc042809"/> and the latter saying Springsteen adapted to circumstances "with an altered game plan that wisely plays to his strengths".<ref name="pi042909">{{cite news | url=http://www.phrequency.com/blog/43981677.html | title=Review: Springsteen plays to his strengths | author=DeLuca, Dan | newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] | date=2009-04-29 | access-date=2010-05-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715082931/http://www.phrequency.com/blog/43981677.html | archive-date=2011-07-15 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Greensboro, North Carolina]] ''[[News & Record (Greensboro)|News & Record]]'' said that "Springsteen and the E Street Band were received like conquering heroes during an exhilarating three-hour show that repeatedly drove the adoring, near-sellout crowd into fist-thrusting, sing-along frenzies."<ref name="gnr050409"/> ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' said of the tour's sole Canadian show, "an evening with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band still ranks as the epitome of the rock concert experience."<ref name="gm050809">{{cite news | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090508.wspringsteen0509/BNStory/Entertainment/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090508.wspringsteen0509 | title=Less power, more preach, but the Boss still satisfies | author=Niester, Alan | work=[[The Globe and Mail]] | date=2009-05-09 | access-date=2009-05-11 | format=fee required}}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' said of the first leg's concluding New Jersey shows, "Springsteen tours don’t usually hit highs like this until the end, but the band has essentially been on the road since September 2007."<ref name="rs052609">{{cite news <!--| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/05/26/bruce-springsteen-closes-out-tour-with-hometown-marathon/--> | title=Bruce Springsteen Closes Out Tour With Hometown Marathon | author=Greene, Andy | magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=2009-05-26 <!--| access-date=2009-07-01-->}}</ref> |
||
[[Image:E Street Band 2009.jpg|thumb|257px|right|The entire band stage front at the conclusion of the August 1, 2009, show at [[Estadio José Zorrilla]], [[Valladolid]], Spain.]] |
[[Image:E Street Band 2009.jpg|thumb|257px|right|The entire band stage front at the conclusion of the August 1, 2009, show at [[Estadio José Zorrilla]], [[Valladolid]], Spain.]] |
||
Of the European shows, critical reaction was generally quite favorable. ''[[The Irish Times]]'' said Springsteen showing no signs of age as he neared his 60th birthday, despite taking a spill during his stage antics in rainy Dublin, and remarked upon how "a set that features so many songs about the toughness of life ... can be delivered with such extraordinary verve that by the time you leave, you’re very glad to be alive."<ref name="it071309"/> ''[[The Independent]]'' echoed the sentiment in reviewing the Hyde Park show, writing that he showed "the vigour of a frontman a third of his age" and that "Springsteen's intensity was staggering from first powerful vocal to final thrashed-out chord."<ref name="ind070109">{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/bruce-springsteen--the-e-street-band-hyde-park-london-1725854.html | title=Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Hyde Park, London | author=Merrill, Jamie | work=[[The Independent]] | date=2009-07-01 | access-date=2009-07-30}}</ref> ''[[The Bath Chronicle]]'' saluted Springsteen's performance at Glastonbury, saying "As all the tickets were sold before Springsteen was even confirmed on the bill, he must have known he was facing something very rare for him – the musical equivalent of a sporting 'away match' where not everyone was necessarily a worshipper at the altar of Bruce."<ref name="bath070109"/> They concluded that Springsteen gave "a performance of passion, exuberance, exhilaration and musical majesty" while sticking with his standard tour set list and not resorting to playing many of his better-known hits.<ref name="bath070109"/> |
Of the European shows, critical reaction was generally quite favorable. ''[[The Irish Times]]'' said Springsteen showing no signs of age as he neared his 60th birthday, despite taking a spill during his stage antics in rainy Dublin, and remarked upon how "a set that features so many songs about the toughness of life ... can be delivered with such extraordinary verve that by the time you leave, you’re very glad to be alive."<ref name="it071309"/> ''[[The Independent]]'' echoed the sentiment in reviewing the Hyde Park show, writing that he showed "the vigour of a frontman a third of his age" and that "Springsteen's intensity was staggering from first powerful vocal to final thrashed-out chord."<ref name="ind070109">{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/bruce-springsteen--the-e-street-band-hyde-park-london-1725854.html | title=Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Hyde Park, London | author=Merrill, Jamie | work=[[The Independent]] | date=2009-07-01 | access-date=2009-07-30 | archive-date=2009-07-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704075133/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/bruce-springsteen--the-e-street-band-hyde-park-london-1725854.html | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Bath Chronicle]]'' saluted Springsteen's performance at Glastonbury, saying "As all the tickets were sold before Springsteen was even confirmed on the bill, he must have known he was facing something very rare for him – the musical equivalent of a sporting 'away match' where not everyone was necessarily a worshipper at the altar of Bruce."<ref name="bath070109"/> They concluded that Springsteen gave "a performance of passion, exuberance, exhilaration and musical majesty" while sticking with his standard tour set list and not resorting to playing many of his better-known hits.<ref name="bath070109"/> |
||
Of the final Giants Stadium stand, the ''[[New York Daily News]]'' said that "Wrecking Ball" was "a rousing declaration of defiance in the face of destruction", and overall said that "Once again, this proved [Springsteen] to be one of the few performers charismatic enough, and anthemic enough, to use the stadium scale to his advantage."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/09/30/2009-09-30_bruce_springsteen_rocks_giants_stadium_in_final_concerts_at_famed_arena.html | title=Bruce Springsteen set list: New song 'Bring on Your Wrecking Ball' bids Meadowlands goodbye | author=Farber, Jim | newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] | date=2009-10-01 | access-date=2009-10-14}}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' called "Wrecking Ball" "an inspiring start to another of the marathon three-hour shows Springsteen ''still'' manages to put on night after night."<ref name="ew100109">{{cite news | url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/10/01/bruce-springsteen-wrecking-ball/ | title=Bruce Springsteen debuts new song, 'Wrecking Ball,' at Giants Stadium | author=Vozick-Levinson, Simon | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=2009-10-01 | access-date=2009-10-14}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' said of the full performance of ''Born in the U.S.A.'' that "Springsteen sang with deeper nuance ... the songs have not faded."<ref name="nyt101109"/> [[Greg Kot]] of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' said that while during the first leg of the tour the band had "appeared to be running on fumes", the ''Born to Run'' album performance was "easily the best Springsteen show with the E Streeters I'd seen since the '80s."<ref name="trib-shows"/> |
Of the final Giants Stadium stand, the ''[[New York Daily News]]'' said that "Wrecking Ball" was "a rousing declaration of defiance in the face of destruction", and overall said that "Once again, this proved [Springsteen] to be one of the few performers charismatic enough, and anthemic enough, to use the stadium scale to his advantage."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/09/30/2009-09-30_bruce_springsteen_rocks_giants_stadium_in_final_concerts_at_famed_arena.html | title=Bruce Springsteen set list: New song 'Bring on Your Wrecking Ball' bids Meadowlands goodbye | author=Farber, Jim | newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] | date=2009-10-01 | access-date=2009-10-14 | archive-date=2009-10-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004003147/http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/09/30/2009-09-30_bruce_springsteen_rocks_giants_stadium_in_final_concerts_at_famed_arena.html | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' called "Wrecking Ball" "an inspiring start to another of the marathon three-hour shows Springsteen ''still'' manages to put on night after night."<ref name="ew100109">{{cite news | url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/10/01/bruce-springsteen-wrecking-ball/ | title=Bruce Springsteen debuts new song, 'Wrecking Ball,' at Giants Stadium | author=Vozick-Levinson, Simon | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | date=2009-10-01 | access-date=2009-10-14 | archive-date=2009-10-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004222321/http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/10/01/bruce-springsteen-wrecking-ball/ | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' said of the full performance of ''Born in the U.S.A.'' that "Springsteen sang with deeper nuance ... the songs have not faded."<ref name="nyt101109"/> [[Greg Kot]] of the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' said that while during the first leg of the tour the band had "appeared to be running on fumes", the ''Born to Run'' album performance was "easily the best Springsteen show with the E Streeters I'd seen since the '80s."<ref name="trib-shows"/> |
||
Looking back on the tour as a whole, and in combination with the preceding Magic Tour, ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' magazine cover story stated that "Even for an artist who has largely built his career on epic shows, Springsteen and the E Streeters have managed to find yet another gear at this stage in their legendary career."<ref name="bb-qanda">{{cite news | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266572/bruce-springsteen-the-billboard-cover-qa | title=Bruce Springsteen: The Billboard Cover Q&A | author=Waddell, Ray | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=2009-11-30 | access-date=2009-12-05}}</ref> Springsteen himself said, "With the end of these shows, we're coming to the end of a decade-long project that really was a tremendous renewal of the power, the strength and the service that our band hopefully provides."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> Springsteen also touted the quality of the shows: "I believe if you come and see us now you're seeing the best E Street Band that's ever played."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> Specific shows from the tour were named as among the best concerts of 2009 by ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' magazine,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.spin.com/gallery/30-biggest-concerts-2009?page=26#main | title=30 Biggest Concerts of 2009 | work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] | access-date=2009-12-19}}</ref> ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'',<ref>{{cite news | url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?&p_product=PHNP&p_theme=phnp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_trackval=PHNP&s_dispstring=%22Dan%20DeLuca%27s%20Best%20Five%20Shows%20of%202009%22&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=%28%22Dan%20DeLuca%27s%20Best%20Five%20Shows%20of%202009%22%29&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no&s_trackval=GooglePM | title=Dan DeLuca's Best Five Shows of 2009 | author=DeLuca, Dan | newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] | date=2009-12-13 | page=H10 | format=fee required}}</ref> the ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'',<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09351/1021419-388.stm | title=Best Concerts of 2009 | author=Mervis, Scott | newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] | date=2009-12-17 | access-date=2009-12-19}}</ref> and the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''.<ref name="trib-shows">{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1919193321.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+11%2C+2009&author=Greg+Kot&pub=Chicago+Tribune&edition=&startpage=12&desc=The+best+live+rock+shows+of+the+year | title=The best live rock shows of the year | author=[[Greg Kot|Kot, Greg]] | date=2009-12-11 | page=12 | format=fee required | work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> |
Looking back on the tour as a whole, and in combination with the preceding Magic Tour, ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' magazine cover story stated that "Even for an artist who has largely built his career on epic shows, Springsteen and the E Streeters have managed to find yet another gear at this stage in their legendary career."<ref name="bb-qanda">{{cite news | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266572/bruce-springsteen-the-billboard-cover-qa | title=Bruce Springsteen: The Billboard Cover Q&A | author=Waddell, Ray | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | date=2009-11-30 | access-date=2009-12-05 | archive-date=2013-03-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328074607/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266572/bruce-springsteen-the-billboard-cover-qa | url-status=live }}</ref> Springsteen himself said, "With the end of these shows, we're coming to the end of a decade-long project that really was a tremendous renewal of the power, the strength and the service that our band hopefully provides."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> Springsteen also touted the quality of the shows: "I believe if you come and see us now you're seeing the best E Street Band that's ever played."<ref name="bb-qanda"/> Specific shows from the tour were named as among the best concerts of 2009 by ''[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]'' magazine,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.spin.com/gallery/30-biggest-concerts-2009?page=26#main | title=30 Biggest Concerts of 2009 | work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] | access-date=2009-12-19 | archive-date=2009-12-20 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220040357/http://www.spin.com/gallery/30-biggest-concerts-2009?page=26#main | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'',<ref>{{cite news | url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?&p_product=PHNP&p_theme=phnp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_trackval=PHNP&s_dispstring=%22Dan%20DeLuca%27s%20Best%20Five%20Shows%20of%202009%22&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=%28%22Dan%20DeLuca%27s%20Best%20Five%20Shows%20of%202009%22%29&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no&s_trackval=GooglePM | title=Dan DeLuca's Best Five Shows of 2009 | author=DeLuca, Dan | newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] | date=2009-12-13 | page=H10 | format=fee required | access-date=2013-04-13 | archive-date=2016-01-26 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126214525/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?&p_product=PHNP&p_theme=phnp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_trackval=PHNP&s_dispstring=%22Dan%20DeLuca%27s%20Best%20Five%20Shows%20of%202009%22&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=%28%22Dan%20DeLuca%27s%20Best%20Five%20Shows%20of%202009%22%29&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no&s_trackval=GooglePM | url-status=live }}</ref> the ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]'',<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09351/1021419-388.stm | title=Best Concerts of 2009 | author=Mervis, Scott | newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] | date=2009-12-17 | access-date=2009-12-19 | archive-date=2009-12-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218061645/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09351/1021419-388.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> and the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''.<ref name="trib-shows">{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1919193321.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+11%2C+2009&author=Greg+Kot&pub=Chicago+Tribune&edition=&startpage=12&desc=The+best+live+rock+shows+of+the+year | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131151901/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/1919193321.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+11,+2009&author=Greg+Kot&pub=Chicago+Tribune&edition=&startpage=12&desc=The+best+live+rock+shows+of+the+year | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 31, 2013 | title=The best live rock shows of the year | author=[[Greg Kot|Kot, Greg]] | date=2009-12-11 | page=12 | format=fee required | work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> |
||
Springsteen himself remained quite interested in his and the band's commercial fortunes. He said before the tour's start that remaining popular had been one of his motivations for the Super Bowl appearance: "I've said no for about 10 years or however long they've been asking, but, I tell you, we played on the last tour and there were some empty seats here and there and, well, there shouldn't be any empty seats at an E Street Band show. I hold pride that we remain one of the great wonders of the world ... so sometimes you got to remind people a little bit."<ref name="lat040509"/> |
Springsteen himself remained quite interested in his and the band's commercial fortunes. He said before the tour's start that remaining popular had been one of his motivations for the Super Bowl appearance: "I've said no for about 10 years or however long they've been asking, but, I tell you, we played on the last tour and there were some empty seats here and there and, well, there shouldn't be any empty seats at an E Street Band show. I hold pride that we remain one of the great wonders of the world ... so sometimes you got to remind people a little bit."<ref name="lat040509"/> |
||
