mick parkinson writes: well said karsten !

labhras writes: all good news! thanks greasy lake!

John Hocking writes: Whether a group of musicians called, "The E-Street Band," continues to record and tour is completely irrelevant to the central point. How long will Bruce be able to do what he did on the Magic and Dream tours? He will not be able to put on, night after night, full-bore, all-out, song, song, song, song, song rock n' roll show unless he can do it as well, at a level of intensity, that has never been surpassed, by himself, or anyone else IMO, the shows on the two recent tours matched the Darkness and BitUSA shows for intensity, and at some he played longer, when you factor out the break and the stories of the 1978 and 1984-85 tours. He will *not* tour at a dimished level. He will *not* put on shows in which people leave thinking and saying, "Wow, that was great, ...for a 63 year-old." I think he will continue to write great songs and perform fantastic shows into his 70s. But they will be, for lack of a better word, "quieter" shows. I don't think we'll ever again experience the Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band that we saw the last two years. We'll see great shows. But the greatest live rock & roll that has ever been or is ever likely to be, The Greatest Show on Earth, is over.

Paul Doughty . writes: Sadly , I have to agree , though it pains me to do so . The big factor is obviously the big man , his arthritis and his imminent surgery . He is now 67 , the oldest E Streeter , and clearly he struggled majorly during this tour . His new book mentions this in some detail . Out of this comes the point - without Clarence you can't really call it the E Street Band so I have to say that John's comments above do seem to ring true . Hopefully we'll see Bruce tour for many years to come but I sense the E Street Band as we know it may have realistically come to the end of the road . That said ( trying desperately to convince myself otherwise ! ) , Clarence probably out of all the band would try and continue with Bruce if in any way he could do . Let's hope the surgery goes well for this iconic sax legend !

mick parkinson writes: please let us all stop being so BLOODY DISMAL! bruce will tour again,if it is with the e st band great. if not we all have some fantastic memories of unforgetable concerts, nobody can take away from us. you guys in the states have more memories than us guys in the uk so stop whinging !!

Blind Zero writes: How can you say that Clarence is cruical to the band? Who is crucial and who is not? The band has changed line-up 30 times, why does it have to be THIS time that the name should disappear?

Doug Cal writes: Don't wait for something like this to happen, enjoy them to the fullest, and they are immortal so the band will live forever.

Paul Doughty . writes: The big man is technically not crucial to the band from a musical point of view because his playing is arguably not what it once was - and there are replacements out there who could nail the solos better than him - but as has been recently mentioned on this web site , you can't play 10th Avenue , Jungleland and others with a different sax man....that just wouldn't be cricket as we English say . OK so I'm getting a bit too detailed here , but you get the point hopefully , and maybe Bruce can still tour going forward , and if it has to be without the big man , it'll be just like the studio albums say...'Bruce Springsteen', and Roy , Nils , Max when available , Garry , Steve , Sooz et all.....and hopefully including Curt ( awesome )can still be ramping it up big time alongside the man who President Obama just confirmed is 'the boss' !

Alberto writes: I agree with mick please let you all stop being so BLOODY DISMAL !!! You?re very lucky to live in USA or in Europe. You have had hundred of opportunities to see The Boss and the E Street Band. Enjoy it !!! We live in Southamerica and we were not so lucky as you. As Bruce said "Poor man wanna be rich, rich man wanna be king And a king ain't satisfied till he rules everything "

mick parkinson writes: thankyou alberto sense at last, i know we are luckier than you guys next tour maybe for you guys i really hope so. Come on bruce south america deserves a visit !

Lance Adams - Houston TX writes: thats right poor man wanna be rich, rich man wannabe king, and we all prayin, we aint seen the last of bruce springsteen

mick parkinson writes: somehow i don't think we have lance the man was born to run ( and run and run and run )

David writes: I still don't understand this concern about being their last tour, this has been going on for years and still Bruce had to shut us up once again putting the best shows this band has ever played. Like it has been said the band has changed over the years , if C has to go , well C has to go, it's a pity for the band 's image but there are way many better sax players around than him, he doesn't play nearly as much as before , basically just on the classic sax solos. Bruce has such a catalogue that he can still put an amazing show without Jungleland, thunder road, Badlands and all the big sax songs. I know I won't miss them at all . As unfortunate as Danny's passing away was , he was replaced and by a much better keyboard player (yes, people, Bruce wouldn't replace Danny unless the replacement would be better, it is the only way, the same thing will happen with Max and C (hope they live many more years btw) How many people are around way older than Bruce still playing great ? This is plain ridiculous, the only thing is that the shows might be more laid back but that has nothing to do with the music quality. Bruce, keep on keeping on and do whatever the fuck you want , you deserve it!

