Dateline: August 7 2002

Continental Arena,

Rutherford New Jersey

Bruce opened up the worldwide tour with the E Street Band last night, in support of his new release titled "The Rising". As each band member took the stage in succession and to an ever-increasing roar from the crowd upon each musician’s arrival, the anticipation built to a climax upon the appearance of the Boss.

With a clear look of fierce determination upon his face, Bruce led the band into the first 2 numbers starting with “The Rising”, followed by “Lonesome Day” before launching into “Prove It All Night” from the album "Darkness On The Edge Of Town".

In fact, almost of the songs from “The Rising” were performed last night with few exceptions. This 2.5 hr show last night was apparently a showcase of the new album and the NJ home crowd received all of the songs the band performed enthusiastically.

The only miscues were during some of the new numbers plus I don't think that Bruce was happy with the closing of “Glory Days”, which was one of the encore numbers. He called for and the band complied with a "re-do" of the songs live fadeout, jokingly blaming the miscue on Mighty Max Weinberg.

The predictable highlights were all present, including crowd favorites such as “Two Hearts”, “Badlands” and “Darkness On The Edge Of Town”. Besides the new album (plus such newer Springsteen songs like “Land Of Hopes & Dreams” and “41 Shots”), the bulk of material performed last night was culled from “The River” and “Darkness On The Edge Of Town”.

The first departure from this concert long formula was during the encores, which included “Thunder Road”, “Born In The USA” and “Born To Run”. Needless to say, the rafters of Continental Arena were swaying somewhat alarmingly at this point in the evening.

Of course the biggest ovation during band introductions were expended on Clarence Clemons, including some colorful if not fictitious descriptions of the band members (Max was described by Bruce as being the result of a weird menage a trois between Keith Moon, Buddy Rich & Ed McMahon, Steve was referenced as SILVIO DANTE from his role on The Sopranos).

As for Soozie Tyrell, she made her presence & influence on the album and band apparent from the start of the concert. When introduced by Bruce, he made a reference to her downtown NYC roots, which was a nice touch. Patti also gave Sooze a big hug at the end of the concert.

An unusual note from my past Boss experiences, for one of the encore numbers (I think it was “My City Of Ruins”), Bruce sat and played at Roy Bittan’s piano for the first verse and bars before stepping away for the Professor. That was kind of cool...

Overall, I give the show a solid 9.5

The only reason not to give a 10 is because the show did not reach the 3 hr mark. I was happy with all of the new material that was played, I'd much rather have seen the band fumble a bit on “The Fuse” instead of delivering a by the numbers version of “Hungry Heart” (which by the way seems to be replaced as the crowd sing along number with a new song called “Waitin’ On A Sunny Day”).

I don't know yet whether I'll try to go to the MSG show next week or not. After having seen The Who with Robert Plant at the Garden last Saturday night (WOW! ask for it & I'll send you that review) and last nights performance, I think that I may need to recharge my nearly drained batteries.

If not in NYC next week, perhaps in LA at the end of the month (whaddya say, bro?). All I can say is, if you're gonna see Bruce on this tour you better get the new album. Besides being an instant classic, these songs are the bulk of the show so you might as well be familiar with them because you'll be on your feet most of the night grooving to them anyway...