Through September 2009, the Working on a Dream Tour was in the top five in grosses of 2009 tours worldwide, alongside the [[U2 360° Tour]], [[Coldplay]]'s [[Viva la Vida Tour]], and [[AC/DC]]'s [[Black Ice World Tour]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/10/14/693712.aspx | title=Big Shows By Veteran Acts Boost Concert Biz | author=Otey, Jim | publisher=[[Pollstar]] | date=2009-10-14 | access-date=2009-10-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016212600/http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/10/14/693712.aspx | archive-date=2009-10-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> For all of 2009, the Working on a Dream Tour was the third-highest-grossing tour, trailing only U2 360° and [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]'s [[Sticky & Sweet Tour]].<ref name="bb-tour-25">{{cite magazine |title=Best of 2009: Top 25 Tours |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266418/top-25-tours-of-2009 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=2009-12-13 }}</ref> It grossed over $156 million, was seen by over 1.7 million ticket holders, and sold out 42 of 72 non-festival shows.<ref name="bb-tour-25"/> Unlike the past [[Magic Tour (Bruce Springsteen)|Magic]] and [[Devils & Dust Tour]]s, the Working on a Dream Tour failed to win any [[Billboard Touring Awards]]. The tour completed a busy ten years on the road for Springsteen, who ranked fourth among pop artists for the decade in terms of total touring grosses.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266415/top-touring-artists-of-the-decade | title=Top Touring Artists of the Decade | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | access-date=2009-12-19}}</ref> |
Through September 2009, the Working on a Dream Tour was in the top five in grosses of 2009 tours worldwide, alongside the [[U2 360° Tour]], [[Coldplay]]'s [[Viva la Vida Tour]], and [[AC/DC]]'s [[Black Ice World Tour]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/10/14/693712.aspx | title=Big Shows By Veteran Acts Boost Concert Biz | author=Otey, Jim | publisher=[[Pollstar]] | date=2009-10-14 | access-date=2009-10-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016212600/http://www.pollstar.com/blogs/news/archive/2009/10/14/693712.aspx | archive-date=2009-10-16 | url-status=dead }}</ref> For all of 2009, the Working on a Dream Tour was the third-highest-grossing tour, trailing only U2 360° and [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]]'s [[Sticky & Sweet Tour]].<ref name="bb-tour-25">{{cite magazine |title=Best of 2009: Top 25 Tours |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266418/top-25-tours-of-2009 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=2009-12-13 |archive-date=2013-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202052404/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266418/top-25-tours-of-2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> It grossed over $156 million, was seen by over 1.7 million ticket holders, and sold out 42 of 72 non-festival shows.<ref name="bb-tour-25"/> Unlike the past [[Magic Tour (Bruce Springsteen)|Magic]] and [[Devils & Dust Tour]]s, the Working on a Dream Tour failed to win any [[Billboard Touring Awards]]. The tour completed a busy ten years on the road for Springsteen, who ranked fourth among pop artists for the decade in terms of total touring grosses.<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266415/top-touring-artists-of-the-decade | title=Top Touring Artists of the Decade | magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] | access-date=2009-12-19 | archive-date=2013-09-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915011633/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266415/top-touring-artists-of-the-decade | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
==Broadcasts and recordings== |
==Broadcasts and recordings== |
||
Several of the tour's festival appearances aired on television or radio during 2009. |
Several of the tour's festival appearances aired on television or radio during 2009. |
||
One song's worth of the June 13 [[Bonnaroo Music Festival]] appearance, "Outlaw Pete", made it into a U.S. packaged broadcast of festival highlights for television, "The Best of Bonnaroo 2009", that appeared on [[Fuse TV]] on June 20.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/music/index.ssf/2009/06/didnt_make_it_to_the_bonnaroo.html | title=Didn't make it to the Bonnaroo Music Festival? Catch Bruce Springsteen, NIN and more on Fuse TV special | author=White, Marcia | newspaper=[[The Express-Times]] | date=2009-06-16 | access-date=2010-07-12}}</ref> The performance of that song subsequently appeared on a ''Live From Bonnaroo 2009'' DVD.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bonnaroo.com/news/2009/10/14/live-from-bonnaroo-2009-dvd-trailer-contest.aspx | title=Live from Bonnaroo Tracks, Trailer and Photo Contest! | publisher=[[Bonnaroo Music Festival]] | date=2009-10-14 | access-date=2010-07-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729193631/http://bonnaroo.com/news/2009/10/14/live-from-bonnaroo-2009-dvd-trailer-contest.aspx | archive-date=2010-07-29 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
One song's worth of the June 13 [[Bonnaroo Music Festival]] appearance, "Outlaw Pete", made it into a U.S. packaged broadcast of festival highlights for television, "The Best of Bonnaroo 2009", that appeared on [[Fuse TV]] on June 20.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/music/index.ssf/2009/06/didnt_make_it_to_the_bonnaroo.html | title=Didn't make it to the Bonnaroo Music Festival? Catch Bruce Springsteen, NIN and more on Fuse TV special | author=White, Marcia | newspaper=[[The Express-Times]] | date=2009-06-16 | access-date=2010-07-12 | archive-date=2012-03-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307144026/http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/music/index.ssf/2009/06/didnt_make_it_to_the_bonnaroo.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The performance of that song subsequently appeared on a ''Live From Bonnaroo 2009'' DVD.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bonnaroo.com/news/2009/10/14/live-from-bonnaroo-2009-dvd-trailer-contest.aspx | title=Live from Bonnaroo Tracks, Trailer and Photo Contest! | publisher=[[Bonnaroo Music Festival]] | date=2009-10-14 | access-date=2010-07-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729193631/http://bonnaroo.com/news/2009/10/14/live-from-bonnaroo-2009-dvd-trailer-contest.aspx | archive-date=2010-07-29 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
||
Portions of the June 27 [[Glastonbury Festival]] performance were aired live on [[BBC Two]] television and [[BBC 6 Music]] radio.<ref name="tele-bcast"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html | title=June 27 / Glastonbury Festival / Glastonbury, UK | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-06-27 | access-date=2010-07-18}}</ref> A number of fans complained that the full set had not been shown by the BBC, which in turn said the set had been too long to broadcast in its entirety.<ref name="tele-bcast">{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/glastonbury/5675329/BBC-sends-407-staff-to-Glastonbury-but-does-not-broadcast-full-sets.html | title=BBC sends 407 staff to Glastonbury but does not broadcast full sets | author=Leach, Ben | newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | location=London | |
Portions of the June 27 [[Glastonbury Festival]] performance were aired live on [[BBC Two]] television and [[BBC 6 Music]] radio.<ref name="tele-bcast"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html | title=June 27 / Glastonbury Festival / Glastonbury, UK | publisher=[[Backstreets.com]] | date=2009-06-27 | access-date=2010-07-18 | archive-date=2011-01-01 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101015320/http://backstreets.com/setlists2009a.html | url-status=live }}</ref> A number of fans complained that the full set had not been shown by the BBC, which in turn said the set had been too long to broadcast in its entirety.<ref name="tele-bcast">{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/glastonbury/5675329/BBC-sends-407-staff-to-Glastonbury-but-does-not-broadcast-full-sets.html | title=BBC sends 407 staff to Glastonbury but does not broadcast full sets | author=Leach, Ben | newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] | location=London | date=2009-06-29 | access-date=2010-07-18 | archive-date=2010-07-02 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702062023/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/glastonbury/5675329/BBC-sends-407-staff-to-Glastonbury-but-does-not-broadcast-full-sets.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Televised highlights were later shown on [[BBC Four]] and [[BBC HD]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lpkj5 | title=Glastonbury, 2009, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band | publisher=[[BBC 6 Music]] | access-date=2010-07-18 | archive-date=2010-09-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912010829/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lpkj5 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
In conjunction with the [[Fourth of July]] holiday in the United States, [[E Street Radio]] featured 45 minutes from the July 3 [[Frankfurt]] [[Commerzbank Arena]] show.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/07/02/2009-07-02_bruce_springsteen_marathon_nathans_hot_dog_eating_contest_top_independence_day_r.html | title=Bruce Springsteen concerts, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest top Independence Day radio offerings | author=Hinckley, David | newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] | date=2009-07-01 | access-date=2010-07-18}}</ref> |
In conjunction with the [[Fourth of July]] holiday in the United States, [[E Street Radio]] featured 45 minutes from the July 3 [[Frankfurt]] [[Commerzbank Arena]] show.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/07/02/2009-07-02_bruce_springsteen_marathon_nathans_hot_dog_eating_contest_top_independence_day_r.html | title=Bruce Springsteen concerts, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest top Independence Day radio offerings | author=Hinckley, David | newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] | date=2009-07-01 | access-date=2010-07-18 | archive-date=2009-08-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805042546/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/07/02/2009-07-02_bruce_springsteen_marathon_nathans_hot_dog_eating_contest_top_independence_day_r.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
In the United States, the [[Hard Rock Calling]] [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]] appearance was included in an August 21 broadcast on the [[VH1]], [[VH1 Classic]] and [[Palladia]] cable channels; seven Springsteen and E Street Band performances, including "[[London Calling (song)|London Calling]]" to open the program, were included in amongst other artists' performances.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1731572/vh1_vh1_classic_and_palladia_to_premiere_two_hard_rock/ | title=VH1, VH1 Classic, and Palladia to Premiere Two 'Hard Rock Calling' Specials from London's Hyde Park, Featuring Music's Biggest Icons and Brightest Rising Stars | publisher=[[PR Newswire]] | date=2009-08-04 | access-date=2010-07-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603183421/http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1731572/vh1_vh1_classic_and_palladia_to_premiere_two_hard_rock/ | archive-date=2012-06-03 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
In the United States, the [[Hard Rock Calling]] [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]] appearance was included in an August 21 broadcast on the [[VH1]], [[VH1 Classic]] and [[Palladia]] cable channels; seven Springsteen and E Street Band performances, including "[[London Calling (song)|London Calling]]" to open the program, were included in amongst other artists' performances.<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1731572/vh1_vh1_classic_and_palladia_to_premiere_two_hard_rock/ | title=VH1, VH1 Classic, and Palladia to Premiere Two 'Hard Rock Calling' Specials from London's Hyde Park, Featuring Music's Biggest Icons and Brightest Rising Stars | publisher=[[PR Newswire]] | date=2009-08-04 | access-date=2010-07-18 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603183421/http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1731572/vh1_vh1_classic_and_palladia_to_premiere_two_hard_rock/ | archive-date=2012-06-03 | url-status=dead }}</ref> |
||
Line 161: | Line 161: | ||
* ’’Cleveland November 10, 2009”, released March 4, 2022. |
* ’’Cleveland November 10, 2009”, released March 4, 2022. |
||
== |
== Tour dates == |
||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |
||
|+ List of concerts, showing date, city, country, venue, tickets sold, number of available tickets and amount of gross revenue |
|+ List of concerts, showing date, city, country, venue, tickets sold, number of available tickets and amount of gross revenue |
||
Line 175: | Line 175: | ||
! colspan="6" | North America<ref>North America box score: |
! colspan="6" | North America<ref>North America box score: |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=April 18, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=15 |pages=12 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wvih8wnKvXwC |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=April 18, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=15 |pages=12 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wvih8wnKvXwC |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045412/https://books.google.com/books?id=Wvih8wnKvXwC |url-status=live }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=April 25, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=16 |pages=30 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QdKeU1ZYfwsC |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=April 25, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=16 |pages=30 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QdKeU1ZYfwsC |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305125512/https://books.google.com/books?id=QdKeU1ZYfwsC |url-status=live }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=May 9, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=18 |pages=9 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x1cCZGCbYDwC |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=May 9, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=18 |pages=9 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x1cCZGCbYDwC |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045412/https://books.google.com/books?id=x1cCZGCbYDwC |url-status=live }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=May 16, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=19 |pages=13 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A2zL-uK-eE0C |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=May 16, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=19 |pages=13 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A2zL-uK-eE0C |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045413/https://books.google.com/books?id=A2zL-uK-eE0C |url-status=live }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=June 13, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=23 |pages=26 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3nN5lr7UanQC |access-date=December 7, 2014}}</ref><ref name="June 20, 2009">{{cite magazine |date=June 20, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=24 |pages=15 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wBeEDJhw110C |access-date=December 7, 2014}}</ref> |
*{{cite magazine |date=June 13, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=23 |pages=26 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3nN5lr7UanQC |access-date=December 7, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="June 20, 2009">{{cite magazine |date=June 20, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=24 |pages=15 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wBeEDJhw110C |access-date=December 7, 2014}}</ref> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 331: | Line 331: | ||
| May 23, 2009 |
| May 23, 2009 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! colspan="6" | Europe<ref name="June 20, 2009"/><ref name="July 11, 2009">{{cite magazine |date=July 11, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=27 |pages=9 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T0sB47TxoCwC |access-date=December 7, 2014}}</ref> |
! colspan="6" | Europe<ref name="June 20, 2009"/><ref name="July 11, 2009">{{cite magazine |date=July 11, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=27 |pages=9 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T0sB47TxoCwC |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045430/https://books.google.com/books?id=T0sB47TxoCwC |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| May 30, 2009 |
| May 30, 2009 |
||
Line 379: | Line 379: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
! colspan="6"| Europe<ref name="July 11, 2009"/><ref>Europe box score: |
! colspan="6"| Europe<ref name="July 11, 2009"/><ref>Europe box score: |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=July 25, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=29 |pages=40 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=54RrDyfz10MC |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=July 25, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=29 |pages=40 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=54RrDyfz10MC |access-date=December 7, 2014 }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=August 1, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=30 |pages=8 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XFZj6BL4zl8C |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=August 1, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=30 |pages=8 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XFZj6BL4zl8C |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045553/https://books.google.com/books?id=XFZj6BL4zl8C |url-status=live }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=August 15, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=32 |pages=10 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AHcbf1oaC8UC |access-date=December 7, 2014}}</ref> |
*{{cite magazine |date=August 15, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=32 |pages=10 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AHcbf1oaC8UC |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045414/https://books.google.com/books?id=AHcbf1oaC8UC |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| June 27, 2009 |
| June 27, 2009 |
||
Line 395: | Line 395: | ||
|[[Hyde Park Calling|Hard Rock Calling]] |
|[[Hyde Park Calling|Hard Rock Calling]] |
||
| 50,000 |
| 50,000 |
||
| |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 505: | Line 507: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
! colspan="6"| North America<ref>North American box score: |
! colspan="6"| North America<ref>North American box score: |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=September 12, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=36 |pages=10 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YKnLjROjFoMC |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=September 12, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=36 |pages=10 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YKnLjROjFoMC |access-date=December 7, 2014 }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=September 19, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=37 |pages=42 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rQBKoxLXGyAC |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=September 19, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=37 |pages=42 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rQBKoxLXGyAC |access-date=December 7, 2014 }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=October 10, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=40 |pages=12 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vetwOz3_OF4C |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=October 10, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=40 |pages=12 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vetwOz3_OF4C |access-date=December 7, 2014 }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=October 17, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=41 |pages=28 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SP9l9_UNIm4C |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=October 17, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=41 |pages=28 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SP9l9_UNIm4C |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045940/https://books.google.com/books?id=SP9l9_UNIm4C |url-status=live }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=October 24, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=42 |pages=14 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uTuZRK1B1B8C |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=October 24, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=42 |pages=14 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uTuZRK1B1B8C |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314050012/https://books.google.com/books?id=uTuZRK1B1B8C |url-status=live }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=October 31, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=43 |pages=10 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7LkF5QHu_cC |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=October 31, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=43 |pages=10 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7LkF5QHu_cC |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314050138/https://books.google.com/books?id=P7LkF5QHu_cC |url-status=live }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=November 14, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=45 |pages=13 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pnp_Xu47q9cC |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=November 14, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=45 |pages=13 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pnp_Xu47q9cC |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045942/https://books.google.com/books?id=Pnp_Xu47q9cC |url-status=live }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=November 21, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=46 |pages=9 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k8ROCIgpta4C |access-date=December 7, 2014}} |
*{{cite magazine |date=November 21, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=46 |pages=9 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k8ROCIgpta4C |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314045947/https://books.google.com/books?id=k8ROCIgpta4C |url-status=live }} |
||
*{{cite magazine |date=December 5, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=48 |pages=11 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S5qHDcGdQDEC |access-date=December 7, 2014}}</ref> |
*{{cite magazine |date=December 5, 2009 |title=Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses |magazine=Billboard |volume=121 |issue=48 |pages=11 |issn=0006-2510 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S5qHDcGdQDEC |access-date=December 7, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314050021/https://books.google.com/books?id=S5qHDcGdQDEC |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 698: | Line 700: | ||
* Curt Ramm – [[trumpet]] |
* Curt Ramm – [[trumpet]] |
||
Scialfa missed some shows on the first leg due to injuries received from falling off her horse,<ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="pi042909"/> then due to family responsibilities, and was absent from all the shows on the European leg. She continued to miss all but a handful of shows during the U.S. third leg, including only making it to two of the five final Giants Stadium performances. As on the Magic Tour, Tyrell assumed a more prominent role when Scialfa was absent.<ref name="trib051209"/> (Despite consistently having highly visible profiles during shows, Giordano and Tyrell have not been considered full-fledged E Street Band members in official Springsteen material.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://brucespringsteen.net/the-band | title=The Band – The Official Bruce Springsteen Website | publisher=BruceSpringsteen.net | access-date=April 13, 2013}}</ref>) Clemons continued to have a diminished physical role on stage due to his multiple physical problems,<ref name="trib051209"/> and was scheduled for spine surgery once the tour concluded with a 12-month recovery period.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.arthritistoday.org/community/people-profiles/clarence-clemons.php | title=Clarence Clemons Rocks On | author=DiEdwardo, Judy Alexandra | work=[[Arthritis Today]] | access-date=2009-06-20}}</ref> (As it happened, Clemons never played with the E Street Band again, suffering a fatal stroke in June 2011.) Jay Weinberg substituted for Max Weinberg on a number of dates, and the two alternated for portions of the show on a number of other dates. Ramm, a veteran of the [[Sessions Band Tour]], played on several songs per show during much of the U.S. third leg. |
Scialfa missed some shows on the first leg due to injuries received from falling off her horse,<ref name="pl042209"/><ref name="pi042909"/> then due to family responsibilities, and was absent from all the shows on the European leg. She continued to miss all but a handful of shows during the U.S. third leg, including only making it to two of the five final Giants Stadium performances. As on the Magic Tour, Tyrell assumed a more prominent role when Scialfa was absent.<ref name="trib051209"/> (Despite consistently having highly visible profiles during shows, Giordano and Tyrell have not been considered full-fledged E Street Band members in official Springsteen material.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://brucespringsteen.net/the-band | title=The Band – The Official Bruce Springsteen Website | publisher=BruceSpringsteen.net | access-date=April 13, 2013 | archive-date=January 26, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126231606/http://brucespringsteen.net/the-band | url-status=live }}</ref>) Clemons continued to have a diminished physical role on stage due to his multiple physical problems,<ref name="trib051209"/> and was scheduled for spine surgery once the tour concluded with a 12-month recovery period.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.arthritistoday.org/community/people-profiles/clarence-clemons.php | title=Clarence Clemons Rocks On | author=DiEdwardo, Judy Alexandra | work=[[Arthritis Today]] | access-date=2009-06-20 | archive-date=2009-06-19 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619082720/http://www.arthritistoday.org/community/people-profiles/clarence-clemons.php | url-status=live }}</ref> (As it happened, Clemons never played with the E Street Band again, suffering a fatal stroke in June 2011.) Jay Weinberg substituted for Max Weinberg on a number of dates, and the two alternated for portions of the show on a number of other dates. Ramm, a veteran of the [[Sessions Band Tour]], played on several songs per show during much of the U.S. third leg. |
||
== References == |
== References == |
Latest revision as of 08:25, 4 November 2024
Tour by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band | |
Location |
|
---|---|
Associated album | Working on a Dream |
Start date | April 1, 2009 |
End date | November 22, 2009 |
Legs | 3 |
No. of shows | 83 |
Box office | $167 million[1] ($237.17 in 2023 dollars)[2] |
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert chronology |
The Working on a Dream Tour was a concert tour by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, which began in April 2009 and ended in November 2009. It followed the late January 2009 release of the album Working on a Dream. This was the first full E Street Band tour without founding member Danny Federici, who died during the previous tour in 2008, and the final tour for founding member Clarence Clemons, who died in 2011.
The tour was shorter than a typical Springsteen outing, but for the first time in his career, it placed an emphasis on performing at music festivals, especially in Europe. Even more unlike all his previous tours, the Working on a Dream Tour featured little of his new album. Instead, several trends from the latter stages of the previous year's Magic Tour were carried forward: a focus on topical content, this time the late-2000s recession; a repetition of some of the stage raps and antics; and most visibly, continuation of a 'signs' segment, in which audience members would hold up signs requesting rare Springsteen songs or decades-past oldies and the band would stage (sometimes impromptu) performances of them. The final leg of the tour often featured another first as Springsteen played one of his classic 1970s or 1980s albums all the way through. Critical reaction to the tour's shows was generally positive, although the absence of the new material was noted.
Max Weinberg was not available for parts of the tour due to his bandleader obligations to The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, which was just commencing. His 18-year-old son, Jay Weinberg, became his replacement for parts or all of a number of shows, to a mostly positive reception from the rest of the band, the audience, and critics. The tour also gave Springsteen a chance to bid farewell to two famous venues he had played many shows at – the Philadelphia Spectrum and New Jersey's Giants Stadium.
The tour was a commercial success, grossing over $167 million, being seen by over 1.9 million ticket holders, and finishing as the third-highest-grossing tour in the world for 2009 even though the tour faced some logistical issues. Ticket sales were botched by Ticketmaster, a situation further exacerbated by revelations of their holding seats back for their secondary market TicketsNow. Before long, legislatures and attorneys general of several states, as well as members of the U.S. Congress and federal regulatory agencies, were weighing in on the matter, with various lawsuits, settlements, and proposed laws as the result.
Itinerary
[edit]The tour was envisioned by the Springsteen camp as not being "a total marathon",[3] and was thus considerably shorter than usual for Springsteen, especially in North America, where only 26 stops were planned.[4] It did include a date in Oklahoma, where Springsteen had not played in three decades and where officials at Tulsa's BOK Center had been trying to lure Springsteen for years.[4]
On February 23, 2009, it was confirmed that Springsteen would be headlining the Saturday night at Glastonbury festival in June of the same year.[5] Springsteen also signed up for the Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands and the Bonnaroo Music Festival in the United States; playing such festivals was a departure from his normal routing, and challenged him with audiences that were not pre-selected with his fans.[6]
One continuing subplot with the tour's scheduling was E Street drummer Max Weinberg's availability vis à vis his job as The Max Weinberg 7 bandleader for Conan O'Brien, given that during the first half of 2009 Late Night with Conan O'Brien in New York City was ending and The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien in Los Angeles was beginning.[7] The mid-January announcement that Late Night would continue until February 20 precluded any notion of starting the tour immediately following Springsteen's appearance at Super Bowl XLIII,[8] in addition to the band feeling that they had just gotten off the Magic Tour and "Wait, let's stop a minute."[9] Meanwhile, the June 1 start date of The Tonight Show posed problems for Weinberg's continued presence on the tour.[10] O'Brien told a Variety reporter at the time of the announcement that he hoped that Weinberg would follow him to Los Angeles and that he also hoped an arrangement could be worked out to let Weinberg go on the road with Springsteen as had been done for past tours.[7] At NBC, the coexistence between the drummer's two bosses was known as the Weinberg-Springsteen Rule, and was not typically extended to other talent at the network.[10] In a high-profile Rolling Stone cover story interview, Springsteen was vague about the matter: "All I know is this – it's all gonna work out, one way or another. If people wanna come out and see the E Street Band, they'll be able to come out and see the E Street Band."[10] And whether Weinberg would stay with O'Brien and move or not was a subject of conflicting news reports[11][12] until O'Brien confirmed on February 18 that Weinberg and the band were indeed coming with him.[13] A few days later, E Streeter Steven Van Zandt said of Weinberg's availability for the post-June 1, European leg: "We’re still figuring that out. We’ll see. I think Max will be there for most of it. ... I know he was very much trying to figure it out."[14] Weinberg had not missed an E Street Band show since joining the outfit in 1974, and Van Zandt said that no amount of rehearsal by another drummer could replace Weinberg's intuitive understanding of Springsteen's performance gambits.[14]
As had been the practice since the Reunion Tour in 1999, Springsteen and the band began rehearsals at Asbury Park Convention Hall.[15] Beginning on March 11, some of the Springsteen faithful listened outside closed doors for what songs and arrangements the tour might bring.[15] The presence of Max Weinberg's 18-year-old son Jay, a freshman at Stevens Institute of Technology[16] and also a drummer, at rehearsals indicated that he might be the one to replace his father for European leg shows where Tonight Show duties came into play.[17] On one occasion on the Magic Tour, Jay Weinberg had sat in on drums for "Born to Run".[17] This was confirmed by Springsteen on March 20, who said that Jay Weinberg would be drumming at a small number of shows during the tour.[18] Springsteen added, "Once again, I want to express my appreciation to Conan O'Brien, and everyone on his team, for making it possible for Max to continue to do double duty for both us and for him. We promise to return him in one piece."[19] Van Zandt said, "I’ve been avoiding this question for weeks! Thank God they finally announced it. We already did three days of rehearsals. Jay's a fantastic drummer. It's in the Weinberg DNA."[20]
By the time the American first leg was well underway, there was speculation of more American dates to come in the late summer and fall, but E Street guitarist Nils Lofgren said that Springsteen and wife Patti Scialfa would make a decision later on.[21]
On May 21, 2009, while playing at the Izod Center, Springsteen announced he would be playing three dates at next-door Giants Stadium in late September and early October, saying the band would "say goodbye to old Giants Stadium ... Before they bring the wrecking ball, the wrecking crew is coming back!"[22] The video screens on stage showed a huge banner being hung on the stadium, which was the forerunner of heavy advertising for the shows on local television. They sold out quickly, and two more dates were added, finishing on October 9.[23] These were scheduled to be the last concerts ever at the stadium.[23] The final show sold out quickly but not the one before it.[24] Subsequent U.S. tour dates in the late summer began to be announced as well, focusing on outdoor amphitheaters in the Northeast. In mid-July, a further extension to the U.S. tour was announced, adding shows in indoor arenas through November.[25]
The November 22, 2009, performance in Buffalo, New York, was slated as the tour's last.[26] After that, the E Street Band was expected to take a one to two-year hiatus, while Springsteen worked on another project.[26]
The October 26, 2009, show in Kansas City, Missouri, was canceled an hour before its scheduled start time due to the death of Lenny Sullivan, Springsteen's cousin and assistant road manager for ten years.[27][28] It was not rescheduled.[27]
Ticket sales
[edit]Even before any official tour announcement, tickets went on sale in Norway and Sweden. The heavy demand caused a crash in the Scandinavian ticketing system.[29] A similar situation due to heavy demand occurred in Finland with the Lippupiste ticketing system.[30]
On January 27, 2009, the day of the Working on a Dream release in the United States, the official announcement of the tour came.[31][32]
On February 1, 2009, Springsteen & the E Street Band performed at halftime of Super Bowl XLIII. The following day, February 2, 2009, tickets for many of the U.S. shows went on sale. Despite the Great Recession, demand was heavy in a number of areas, both due to Springsteen's continued popularity and the high visibility from the Super Bowl appearance.[33] Other areas failed to show the ticket fervor of past outings.[34] The pair of shows in both New Jersey and Philadelphia sold out in about an hour.[33][35] East Coast online sales through Ticketmaster, including the New Jersey ones, were especially troublesome, as many customers endured long waits or were in the middle of a purchasing transaction, only to be hit with screens saying the site was down "due to routine maintenance".[33] Ticketmaster acknowledged that the technical problem with the sales "wasn't our finest hour."[36] Tickets for the New Jersey shows were in limited supply to begin with, as some 27 percent of them were held back from sale by the venue, the record company, Springsteen's organization, and others.[37] Indeed, for one of the shows Springsteen's management held back all but 108 of the 1,126 seats in the four sections nearest the stage.[24]
Frustration became a public outcry when many of Ticketmaster online customers, upon being informed shows were sold out, were directed to TicketsNow, a Ticketmaster-owned site, where tickets were sold on the secondary market at extremely inflated prices.[33][36][38] Ticketmaster even pushed fans to TicketsNow even when there were still tickets available for a given show.[39] Bill Pascrell, the member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 8th congressional district, asked the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the relationship between Ticketmaster and TicketsNow,[38][40] saying, "I am concerned that the business affiliation between Ticketmaster and TicketsNow may represent a conflict of interest that is detrimental to the average fan. There is a significant potential for abuse when one company is able to monopolize the primary market for a product and also directly manipulate, and profit from, the secondary market."[41]
Springsteen issued a statement on his website where he chastised Ticketmaster and made it clear that he had no affiliation with them (the venues had the affiliation).[42] Springsteen's organization, as well as record companies and promoters, held back substantial numbers of tickets from public sales and made their supply even tighter, especially for New Jersey shows.[33] On the same day that New Jersey State Assemblymen Gary Schaer and Wayne DeAngelo called for an inquiry,[43] New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram also said that her office and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs would investigate the sale of Springsteen concert tickets amidst a number of complaints.[38][44] As the matter gained national attention,[45][46] it became what The Washington Post described as a "public relations nightmare" for Ticketmaster.[47] On February 5, Ticketmaster issued an "open letter of apology" to Springsteen and his fans, saying that it would no longer link to TicketsNow from Ticketmaster during high-demand sales and promising it would refund customers who inadvertently bought secondary market tickets.[48] Pascrell, whose office received over 1,000 complaints on the matter, and Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal also used the sales tales to indicate concern with the possible merger of Ticketmaster with Live Nation.[38][48] Springsteen also voiced his objection to the merger, and his comments also gained national attention.[49]
On February 23, 2009, Ticketmaster agreed to an out-of-court settlement with the New Jersey Attorney General.[50] Ticketmaster agreed to refund payments made to TicketsNow and reduce its visibility, and made some 2,000 tickets to the New Jersey shows available to complaints via random lottery, with promises of additional reparations if Springsteen scheduled a third leg to return to the United States in the summer.[50] The company was not fined, but did reimburse the Attorney General's office $350,000 for investigatory expenses.[50] Over 1,800 people qualified for the March 31 lottery,[51] and those that got them eventually picked up their tickets at an amusingly named "Attorney General Will Call Line" before the shows.[52] In March 2009, Springsteen manager Jon Landau emphasized that Springsteen never directly releases tickets into the secondary market, in the wake of revelations about other artists doing so.[53] In May 2009 – and on the same day that Springsteen would perform at the local Xcel Energy Center – Governor of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty signed into law "the Bruce Springsteen bill", which forbade online ticket sellers from sending frustrated customers to resale sites that offer inflated-price secondary market tickets.[54]
Different but similar Ticketmaster drama occurred on March 20 when tickets went on sale for Springsteen's two Asbury Park Convention Hall rehearsal shows a few days hence. Dozens of fans said that the Ticketmaster automated lines gave messages that no shows were on sale, while those using the human operator lines were able to make purchases.[55] Ticketmaster denied that anything had gone wrong.[55]
The secondary markets ticket saga re-emerged in mid-May during the first leg of the tour when TicketsNow announced they had oversold by some 300 persons the date at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center.[56] TicketsNow offered double refunds and inferiorly located tickets to other Springsteen shows, but Springsteen manager Landau was quite unhappy: "We would like our audience to know that this is a problem caused entirely by Ticketmaster and its wholly owned subsidiary TicketsNow. Neither Bruce nor his management have any control whatsoever over these two troubled entities but we deeply resent the abuse of our fans."[56]
When Springsteen's autumn Giants Stadium shows were announced in late May 2009, secondary market sellers began advertising steeply marked-up tickets before they went on sale.[57] This caused Attorney General Milgram to file suit against three such sellers for fraudulent behavior, especially given that some of the advertised seat locations did not even exist.[58] On June 1, Congressman Pascrell announced proposed federal legislation, titled the "BOSS ACT" (Better Oversight of Secondary Sales and Accountability in Concert Ticketing), which would require primary ticket sellers to disclose how many tickets were being held back from sale, prohibit ticket brokers from buying tickets during the first 48 hours on sale, and prohibit primary ticket sellers, promoters, and artists from entering the secondary market.[59]
In February 2010, Ticketmaster reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, which denounced the company's "deceptive bait-and-switch tactics" regarding phantom tickets, and made reference to an example in which the same 38 tickets to a tour show in Washington were sold and resold 1,600 times.[60] Ticketmaster conceded no wrongdoing but agreed to stop the practice; they also agreed to $1 million in refunds for overcharges for secondary market sales via TicketsNow.[60][61]
The show
[edit]Planning and rehearsals
[edit]One idea under early consideration was to include a mini-set at each stop, containing a full performance of one of Springsteen's classic albums.[3] Van Zandt predicted that they would play most of Working on a Dream during the initial stages of the tour, but what the rest of the show would be was uncertain.[9] If the full album idea did go forward, he thought his double album The River (1980) combined with outtakes from those sessions would make a full show on its own.[9] Nothing came of the full album notion right away; it would have to wait until the tour's U.S. third leg to materialize.
Per past practice, Springsteen performed a couple of public rehearsal shows at Asbury Park Convention Hall before beginning the tour proper.[62] The eight-minute "Outlaw Pete" from Working on a Dream opened and various other selections from the album were played,[34] but the show generally included patterns and staples of the early Magic Tour and other previous outings.[63][64] Jay Weinberg did some of the drumming, and the band was augmented by Curtis King Jr. and Cindy Mizelle (both veterans of the Sessions Band Tour) as additional backing vocalists.[63][65]
North American first leg
[edit]Once the first leg of the tour proper began at San Jose, California, on April 1, the consistent show opener was "Badlands"[66] – whose ending, or false ending, was framed with a recurrence of the Magic Tour's question of "Is there anybody alive out there?"[67][68] – several things became apparent. Typical shows contained only three songs from Working on a Dream: "Outlaw Pete" (initially accompanied by a fog machine),[69] "Working on a Dream" and "Kingdom of Days".[70] This was in stark departure from all previous Springsteen tours, when material from newly released albums was heavily featured. One other recently released Springsteen song, "The Wrestler", was also included in about half the set lists, although it did not share the new album's romantic pop style.[70] Of the other Working on a Dream songs, a couple were never attempted in private rehearsal; some others were rehearsed privately but not publicly; "This Life" and "Surprise Surprise" did not survive past the first Asbury Park rehearsal show; "Good Eye" did not survive past the first proper show; and "My Lucky Day" was played in the first three shows before being dropped.[71] The disappearance of "This Life" and "My Lucky Day" were especially notable, given the former had an elaborate, extended multi-part Beach Boys-style "Ba ba ba" outro section featuring King and Mizelle in its one rehearsal performance, and that the latter was the album's second single.[63][72][73] Nor was the prior album, Magic, given any due, with only "Radio Nowhere" included.[71] Set lists relied mostly upon Springsteen material up through Born in the U.S.A. (1984), The Rising (2002), and a few scattered selections from other periods.[71]
Commenting on the paucity of new material, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggested that the whole production would more accurately be named the Havin’ a Blast Tour.[74] The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said that "The strange thing ... is that the 'Working on a Dream' tour no longer seems to be about 'Working on a Dream'" and suggested that the album was unpopular among many fans and as a result, "Springsteen, always the savvy showman, has chosen not to shove it down anyone's throat."[72] Springsteen fans instantly discussed and analyzed setlists as shows happened on the Backstreets.com BTX website,[75] associated with which Twitter and other sources were used to post, or in some cases crudely broadcast, shows as they happened. E Street bassist Garry Tallent and guitarist Nils Lofgren found themselves amused that fans had complained on the previous Magic Tour of too much new material being played, and were now complaining of too little.[72][75] Guitarist Steve Van Zandt said that the Working on a Dream songs that were played were "big" songs, so that made up for their lack of number.[76]
One theme that was apparent in the show was the ongoing late-2000s recession. The early part of shows contained a "recession pack" consisting of "Seeds" (brought back from the 1980s), "Johnny 99" (elongated with incongruous train "woo-whoo's"),[77] and either "Youngstown" or "The Ghost of Tom Joad"[66][72][78] (both featuring fiery guitar solos from Nils Lofgren).[77][79] Encores began with a rendition of Stephen Foster's 1850s classic "Hard Times Come Again No More"[77][80] – which provided one of the few featured spots for King and Mizelle,[52][78] who otherwise played a lot of tambourine – and later included both of Springsteen's reunion-era encore epics of American struggle, survival and hope, "Land of Hope and Dreams" and "American Land".[78] Van Zandt said that the emergence of the recession theme was in part why the concerts did not showcase the Working on a Dream album.[76] However, one regular moment of optimism was the playing of "Waitin' on a Sunny Day" from The Rising, with Springsteen holding a microphone down to one or more young children in the front of the pit area to sing along to the chorus.[81][82][83]
One holdover from the latter stages of the Magic Tour was the "Build Me a House" stage rap, now located in "Working on a Dream".[66][70] Springsteen would say: "We're not just here to rock the house tonight. We're going to build a house.... We're going to use the good news and we're going to use the bad news. We've got all the news we need – on this stage and in those seats."[84]
An even more visible holdover was the 'signs' segment.[21] This would begin when Springsteen collected request signs from the pit audience as an extended introduction to "Raise Your Hand" was played.[66] Once that song completed, Springsteen selected two or three numbers to play from the requests. The first was often a garage rock classic such as "Wild Thing", "96 Tears", or "Mony Mony" or a punk rock staple such as "I Wanna Be Sedated" or "London Calling".[21] This activity was billed as "Stump the Band",[70][74] and led to impromptu arrangements being worked out onstage.[76] Springsteen would sometimes taunt the audience afterwards with declarations that the E Street Band could not be stumped, such as saying in Atlanta's Philips Arena, "...this is the greatest bar band in the land, and if they don't think we know 96 fuckin' Tears!"[85] The immediate introduction of the signs segment surprised even E Street guitarist Nils Lofgren, who thought Springsteen would hold it off until later in the tour.[21] The precise degree of challenge in this segment was unclear, as lyrics were often loaded into the teleprompter that Springsteen uses[21][74] and in some cases the songs had been soundchecked earlier.[86] In any case, most of the challenges were to the band's shared knowledge of British Invasion, Motown, Stax-Volt, and other 1960s material.[75] Springsteen subsequently said, "we started to take unusual requests and do songs that we'd never played before, just depending on the common memory that the band would have from everyone's individual playing experience as teenagers. We ended up with a system where we can jump on a lot pretty quick."[87] Other honored sign requests were usually for Springsteen songs not normally in the set list.[74][75]
Show lengths were generally between 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.[66][70][74][78] Springsteen scheduled his two Philadelphia shows at the soon-to-be-demolished Spectrum,[68] commenting that "They don't make arenas like this anymore" and stating that the smaller size and lack of luxury boxes made the old venue "ideal for rock shows."[88] The Spectrum had seen Springsteen's first headlining arena show in 1976 during the Born to Run tours, and now he said they would "fulfill our solemn vow to rock the Spectrum one more time."[88] Accordingly, the band played local act The Dovells' 1963 hit "You Can't Sit Down" among other Philadelphia-related selections.[77][88] Springsteen voiced similar sentiments about the old-but-still-going Nassau Coliseum, and selected The Soul Survivors' 1967 hit "Expressway to Your Heart" as a tribute to the nearby Long Island Expressway.[84]
Jay Weinberg appeared at a number of shows on the first, North American leg, drumming on anywhere from four songs to half the show.[16][66][89] He had been a fan of heavy metal music for much of his life,[16] and in playing with Springsteen he integrated a polyrhythmic approach influenced by metal bands such as Lamb of God, Mastodon and Slipknot with the E Street drumming style derived from big bands and early rock and roll.[90] He received a very positive reaction from both audiences and reviewers as a spark plug for the band,[89] with his vigorous, long-hair-flying style inviting comparisons to Dave Grohl[77] and his potential for replacing his father drawing allusions to Wally Pipp.[66][90] Chicago Tribune critic Greg Kot wrote, "All hail Jay Weinberg. ... With [him drumming] the band's chemistry was slightly unsettled for the better. ... His fills during 'Radio Nowhere' kicked the song, and the concert, into a higher gear, and galvanized a band that was starting to pace itself."[79] Jay Weinberg said "it's a summer job that anybody would want,"[16] while Max Weinberg said Jay's segments allowed him a "total out-of-body experience. For the first time in – I've been with Bruce for 35 years – I've been able to go out in the audience and enjoy a Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert."[90] Jay Weinberg played his first full show on May 14 at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York, as Max Weinberg was in California to prepare test runs for The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien start.[80][91] Springsteen said of the occasion, "This is the first night in 35 years that somebody else sat at the drums."[80] Overall, Modern Drummer magazine's editor said that a college freshman playing on one of the year's biggest rock tours was "certainly a unique story".[91] For the final Meadowlands Arena shows of the first leg, Jay Weinberg did the first but his father took a red-eye flight back from Los Angeles to do the second.[92]
Western European second leg
[edit]Once the show moved into its European second leg, more Working on a Dream songs began to sporadically appear, with "My Lucky Day" becoming a regular for a while and "Queen of the Supermarket" getting its first airing anywhere. For Scandinavian shows, as band members walked on stage, Lofgren opened with solo accordion performances of local summer-themed specialties, "Idas Sommarvisa" in Sweden[93] and "Du skal ikkje sova bort sumarnatta" in Norway.[94] Jay Weinberg did the first seven shows, as his father was now beginning The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.[92]
Springsteen and the band returned to the United States to make their first-ever appearance at the Bonnaroo Music Festival, as the headlining act on June 13, 2009.[95] Playing before festival audiences who were not guaranteed to be fans of his music was largely new to Springsteen, but after a slow start the show captured over most of the Bonnaroo audience.[96] The following night, Springsteen joined the recently reunited and headlining Phish for three songs, "Mustang Sally", "Bobby Jean" and "Glory Days".[95] Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio said later, "I got to play with Bruce. That's my hero."[95] The Bonnaroo performance of "Outlaw Pete" was included on a Fuse TV show of festival highlights, and the performance of "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" included a bit with Triumph the Insult Comic Dog singing along that was included on a Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien segment.[97] Springsteen subsequently reflected, "We played festivals for the very first time on this tour, and that was one of the greatest experiences of all of them. That was an eye-opener. When we played Glastonbury [...] you come out and there's like 100,000 kids in their 20s and under. It was fun playing on bills with other bands, and it's something I'd do again in the future."[87]
On June 25, Max Weinberg departed The Tonight Show temporarily for four weeks to join the band for the resumption of its Western European leg, via a comedy bit that had his drum riser turn into a float that took him outside and studio and purportedly to the airport.[98] During this stretch, Jay Weinberg did not appear during any of the shows until reappearing during the Spanish shows at the end of the leg. While Springsteen's wife Scialfa was nowhere to be seen in Europe, their son Evan appeared and played guitar during encores of a number of shows,[99] while Clarence Clemons' nephew Jake also made playing appearances and Springsteen's mother and aunt also took the stage.[100][101]
He also was the headliner of the Festival des Vieilles Charrues in Brittany, France in July, his only tour stop in France. His son Evan participated in the concert, playing guitar.
Lofgren continued to open shows, playing national songs on accordion. Set lists further loosened, with many tour premieres showing up in request slots or elsewhere and shows sometimes running to 30 songs in length.[99][102][103] After a while, the encore break was disposed with and the show ran continuously to the end without the band ever leaving the stage.[99] Springsteen ran past local curfews at both Dublin shows and at Glastonbury.[104] The Dublin violations resulted in a potential €50,000 fine, but Springsteen mocked the prospect by on-staging a bit: "We have to go, we have a curfew!" with Van Zandt replying, "We don't care about the curfew, this is the curfew breaking Boss and E Street Band!"[104] "American Skin (41 Shots)" made unexpected appearances in Dublin and at several stops in Italy,[105] while "My City of Ruins" was played at Stadio Olimpico in Rome in honor of the victims of the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake.[106] The Western European leg ended with five shows in Spain,[107] at more out-of-the-way locations than in the past.[108] The last of these shows, at the Auditorio Monte do Gozo in Santiago de Compostela, was marred by disorganized security and overbooking by the promoter, leaving some of the approximately 40,000 ticket holders unable to get in.[109][110] (Dozens of complaints against the promoter were filed to police, city, and consumer authorities the following day.[111][112]) In any event, the band played "Rockin' All Over the World" and concluded its encore with "Born in the U.S.A."[113] after 1 a.m. local time (the Spanish shows did not begin until 10 p.m.).[112][114] Max Weinberg immediately flew back to Los Angeles and resumed his role on The Tonight Show later that same day.[115]
U.S. third leg
[edit]The American third leg began in mid-August with shows at outdoor amphitheaters as well as indoor arenas. Shows were often scheduled for weekends, to allow Max Weinberg to play without missing any Tonight Show time; Jay Weinberg played those shows held during the week. Then on September 25, Max Weinberg took a two-month absence from the television show, to join Springsteen for the final portion of the leg. Ticket sales were slower than normal on this leg, partly due to Ticketmaster's new "paperless ticketing" system that may have come into effect due to the earlier problems with Springsteen sales.[116] In arenas that did not sell well, management relocated the people who bought tickets behind the stage to other sections and put up the screen used for stadium and amphitheater shows behind the stage. In a hint to fans to buy up, Van Zandt said, "You never know. This could be the last tour. We do every show like it's our last show anyway."[117] In any case, by September 2009 the tour had sold over two million tickets overall.[117] Even some shows in Philadelphia, long a Springsteen bastion, were not sold out.[118]
During the U.S. third leg, it was reported that Born to Run would be featured in its entirety during several shows, possibly in a scheme to boost ticket sales.[116][119] The full-album idea took fruition with the late September-early October set of five shows at Giants Stadium, which would be the final concerts ever in that venue in Springsteen's home state.[120] Born to Run was played at two shows, Darkness on the Edge of Town at one show, and Born in the U.S.A. at two shows.[121] Springsteen later said of the full album idea, "We had done so many shows and were going to come back around one more time, so we were like, 'OK, what can we do that we haven't done? Let's try to play some of the albums.' There were some people who were starting to do it, it sounded like a good idea, and my audience fundamentally experienced all my music in album form. People took Born to Run home and played it start to finish 100 times; they didn't slip on a cut in the middle. And we made albums – we took a long time, and we built them to last. ... Those records are packed with songs that have lasted 30–35 years. It simply was a way to revitalize the show and do something appealing and fun for the fans, but it ended up being a much bigger emotional experience than I thought it would be."[87]
The Giants Stadium shows were opened with a new Springsteen song written for the occasion, "Wrecking Ball", written from the point of view of the stadium itself:[122] "I was raised out of steel here in the swamps of Jersey, some misty years ago ..."[123] The stand featured several other new touches as well, including Springsteen crowd surfing during "Hungry Heart", evocative behind-the-stage upper-level lighting during "The Rising", and fireworks at the "E! Street! Band!" conclusion of "American Land".[122][124] The final show, which drew nearly 60,000 people,[124] concluded with the second playing on the stand of "Jersey Girl", dedicated to "all the crew and staff that's worked all these years at Giants Stadium."[122]
The full album versions continued, as well as a localized rendition of "Wrecking Ball", at Springsteen's four shows to close out the Philadelphia Spectrum as well;[118] some 43 different songs were playing during the stand.[87] Apart from the album playings, Springsteen kept setlists flexible during the third leg; sign requests continued, as in Springsteen's words they allowed "the fans to have input into the show in a way that just pumps the blood into everything and enlivens the evening."[87] Born to Run remained the standard full album choice for the rest of the tour, but the two shows at New York's Madison Square Garden saw The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle and The River, with the latter's 20-song length dominating the setlist. Springsteen felt The River show succeeded, saying "I sequenced [the album] to feel like a live show, so you have four fast songs and a couple of ballads. It played real well when we went to play it."[87]
Springsteen's show on November 13, 2009, at the Palace of Auburn Hills outside Detroit, Michigan, became well known for Springsteen's multiple statements to the crowd about being in Ohio, the first as he came on, the second during the lyric to "Wrecking Ball", and the third in the "Build me a house" rap during "Working on a Dream".[125][126] (The band had played in Cleveland, Ohio, three nights earlier.) By now getting some boos from the crowd, guitarist Van Zandt, who had hoped Springsteen would stop making the mistake on his own, finally went over to Springsteen and corrected him: "‘You don’t realize it, but you’re saying Ohio and we’re in Michigan.’ He was like ‘What!?’"[126] Springsteen then told the crowd that he had committed "every front man's nightmare," and made a show of saying "Michigan" from then on.[127][128] The Spinal Tap-esque blunder attracted worldwide television and print publicity.[126][127][129][130] (The show subsequently featured a rare performance of Bob Seger's "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man", appealing to Seger's fan base in Detroit.[127]) Springsteen made joking references to being in Ohio, or made exaggerated statements as to being in the correct state, in subsequent shows.[131]
During the final stretch of the tour, the final encores of many shows presented a long, rousing, ebullient rendition of Jackie Wilson's classic "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher".[127][132][133] Showcasing featured vocals from Cindy Mizelle or Curtis King Jr. and trumpet solos from Curt Ramm, the song stretched to eight minutes with key changes, reprises, and walks through the pit area by Springsteen and the singers, and became recognized as one of the highpoints of the entire tour.[134][135] Springsteen dispelled any notion of this being the final E Street Band show or the last for a long time;[87][136] in an interview near the end of the tour he said, "We're playing to an audience now that will outlive us. But at the same time the band is very, very powerful right now. And part of the reason it's powerful is that it's carrying a lot of very strong cumulative history. You come and you see 35 years of a speeding train going down the track, and you're gonna get to be on the front end of it. We look forward to many, many more years of touring and playing and enjoying it."[87]
The tour concluded with the November 22, 2009, show at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York.[136] Fans came from far away and the show dominated the feel of the city that day.[136][137][138] The full album played was Springsteen's first, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., which he wryly said "was the miracle. This was the record that took everything from way below zero to ... one."[136] The performance of it was dedicated to his first manager and producer, Mike Appel, who was present in the audience,[138] and featured quite rare renditions of "Mary Queen of Arkansas" and (the first ever with the E Street Band) "The Angel".[136] Other rarities peppered the 34-song, nearly 3½-hour night, including Chuck Willis's "(I Don't Want to) Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes" and, to mark Steven Van Zandt's birthday, totally obscure outtake "Restless Nights" (supposedly Van Zandt's favorite Springsteen song) and a now-unusual second song from the current album, "Surprise Surprise".[136][137] Near the end he said, "So we're gonna say goodbye, but just for a little while ... a very little while ..."[136] The tour finished not with the emotional statement in song that some other Springsteen tours have in the 2000s, but instead with John Fogerty's "Rockin' All Over the World".[136][138]
Critical and commercial reception
[edit]Newspaper reviews of the show often commented on the high level of energy and stamina the nearly 60-year-old Springsteen brought to the concerts.[66][70][74] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Chicago Tribune favorably compared Springsteen to the rest of the band in this regard, saying "Some of the guys in the band look their age"[74] and "they lack the physicality, the sustained urgency of their prime."[79]
The Philadelphia Inquirer and the San Jose Mercury News both commented on the fundamental problem that Springsteen seemed to be facing on the tour. The former said "Bruce Springsteen may well have miscalculated earlier this year when he released Working on a Dream, one of the most hopeful and downright happy sounding albums of his career just as a cratering economy was rendering the songs of struggle and strife that are his stock in trade more resonant than they have sounded in years."[78] The latter said, "As Don Rumsfeld might say, you don't go on tour with the album you wish you had, you go on tour with the album you've got. So Springsteen faces the tough task of hyping a new romantic pop record while simultaneously offering hope and support to a wounded nation – not an easy task."[139] Rolling Stone voiced a similar theory.[52] Chicago Tribune critic Greg Kot wrote that "If there was a disappointment, it was that Springsteen didn’t make a stronger case for his latest album, Working on a Dream. I’m not a fan of the album, but I always look forward to how the singer reinvents his studio work on the stage. In this case, however, he barely touched the new material ..."[79] Views on one, the early-in-show, eight-minute "Outlaw Pete" – one of the few new material centerpieces – varied considerably.[67][69][79]
The San Jose Mercury News and the Connecticut Post both gave the show a mixed review, with the former saying it was "decidedly subpar"[139] and latter saying "the concert itself wasn't as captivating as past visits to the state."[70] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Philadelphia Inquirer were unreserved in their praise, with the former saying Springsteen "deliver[ed] a show that proves boomer-oriented rock 'n' roll can still tear it up"[74] and the latter saying Springsteen adapted to circumstances "with an altered game plan that wisely plays to his strengths".[78] The Greensboro, North Carolina News & Record said that "Springsteen and the E Street Band were received like conquering heroes during an exhilarating three-hour show that repeatedly drove the adoring, near-sellout crowd into fist-thrusting, sing-along frenzies."[89] The Globe and Mail said of the tour's sole Canadian show, "an evening with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band still ranks as the epitome of the rock concert experience."[67] Rolling Stone said of the first leg's concluding New Jersey shows, "Springsteen tours don’t usually hit highs like this until the end, but the band has essentially been on the road since September 2007."[52]
Of the European shows, critical reaction was generally quite favorable. The Irish Times said Springsteen showing no signs of age as he neared his 60th birthday, despite taking a spill during his stage antics in rainy Dublin, and remarked upon how "a set that features so many songs about the toughness of life ... can be delivered with such extraordinary verve that by the time you leave, you’re very glad to be alive."[99] The Independent echoed the sentiment in reviewing the Hyde Park show, writing that he showed "the vigour of a frontman a third of his age" and that "Springsteen's intensity was staggering from first powerful vocal to final thrashed-out chord."[140] The Bath Chronicle saluted Springsteen's performance at Glastonbury, saying "As all the tickets were sold before Springsteen was even confirmed on the bill, he must have known he was facing something very rare for him – the musical equivalent of a sporting 'away match' where not everyone was necessarily a worshipper at the altar of Bruce."[6] They concluded that Springsteen gave "a performance of passion, exuberance, exhilaration and musical majesty" while sticking with his standard tour set list and not resorting to playing many of his better-known hits.[6]
Of the final Giants Stadium stand, the New York Daily News said that "Wrecking Ball" was "a rousing declaration of defiance in the face of destruction", and overall said that "Once again, this proved [Springsteen] to be one of the few performers charismatic enough, and anthemic enough, to use the stadium scale to his advantage."[141] Entertainment Weekly called "Wrecking Ball" "an inspiring start to another of the marathon three-hour shows Springsteen still manages to put on night after night."[123] The New York Times said of the full performance of Born in the U.S.A. that "Springsteen sang with deeper nuance ... the songs have not faded."[122] Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune said that while during the first leg of the tour the band had "appeared to be running on fumes", the Born to Run album performance was "easily the best Springsteen show with the E Streeters I'd seen since the '80s."[142]
Looking back on the tour as a whole, and in combination with the preceding Magic Tour, Billboard magazine cover story stated that "Even for an artist who has largely built his career on epic shows, Springsteen and the E Streeters have managed to find yet another gear at this stage in their legendary career."[87] Springsteen himself said, "With the end of these shows, we're coming to the end of a decade-long project that really was a tremendous renewal of the power, the strength and the service that our band hopefully provides."[87] Springsteen also touted the quality of the shows: "I believe if you come and see us now you're seeing the best E Street Band that's ever played."[87] Specific shows from the tour were named as among the best concerts of 2009 by Spin magazine,[143] The Philadelphia Inquirer,[144] the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,[145] and the Chicago Tribune.[142]
Springsteen himself remained quite interested in his and the band's commercial fortunes. He said before the tour's start that remaining popular had been one of his motivations for the Super Bowl appearance: "I've said no for about 10 years or however long they've been asking, but, I tell you, we played on the last tour and there were some empty seats here and there and, well, there shouldn't be any empty seats at an E Street Band show. I hold pride that we remain one of the great wonders of the world ... so sometimes you got to remind people a little bit."[34]
Through September 2009, the Working on a Dream Tour was in the top five in grosses of 2009 tours worldwide, alongside the U2 360° Tour, Coldplay's Viva la Vida Tour, and AC/DC's Black Ice World Tour.[146] For all of 2009, the Working on a Dream Tour was the third-highest-grossing tour, trailing only U2 360° and Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour.[1] It grossed over $156 million, was seen by over 1.7 million ticket holders, and sold out 42 of 72 non-festival shows.[1] Unlike the past Magic and Devils & Dust Tours, the Working on a Dream Tour failed to win any Billboard Touring Awards. The tour completed a busy ten years on the road for Springsteen, who ranked fourth among pop artists for the decade in terms of total touring grosses.[147]
Broadcasts and recordings
[edit]Several of the tour's festival appearances aired on television or radio during 2009.
One song's worth of the June 13 Bonnaroo Music Festival appearance, "Outlaw Pete", made it into a U.S. packaged broadcast of festival highlights for television, "The Best of Bonnaroo 2009", that appeared on Fuse TV on June 20.[148] The performance of that song subsequently appeared on a Live From Bonnaroo 2009 DVD.[149]
Portions of the June 27 Glastonbury Festival performance were aired live on BBC Two television and BBC 6 Music radio.[150][151] A number of fans complained that the full set had not been shown by the BBC, which in turn said the set had been too long to broadcast in its entirety.[150] Televised highlights were later shown on BBC Four and BBC HD.[152]
In conjunction with the Fourth of July holiday in the United States, E Street Radio featured 45 minutes from the July 3 Frankfurt Commerzbank Arena show.[153]
In the United States, the Hard Rock Calling Hyde Park appearance was included in an August 21 broadcast on the VH1, VH1 Classic and Palladia cable channels; seven Springsteen and E Street Band performances, including "London Calling" to open the program, were included in amongst other artists' performances.[154]
Several shows were filmed, but at the tour's conclusion no decisions had been made about whether to release them on DVD or other media.[87] In June 2010, London Calling: Live in Hyde Park was released: a 163-minute, near-complete Blu-ray/DVD accounting of the named show.[155]
Several shows were released as part of the Bruce Springsteen Archives:
- HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY, 11/22/09, released December 23, 2016
- Wachovia Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 10/20/09, released July 13, 2017
- MSG Nov 08, 2009, released June 1, 2018
- Nassau Coliseum, 05/04/09, released February 7, 2020
- ‘’MSG November 7, 2009”, released December 24, 2020.
- ’’Cleveland November 10, 2009”, released March 4, 2022.
Tour dates
[edit]Date | City | Country | Venue | Attendance | Revenue |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
North America[156][157] | |||||
April 1, 2009 | San Jose | United States | SAP Center | 16,713 / 17,196 | $1,535,889 |
April 3, 2009 | Glendale | Gila River Arena | 15,433 / 15,433 | $1,377,875 | |
April 5, 2009 | Austin | Frank Erwin Center | 15,654 / 15,654 | $1,302,672 | |
April 7, 2009 | Tulsa | BOK Center | 12,382 / 12,382 | $1,039,926 | |
April 8, 2009 | Houston | Toyota Center | 12,488 / 12,488 | $1,106,977 | |
April 10, 2009 | Denver | Pepsi Center | 17,202 / 17,414 | $1,555,204 | |
April 15, 2009 | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena | 31,080 / 33,094 | $2,807,010 | |
April 16, 2009 | |||||
April 21, 2009 | Boston | TD Garden | 33,035 / 33,477 | $3,006,655 | |
April 22, 2009 | |||||
April 24, 2009 | Hartford | XL Center | 15,168 / 15,168 | $1,405,050 | |
April 26, 2009 | Atlanta | Philips Arena | 14,361 / 15,190 | $1,324,980 | |
April 28, 2009 | Philadelphia | Wachovia Spectrum | 35,165 / 35,165 | $3,389,857 | |
April 29, 2009 | |||||
May 2, 2009 | Greensboro | Greensboro Coliseum | 17,234 / 19,462 | $1,573,072 | |
May 4, 2009 | Uniondale | Nassau Coliseum | 16,623 / 16,623 | $1,548,658 | |
May 5, 2009 | Charlottesville | John Paul Jones Arena | 12,099 / 12,099 | $1,058,115 | |
May 7, 2009 | Toronto | Canada | Air Canada Centre | 18,103 / 18,103 | $1,438,244 |
May 8, 2009 | University Park | United States | Bryce Jordan Center | 14,238 / 14,238 | $1,305,880 |
May 11, 2009 | St. Paul | Xcel Energy Center | 18,369 / 18,369 | $1,698,637 | |
May 12, 2009 | Chicago | United Center | 19,828 / 19,828 | $1,870,670 | |
May 14, 2009 | Albany | Times Union Center | 15,096 / 15,096 | $1,377,450 | |
May 15, 2009 | Hershey | Hersheypark Stadium | 29,745 / 29,745 | $2,859,106 | |
May 18, 2009 | Washington, D.C. | Verizon Center | 17,859 / 18,261 | $1,680,376 | |
May 19, 2009 | Pittsburgh | Mellon Arena | 16,572 / 16,881 | $1,367,577 | |
May 21, 2009 | East Rutherford | Izod Center | 38,502 / 38,502 | $3,559,260 | |
May 23, 2009 | |||||
Europe[157][158] | |||||
May 30, 2009 | Landgraaf | Netherlands | Pinkpop Festival | 65,000 | — |
June 2, 2009 | Tampere | Finland | Ratinan Stadion | 31,402 / 31,402 | $3,326,646 |
June 4, 2009 | Stockholm | Sweden | Stockholms Stadium | 99,024 / 99,024 | $9,877,161 |
June 5, 2009 | |||||
June 7, 2009 | |||||
June 9, 2009 | Bergen | Norway | Koengen | 47,000 / 51,000 | $4,613,805 |
June 10, 2009 | |||||
North America | |||||
June 13, 2009 | Manchester | United States | Bonnaroo Festival | 75,000 | — |
Europe[158][159] | |||||
June 27, 2009 | Glastonbury | England | Glastonbury Festival | 130,000 | — |
June 28, 2009 | London | Hard Rock Calling | 50,000 | ||
June 30, 2009 | Bern | Switzerland | Stade de Suisse | 36,538 / 36,538 | $3,816,416 |
July 2, 2009 | Munich | Germany | Olympiastadion | 39,896 / 44,186 | $3,723,108 |
July 3, 2009 | Frankfurt | Commerzbank Arena | 40,471 / 40,471 | $3,765,940 | |
July 5, 2009 | Vienna | Austria | Ernst Happel Stadion | 37,798 / 42,380 | $3,324,987 |
July 8, 2009 | Herning | Denmark | MCH Outdoor Arena | 49,947 / 49,947 | $4,770,172 |
July 11, 2009 | Dublin | Ireland | RDS Arena | 80,428 / 80,428 | $8,760,349 |
July 12, 2009 | |||||
July 14, 2009 | Glasgow | Scotland | Hampden Park | 50,544 / 50,544 | $4,378,752 |
July 16, 2009 | Carhaix | France | Festival des Vieilles Charrues | — | — |
July 19, 2009 | Rome | Italy | Stadio Olimpico | 37,834 / 42,479 | $2,944,904 |
July 21, 2009 | Torino | Stadio Olimpico di Torino | 32,774 / 32,774 | $2,639,310 | |
July 23, 2009 | Udine | Stadio Friuli | 28,356 / 28,356 | $2,104,035 | |
July 26, 2009 | Bilbao | Spain | San Mames Stadium | 36,318 / 36,935 | $3,409,189 |
July 28, 2009 | Sevilla | La Cartuja Olimpic Stadium | 24,030 / 36,724 | $2,204,863 | |
July 30, 2009 | Benidorm | Estadio Municipal de Foietes | 19,629 / 34,150 | $1,722,842 | |
August 1, 2009 | Valladolid | Estadio Jose Zorrilla | 30,893 / 34,000 | $3,040,354 | |
August 2, 2009 | Compostela | Auditorio Monte do Gozo | 36,502 / 36,502 | $3,381,498 | |
North America[160] | |||||
August 19, 2009 | Hartford | United States | Xfinity Theatre | 15,745 / 24,729 | $950,865 |
August 22, 2009 | Mansfield | Xfinity Center | 31,842 / 39,800 | $2,546,748 | |
August 23, 2009 | |||||
August 25, 2009 | Saratoga Springs | Saratoga Performing Arts Center | 17,682 / 25,559 | $1,047,945 | |
September 12, 2009 | Tampa | MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre | 13,763 / 19,144 | $1,011,698 | |
September 13, 2009 | Sunrise | BB&T Center | 11,586 / 13,836 | $1,049,482 | |
September 16, 2009 | Greenville | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | 10,281 / 10,938 | $831,990 | |
September 20, 2009 | Chicago | United Center | 18,249 / 18,249 | $1,739,826 | |
September 21, 2009 | Des Moines | Wells Fargo Arena | 8,451 / 15,448 | $678,928 | |
September 30, 2009 | East Rutherford | Giants Stadium | 260,668 / 270,388 | $22,570,336 | |
October 2, 2009 | |||||
October 3, 2009 | |||||
October 8, 2009 | |||||
October 9, 2009 | |||||
October 13, 2009 | Philadelphia | Wachovia Spectrum | 60,416 / 65,120 | $5,972,428 | |
October 14, 2009 | |||||
October 19, 2009 | |||||
October 20, 2009 | |||||
October 25, 2009 | St. Louis | Scottrade Center | 11,178 / 15,048 | $847,038 | |
November 2, 2009 | Washington, D.C. | Verizon Center | 17,545 / 17,545 | $1,653,329 | |
November 3, 2009 | Charlotte | Time Warner Cable Arena | 12,385 / 16,197 | $855,357 | |
November 7, 2009 | New York City | Madison Square Garden | 37,064 / 37,064 | $3,459,026 | |
November 8, 2009 | |||||
November 10, 2009 | Cleveland | Quicken Loans Arena | 16,232 / 17,261 | $1,426,330 | |
November 13, 2009 | Auburn Hills | The Palace of Auburn Hills | 15,170 / 19,431 | $1,169,764 | |
November 15, 2009 | Milwaukee | Bradley Center | — | — | |
November 18, 2009 | Nashville | Bridgestone Arena | 11,044 / 14,297 | $929,165 | |
November 20, 2009 | Baltimore | Royal Farms Arena | 14,679 / 14,679 | $1,295,766 | |
November 22, 2009 | Buffalo | HSBC Arena | 18,665 / 18,665 | $1,489,441 | |
Total | 1,812,978 / 1,939,106 | $162,518,933 |
Cancelled shows
[edit]Date | City | Country | Venue | Reason |
---|---|---|---|---|
October 26, 2009 | Kansas City | United States | Sprint Center | Death in family[27] |
Personnel
[edit]- The E Street Band
- Bruce Springsteen – lead vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica
- Roy Bittan – piano, synthesizer, accordion
- Clarence Clemons – tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, percussion, pennywhistle, piccolo, harmonica, whistling, background vocals
- Nils Lofgren – rhythm guitar, lead guitar, pedal steel guitar, acoustic guitar, accordion, background vocals
- Patti Scialfa – background vocals, some duet vocals, acoustic guitar, occasional tambourine
- Garry Tallent – bass guitar, rare background vocals, rare tuba
- Steven Van Zandt – rhythm guitar, lead guitar, mandolin, acoustic guitar, background vocals, occasional featured lead vocal
- Max Weinberg – drums, rare tambourine
- Charles Giordano – organ, accordion, electronic glockenspiel, rare piano, occasional background vocals
- Soozie Tyrell – violin, acoustic guitar, percussion, background vocals
- Jay Weinberg – drums
- Curtis King Jr. – background vocals and tambourine
- Cindy Mizelle – background vocals and tambourine
- Curt Ramm – trumpet
Scialfa missed some shows on the first leg due to injuries received from falling off her horse,[66][78] then due to family responsibilities, and was absent from all the shows on the European leg. She continued to miss all but a handful of shows during the U.S. third leg, including only making it to two of the five final Giants Stadium performances. As on the Magic Tour, Tyrell assumed a more prominent role when Scialfa was absent.[79] (Despite consistently having highly visible profiles during shows, Giordano and Tyrell have not been considered full-fledged E Street Band members in official Springsteen material.[161]) Clemons continued to have a diminished physical role on stage due to his multiple physical problems,[79] and was scheduled for spine surgery once the tour concluded with a 12-month recovery period.[162] (As it happened, Clemons never played with the E Street Band again, suffering a fatal stroke in June 2011.) Jay Weinberg substituted for Max Weinberg on a number of dates, and the two alternated for portions of the show on a number of other dates. Ramm, a veteran of the Sessions Band Tour, played on several songs per show during much of the U.S. third leg.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Best of 2009: Top 25 Tours". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2013-02-02. Retrieved 2009-12-13.
- ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ a b Fricke, David (2009-01-22). "The E Street Band Keep Rolling in '09". Rolling Stone.
- ^ a b Allen, Barbara (2009-01-28). "Springsteen finally adds Tulsa to his tour". Tulsa World. Archived from the original on 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ "Springsteen tops Glastonbury bill". BBC News. 2009-02-23. Archived from the original on 2010-10-01. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ a b c "Springsteen – born to run and born for Glastonbury". The Bath Chronicle. 2009-07-01. Archived from the original on 2010-01-17. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ a b "Max Watch '09: A Tale of Two Bosses". Backstreets.com. 2009-01-16. Archived from the original on 2021-04-14. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ "Conan O'Brien Saying Goodbye To 'Late Night' In February". WRC-TV. 2009-01-16. Archived from the original on 2024-03-14. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ a b c Greene, Andy (2009-03-03). "Van Zandt on Springsteen Tour, Super Bowl Rumors and How Garage Bands Can Blow Up". Rolling Stone.
- ^ a b c Fricke, David (2009-02-05). "Bringing It All Back Home" (PDF). Rolling Stone. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-03-25. Retrieved 2009-03-07.
- ^ Buckman, Adam (2008-04-12). "Max to Keep Beat in LA". New York Post. Archived from the original on 2009-02-25. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ Kaplan, Don (2009-02-04). "'Tonight' Tries to Woo Max". New York Post. Archived from the original on 2009-02-07. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ Serpe, Gina (2009-02-24). "Conan 'n' Andy Back Together for Tonight". E! Online. Archived from the original on 2009-02-27. Retrieved 2009-02-24.
- ^ a b Greene, Andy (2009-02-23). "Van Zandt on Max Weinberg's Busy Dance Card". Rolling Stone.
- ^ a b Goldstein, Stan (2009-03-12). "Bruce Springsteen rehearses in Asbury Park". The Star Ledger. Archived from the original on 2011-12-01. Retrieved 2009-03-17.
- ^ a b c d Wolfson, Melanie (2009-05-04). "Jay Weinberg Feels 'Super Fortunate' To Play On Bruce Springsteen Tour". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
- ^ a b Mikle, Jean (2009-03-18). "A Tale of Two Weinbergs". Asbury Park Press. Archived from the original on 2013-01-17. Retrieved 2009-03-18.
- ^ Greene, Andy (2009-03-20). "Max Weinberg's Son to Sub in at a Handful of Springsteen Gigs". Rolling Stone.
- ^ "Statement About Tour Personnel" (Press release). Shore Fire Media. 2009-03-20. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
- ^ Brunner, Rob (2009-03-20). "Springsteen news: Steve Van Zandt talks about the E Street Band's new drummer". EW.com. Archived from the original on 2009-03-22. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
- ^ a b c d e Graff, Gary (2009-05-13). "Springsteen's Audibles Can't Stump Nils Lofgren And E Street Band". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2013-02-19. Retrieved 2009-05-17.
- ^ Clancy, Michael (2009-05-22). "Bruce & the "Wrecking Crew" to Say Goodbye". WNBC-TV. Archived from the original on 2011-10-05. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
- ^ a b Jordan, Chris (2009-06-03). "More Springsteen shows announced". Asbury Park Press.
- ^ a b McGlone, Peggy (2009-06-14). "Springsteen withheld best tickets from the public at NJ concert, records show". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-06-19. Retrieved 2009-06-22.
- ^ Kreps, Daniel (2009-07-14). "Springsteen Adds More 'Working on a Dream' Shows To Tour". Rolling Stone.
- ^ a b Graff, Gary (2009-09-17). "Springsteen, E-Street Band Taking Time Apart After Tour". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2014-09-12. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^ a b c "Springsteen Concert Canceled Due To Death In Family". KMBC-TV. 2009-10-26. Archived from the original on 2010-12-26. Retrieved 2009-10-26.
- ^ "Lenny Sullivan". BruceSpringsteen.net. 2009-10-26. Archived from the original on 2012-01-18. Retrieved 2011-01-06.
- ^ "Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band To Launch Tour; New Album Out Today". Starpulse. 2009-01-27. Archived from the original on 2009-02-15. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ "Rush for Springsteen ticket sales causes online system to crash". Helsingin Sanomat. 2009-01-27. Archived from the original on 2009-01-30. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ "Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band To Launch 2009 US And European Tour" (Press release). Shore Fire Media. 2009-01-27. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ Satariano, Adam (2009-01-27). "Springsteen Will Start U.S. Tour April 1, Europe on May 30". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on 2024-03-14. Retrieved 2009-02-05.
- ^ a b c d e McGlone, Peggy (2009-02-02). "Ticket buying process frustrates Springsteen fans". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-02-06. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ a b c Boucher, Geoff (2009-04-05). "Bruce Springsteen, tour 2009: working on a dream". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2012-10-25. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ Luce, Paul (2009-02-03). "Springsteen tickets remain a hot item for Spectrum show". Delaware County Daily Times. Archived from the original on 2012-02-17. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ a b Greene, Andy (2009-02-03). "Ticketmaster Admits Springsteen Sale 'Wasn't Our Finest Hour'". Rolling Stone.
- ^ McGlone, Peggy (2009-05-20). "Getting into a N.J. Bruce Springsteen concert is harder than imagined". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-05-25. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
- ^ a b c d Satariano, Adam & Bensinger, Greg (2009-02-05). "Springsteen, Fans Decry Ticketmaster's 'Scalping'". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on 2012-10-23. Retrieved 2009-02-05.
- ^ "Failing the Smell Test: Ticket Woes Worsen". Backstreets.com. 2009-02-04. Archived from the original on 2010-08-13. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ "Springsteen ticket glitch has pol calling for federal probe". Newsday. Associated Press. 2009-02-03. Archived from the original on 2009-02-14. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ Pascrell, Bill (2009-02-03). "Pascrell Seeks Investigation Into Ticketmaster Business Practice" (Press release). U.S. House of Representatives. Archived from the original on 2011-04-11. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ "A Letter to Our Fans". Brucespringsteen.net. 2009-02-04. Archived from the original on 2010-01-30. Retrieved 2009-02-06.
- ^ "Shaer, DeAngelo to Ask AG to Determine Whether Jilted Springsteen Fans Have an Ally in State Law" (PDF) (Press release). New Jersey State Assembly. 2009-02-04. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-25. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ "Attorney General Investigating Ticket Sales for Springsteen Concert" (Press release). New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. 2009-02-04. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ Duke, Alan (2009-02-05). "Ticketmaster-Live Nation talks raise concerns". CNN. Archived from the original on 2009-02-07. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ Jenison, David (2009-02-04). "Bruce Springsteen Shows Taylor Swift, Ticketmaster Who's Boss". E! Online. Archived from the original on 2009-04-12. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ David Montgomery & J. Freedom du Lac (2009-02-12). "Ticketmaster Practices Not Taken at Face Value". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2012-11-07. Retrieved 2009-03-07.
- ^ a b McGlone, Peggy (2009-02-06). "Ticket firm apologizes to Bruce and fans". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2011-06-05. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
- ^ Colker, David, Tiffany Hsu and Randy Lewis (2009-02-05). "Possible Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger draws boos from concert fans". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2009-02-06. Retrieved 2009-02-07.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c Thompson, Brian (2009-02-23). "Ticketmaster Won't Be Fined for Springsteen Ticket Flap". WNBC-TV. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2009-02-23.
- ^ "Random Ticket Selection for Springsteen Concert Tickets Scheduled for March 31" (Press release). Office of the Attorney General. 2009-03-19. Archived from the original on 2009-03-22. Retrieved 2009-03-19.
- ^ a b c d Greene, Andy (2009-05-26). "Bruce Springsteen Closes Out Tour With Hometown Marathon". Rolling Stone.
- ^ Smith, Ethan (2009-03-11). "Concert Tickets Get Set Aside, Marked Up by Artists, Managers". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 2015-01-11. Retrieved 2009-03-17.
- ^ Van Sternberg, Bob (2009-05-12). "The Boss rocked the X hours after state's 'Springsteen Law' was signed". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 2009-06-28. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
- ^ a b Mikle, Jean & Bowman, Bill (2009-03-21). "Fans complain about Ticketmaster". Asbury Park Press. Archived from the original (fee required) on 2012-11-02. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
- ^ a b Smith, Jay (2009-05-14). "Springsteen's Manager Comments On Latest TicketsNow Snafu". Pollstar. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
- ^ McGlone, Peggy (2009-05-26). "Springsteen's Giants Stadium tickets are already offered by online brokers". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-05-31. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
- ^ "Attorney General Milgram Files Suit in Response to Deceptive Sales of Springsteen Concert Tickets Before Initial Public Sales Date" (Press release). New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. 2009-05-27. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
- ^ McGlone, Peggy (2009-06-01). "The BOSS ACT rewrites rules on ticket sales". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-06-11. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
- ^ a b Chmielewski, Dawn C. (2010-02-19). "Ticketmaster accused of selling 'phantom' Springsteen tickets". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2009-11-24. Retrieved 2010-02-26.
- ^ "Ticketmaster settles over marked-up Springsteen tickets". Houston Chronicle. Associated Press. 2010-02-18. Archived from the original on 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2010-02-26.
- ^ Mikle, Jean (2009-03-19). "Springsteen returns to the Asbury boardwalk". Courier News. Archived from the original on 2014-12-14. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ a b c Cotter, Kelly-Jane (2009-03-24). "Springsteen and crew tune up in Asbury". Courier News. Archived from the original on 2009-05-31. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ "March 23 / Asbury Park, New Jersey / Convention Hall". Backstreets.com. 2009-03-23. Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
- ^ Remec, Erik. "Curtis King Jr. Sings The Changes : The Backstreets Interview by Erik Remec". Backstreets.com. Backstreets Magazine. Archived from the original on 24 June 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Miller, Jay N. (2009-04-22). "Boss and band cover a lot of ground in Boston". The Patriot Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-06-29. Retrieved 2009-04-29.
- ^ a b c Niester, Alan (2009-05-09). "Less power, more preach, but the Boss still satisfies" (fee required). The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
- ^ a b DeLuca, Dan (2009-04-29). "Springsteen returns to the Spectrum". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- ^ a b Gottlieb, Jed (2009-04-22). "Bruce Springsteen raises Cain at sold-out Garden show". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on 2012-09-16. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
- ^ a b c d e f g Spillane, Sean (2009-04-25). "Springsteen concert good, not great". Connecticut Post.
- ^ a b c See Backstreets.com set lists for the first two legs Archived 2011-01-01 at the Wayback Machine and the third leg . These demonstrate the general focus on material from Born in the U.S.A. and earlier, with several songs from The Rising also being mainstays. The entries from "March 23 / Asbury Park, NJ / Convention Hall" through "April 7 / Tulsa, OK / BOK Center" describe the rapid dropping of Working on a Dream material from shows at the start of the tour. Of the album's song appearances over the course of the entire tour, "Working on a Dream" and "Outlaw Pete" were the only consistent regulars in tour set lists, with the latter missing a few shows during the third leg. "Kingdom of Days" was a regular during the first leg, appeared sporadically for the second, and then disappeared for the third. Album bonus song "The Wrestler" followed a somewhat similar pattern. After dropping out early in the first leg, "My Lucky Day" appeared for a run of shows in Europe before appearing just once back in America. "Surprise Surprise" appeared a handful of times following its initial dropping. "This Life" appeared in regular shows only twice, once during each of the first two legs. "Queen of the Supermarket" was played just once, to satisfy a sign request in Stockholm. "What Love Can Do" was also only played once, in Philadelphia during the third leg. "Good Eye" never reappeared after the first show. "Life Itself", "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "The Last Carnival" were never played in public, although the first two were heard being rehearsed behind closed doors – see Goldstein, Stan (2009-03-25). "Bruce Springsteen's Tuesday Asbury Park rehearsal show". Newark Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2011-05-18. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
- ^ a b c d Mervis, Scott (2009-05-17). "Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band break tradition by improvising set list". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on 2012-01-05. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
- ^ "Preview of January/February 2009 album releases". Billboard. Reuters. 2009-01-16. Archived from the original on 2010-03-16. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Kloer, Phil (2009-04-28). "Springsteen rocks hard". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on 2011-06-22. Retrieved 2009-04-29.
- ^ a b c d du Lac; J. Freedom (2009-05-15). "Nils Lofgren on Springsteen's Audibles, Audience Energy, Set List Criticism, TicketsNow and More". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2012-03-21. Retrieved 2009-05-17.
- ^ a b c "Little Steven's State of the Tour". Backstreets.com. 2009-05-27. Archived from the original on 2010-08-08. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ a b c d e Gehman, Geoff (2009-05-02). "Concert Reviews: Bruce Springsteen". The Morning Call.
- ^ a b c d e f g DeLuca, Dan (2009-04-29). "Review: Springsteen plays to his strengths". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Archived from the original on 2011-07-15. Retrieved 2010-05-23.
- ^ a b c d e f g Kot, Greg (2009-05-12). "Concert review: Bruce Springsteen at United Center". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2009-05-15. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
- ^ a b c Eck, Michael (2009-05-15). "Bruce Springsteen @ Times Union Center 5/14/09". Times Union. Archived from the original on 2009-05-18. Retrieved 2009-05-16.
- ^ Levin, Jordan (2009-09-14). "Review: Bruce Springsteen plays on into overtime". The Miami Herald.
- ^ "Review: Springsteen & the E Street Band Give Fans Something to Remember @ MSG". Glide Magazine. 2009-11-07. Archived from the original on 2009-12-13. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
- ^ Soeder, John (2009-11-11). "'Born to Run' is reborn when Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rock The Q". The Plain Dealer. Cleveland. Archived from the original on 2010-09-13. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
- ^ a b Gamboa, Glenn (2009-05-05). "Springsteen rocks the house at Nassau Coliseum". Newsday.
- ^ "This is the greatest bar band in the land ..." Cinema Viewfinder. 2009-04-27. Archived from the original on 2009-08-20. Retrieved 2009-04-29.
- ^ "April 29 / Philadelphia, PA / Wachovia Spectrum". Backstreets.com. 2009-04-30. Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Waddell, Ray (2009-11-30). "Bruce Springsteen: The Billboard Cover Q&A". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2013-03-28. Retrieved 2009-12-05.
- ^ a b c Lustig, Jay (2009-04-29). "'One more time': Springsteen at the Spectrum". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-05-02. Retrieved 2009-04-30.
- ^ a b c Puterbaugh, Parke (2009-05-04). "Review: 3-hour show rocks 'Steensboro'". News & Record. Archived from the original on 2012-02-13. Retrieved 2009-05-10.
- ^ a b c Bream, Jon (2009-05-09). "The beat goes on". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 2009-05-13. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
- ^ a b Lustig, Jay (2009-05-15). "Born To Drum: Two generations of Weinbergs do the E Street Shuffle". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-05-20. Retrieved 2009-05-16.
- ^ a b Steinberg, Jacques (2009-06-05). "For TV Band, Jet Lag Is Part of the Job". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2011-09-23. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
- ^ Tidholm, Po (2009-06-04). "Bruce Springsteen på Stockholms stadion, dag 1". Dagens Nyheter (in Swedish). Archived from the original on 2009-06-14. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
- ^ Østbø, Stein (2009-06-10). "Verdens beste Bergens-Bruce". Verdens Gang (in Norwegian). Archived from the original on 2009-07-22. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
- ^ a b c Waddell, Ray (2009-06-22). "Phish Revels In Glory Day Of Springsteen Bonnaroo Jam". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2013-04-23. Retrieved 2009-06-22.
- ^ Carpenter, Troy & Vrabel, Jeff (2009-06-15). "Bruce Springsteen finds new fans at Bonnaroo fest". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2009-06-18. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
- ^ Tucker, Ken (June 20, 2009). "Triumph the Insult Comic Dog invades Bonnaroo, meets 'thousands of pungent hippies'". EW.com. Archived from the original on June 22, 2009. Retrieved June 21, 2009.
- ^ Barnhart, Aaron (2009-07-07). "What's working for me". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on 2009-07-12. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
- ^ a b c d Hegarty, Shane (2009-07-13). "Springsteen may sing about tough life – but he never fails to bring joy". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 2012-06-07. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ "July 11: Dublin". Pointblankmag.com. 2009-07-11. Archived from the original on 2011-07-15. Retrieved 2010-07-21.
- ^ "Bruce Springsteen Rome – Roma 2009-07-19 Bruce's mom Adele and aunt Edie Zirilli dancing video". NME. Archived from the original on 2016-01-26. Retrieved 2010-07-21.
- ^ Goldstein, Stan (2009-07-05). "Great setlist by Bruce Springsteen in Vienna on Sunday". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-07-09. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ Goldstein, Stan (2009-07-12). "Bruce Springsteen plays 30 songs in Dublin!". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-07-15. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ a b "Springsteen faces fines for Brucie bonus". Belfast Telegraph. 2009-07-21. Archived from the original on 2009-07-24. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ Carretta, Luisa Maria (2009-07-24). "Springsteen a Udine. Rock vero, energia pura" (in Italian). Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Archived from the original on 2009-08-12. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ Castaldo, Gino (2009-07-20). "Springsteen non delude mai il suo rock illumina Roma". la Repubblica (in Italian). Archived from the original on 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ "Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to Launch 2009 US and European Tour". Brucespringsteen.net. Archived from the original on 2012-01-18. Retrieved 2010-07-22.
- ^ The routing avoided stops in Madrid and Barcelona, the sites of many past Springsteen concerts including the one featured in the 2003 Live in Barcelona DVD.
- ^ "Bruce Springsteen hace vibrar a 40.000 seguidores en su concierto de Santiago". Diario Atlántico (in Spanish). 2009-08-03. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2010-07-23.
- ^ Cuiña, S. (2009-08-03). "Caos y protestas en el concierto de Bruce Springsteen en Santiago". El Correo Gallego (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2009-08-06. Retrieved 2010-07-23.
- ^ Mirás, Nacho (2009-08-03). "El Monte do Gozo no da más de sí". La Voz de Galicia (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2010-06-29. Retrieved 2010-07-23.
- ^ a b "Caos en el concierto de Bruce Springsteen en Santiago". Diario Vasco (in Spanish). 2009-08-04. Archived from the original on 2009-11-20. Retrieved 2010-07-23.
- ^ "August 2 / Monte Del Gozo / Santiago, ESP". Backstreets.com. 2009-08-02. Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2010-07-13.
- ^ "Bruce Springsteen lights up Bilbao with his first Spanish concert". News from Spain. Euroresidentes.com. 2009-07-27. Archived from the original on 2011-03-08. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
- ^ "Episodes cast for 'The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien'". Internet Movie Database. Archived from the original on 2015-08-11. Retrieved 2010-07-23.
- ^ a b Young, Alex (2009-09-16). "Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band announce hiatus". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^ a b Gallo, Phil (2009-09-16). "Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band planning hiatus". LiveDaily. Archived from the original on 2009-09-22. Retrieved 2009-09-18.
- ^ a b Goldstein, Stan (2009-10-14). "Bruce Springsteen opens four-night stand at the Philadelphia Spectrum". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-10-15. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
- ^ Kot, Greg (2009-07-27). "Springsteen to play 'Born to Run' album in United Center return". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2009-07-30. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ "Springsteen Plays Last Show at Giants Stadium". The New York Times. Associated Press. 2009-10-10. Retrieved 2009-10-14. [dead link ]
- ^ Lustig, Jay (2009-10-10). "Bruce Springsteen rocks Giants Stadium for the last time". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-10-13. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
- ^ a b c d Pareles, Jon (2009-10-11). "For Springsteen and Giants Stadium, a Last Dance". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
- ^ a b Vozick-Levinson, Simon (2009-10-01). "Bruce Springsteen debuts new song, 'Wrecking Ball,' at Giants Stadium". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 2009-10-04. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
- ^ a b Jordan, Chris (2009-10-10). "Boss' final show at Meadowlands draws 60,000". Asbury Park Press. Gannett New Jersey.
- ^ "November 13 / Palace at Auburn Hills / Auburn Hills, MI". Backstreets.com. 2009-11-13. Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ a b c Greene, Andy (2009-11-15). "E Street's Van Zandt on Bruce Springsteen's 'Ohio' Blunder: 'He Made a Great Joke Out of It'". Rolling Stone.
- ^ a b c d McCollum, Brian (2009-11-15). "'Hello, Ohio!' (Psst! Boss, we're in Michigan)". USA Today. Archived from the original on 2009-11-18. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ McCollum, Brian (2009-11-16). "Springsteen guitarist on gaffe: 'They're going to attack us!'". Detroit Free Press.
- ^ "Blushing Boss bungles concert location". NBC Nightly News. MSNBC. 2009-11-15. Archived from the original on 2003-12-07. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ "No, Mr. Springsteen, you're not in Ohio". Morning Joe. MSNBC. 2009-11-16. Archived from the original on 2003-12-07. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ Goldstein, Stan (2009-11-16). "Bruce Springsteen plays 'Living Proof' in Milwaukee". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-11-19. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ Richards, Chris (2009-11-04). "Springsteen and his Verizon Center fans prove it all night". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2012-11-09. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ Cooper, Peter (2009-11-19). "Bruce Springsteen shares power, presence and 'Born To Run' with Sommet crowd". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ^ "November 3 / Time Warner Arena / Charlotte, NC". Backstreets.com. 2009-11-03. Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
- ^ "November 10 / Quicken Loans Arena / Cleveland, OH". Backstreets.com. 2009-11-10. Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Greene, Andy (2009-11-23). "Bruce Springsteen and E Street "Say Goodbye for a Little While" as Tour Wraps in Buffalo". Rolling Stone.
- ^ a b Miers, Jeff (2009-11-24). "Springsteen's glorious goodbye—or is it?". Buffalo News. Archived from the original on 2009-11-26. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
- ^ a b c Goldstein, Stan (2009-11-23). "Bruce Springsteen plays the final show of his 2009 tour in Buffalo on Sunday night". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on 2009-11-26. Retrieved 2009-11-25.
- ^ a b Quillen, Shay (2009-04-02). "Springsteen & E Street Band fall short on opening-night show in San Jose". San Jose Mercury News. Archived from the original on 2011-06-04. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
- ^ Merrill, Jamie (2009-07-01). "Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Hyde Park, London". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2009-07-04. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
- ^ Farber, Jim (2009-10-01). "Bruce Springsteen set list: New song 'Bring on Your Wrecking Ball' bids Meadowlands goodbye". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on 2009-10-04. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
- ^ a b Kot, Greg (2009-12-11). "The best live rock shows of the year". Chicago Tribune. p. 12. Archived from the original (fee required) on January 31, 2013.
- ^ "30 Biggest Concerts of 2009". Spin. Archived from the original on 2009-12-20. Retrieved 2009-12-19.
- ^ DeLuca, Dan (2009-12-13). "Dan DeLuca's Best Five Shows of 2009" (fee required). The Philadelphia Inquirer. p. H10. Archived from the original on 2016-01-26. Retrieved 2013-04-13.
- ^ Mervis, Scott (2009-12-17). "Best Concerts of 2009". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on 2009-12-18. Retrieved 2009-12-19.
- ^ Otey, Jim (2009-10-14). "Big Shows By Veteran Acts Boost Concert Biz". Pollstar. Archived from the original on 2009-10-16. Retrieved 2009-10-16.
- ^ "Top Touring Artists of the Decade". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2013-09-15. Retrieved 2009-12-19.
- ^ White, Marcia (2009-06-16). "Didn't make it to the Bonnaroo Music Festival? Catch Bruce Springsteen, NIN and more on Fuse TV special". The Express-Times. Archived from the original on 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ "Live from Bonnaroo Tracks, Trailer and Photo Contest!". Bonnaroo Music Festival. 2009-10-14. Archived from the original on 2010-07-29. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
- ^ a b Leach, Ben (2009-06-29). "BBC sends 407 staff to Glastonbury but does not broadcast full sets". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 2010-07-02. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
- ^ "June 27 / Glastonbury Festival / Glastonbury, UK". Backstreets.com. 2009-06-27. Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
- ^ "Glastonbury, 2009, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band". BBC 6 Music. Archived from the original on 2010-09-12. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
- ^ Hinckley, David (2009-07-01). "Bruce Springsteen concerts, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest top Independence Day radio offerings". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on 2009-08-05. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
- ^ "VH1, VH1 Classic, and Palladia to Premiere Two 'Hard Rock Calling' Specials from London's Hyde Park, Featuring Music's Biggest Icons and Brightest Rising Stars" (Press release). PR Newswire. 2009-08-04. Archived from the original on 2012-06-03. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
- ^ "Bruce Springsteen to release London Hyde Park gig on DVD". Uncut. 2010-04-20. Retrieved 2010-04-20.
- ^ North America box score:
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 15. April 18, 2009. p. 12. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 16. April 25, 2009. p. 30. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 18. May 9, 2009. p. 9. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 19. May 16, 2009. p. 13. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 23. June 13, 2009. p. 26. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- ^ a b "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 24. June 20, 2009. p. 15. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- ^ a b "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 27. July 11, 2009. p. 9. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- ^ Europe box score:
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 29. July 25, 2009. p. 40. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 30. August 1, 2009. p. 8. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 32. August 15, 2009. p. 10. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- ^ North American box score:
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 36. September 12, 2009. p. 10. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 37. September 19, 2009. p. 42. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 40. October 10, 2009. p. 12. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 41. October 17, 2009. p. 28. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 42. October 24, 2009. p. 14. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 43. October 31, 2009. p. 10. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 45. November 14, 2009. p. 13. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 46. November 21, 2009. p. 9. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- "Billboard Boxscore — Concert Grosses". Billboard. Vol. 121, no. 48. December 5, 2009. p. 11. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2014.
- ^ "The Band – The Official Bruce Springsteen Website". BruceSpringsteen.net. Archived from the original on January 26, 2014. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
- ^ DiEdwardo, Judy Alexandra. "Clarence Clemons Rocks On". Arthritis Today. Archived from the original on 2009-06-19. Retrieved 2009-06-20.