Mark Salore writes: More infor here" http://www.trampslikeus.com/news

George writes: I remember that concert on the radio. It was such a big deal because I couldn't get tix to it. So I taped it on my little cassette recorder and then listened to it for years until the tape broke. Already bought my tickets for Tramps, not missing it this time...can't wait!

Blind Zero writes: Why no comments? No more rumors? What could possibly be the reason?

the iLSTER writes: in a bbc documantry from '85 , bruce talks about the darkness album .he sais there that he would have liked to rerecorded this album someday .. maybe this is it .... probebly not .

Andrew Goddard writes: My favourite song at the moment comes from the Rising album, the song is you?re missing, this is one of Bruce?s best stories and is so cinematic, it?s untrue. It is a very simple message delivered with incredible slow and gradually building from normal family life to devastation. The violin is particularly strong in its contribution to the atmosphere created. The cause is only touched upon and it could be anything, but the simple arrangement supports the lyric and reinforces the build up. Bruce says on many occasions in interviews that it is the narrative that must win out and that the music should support, but never break the threat of the story. It is very difficult to create this picture in your mind with so few words, but it relies on our common, daily, routine events to shape the experience we all have. This everyday world lives in our minds and creates the images without any real effort, the chairs, rooms, coats and people will all be different, but the narrative is common and links us all together. The ground hog day, with each day being the same, but then this day arrives to change the pattern to disturb the normal daily ritual of arriving home. That is the great power of this song in that we all have a view with different a house, furniture, people; but with the overriding feeling of loss which this song builds up to. It?s as if all the material things don?t matter in the end, which then leaves you with your own image of what that loss is or how that loss feels. What a great song!!!

Edgar Villanueva writes: life goes on,we have to aprecciate that they still rocking,!!!keep on running Bruce!!!,E street band,THE BEST,Clarence,!!!ANIMO BIG KID!!!

Blind Zero writes: Yo, iLSTER, good input. Maybe they tried to play it just to decide whether or not to rerecord it :-)

The Mission Man. writes: If they rerecord Darkness in 2009 and release it togheter with the Darknessbox in 2010... I'll guess it will be the best album next year probably for the whole next decade. Go for it, Bruce.

samanddave99 writes: Could be punch-ins for a live c.d., to be included with a Darkness box.

Anteo writes: Was hoping that they were going to release a live version from the vaults of '78. Don't think a 2009 version will capture the same sort of emotion.

Eilidh writes: Wow!

Paul Morris writes: I can see that he cares just as much about the art as he does about his image. I see a man who's writing about what's going on around him, somebody who wants to help the less fortunate, is not afraid to stretch his imagination and uses his power to benefit greater society. He's very real.

BlindedBTLight writes: I wish this distaste with the Sessions Band would disappear on this site. It was a momentous and joyous experience, though perhaps something only Europeans and Bostonians could really grasp.

j. dupuis writes: saving my dollars

Erin C. writes: To me, these moments are not "curve balls" but rather just examples of the kind of person Bruce is. He believes in certain things and stands for certain things, so he acts when compelled to do so. He is also an artist who wants to continue to grow in his art, so he will continue to try "different things" but his goal and message remains ths same.

richard writes: I think though that the sound might appeal to younger people and like my 12 year old tells me she loves the newer stuff.

richard writes: Oh and I just want whatever Bruce can offer. I would love live covers like dream baby dream and drift away. Great stuff. Tracks part 2

sara writes: i live in nj if i would have known he was gong to be in asbury i would have camped out like last march!

ChrisK writes: I'm actually getting married on this cruise! Me and my fiance Michelle booked over the summer, can't wait!

MadamMarie writes: That sounds great ChrisK! Bon Voyage!

bluenose writes: More curve balls please, turned on by Born in The USA, bought&listened to every other album very soon afterwards. Can see the curve ball angle, but a concentrated look at the "Usual stuff" show that anyway

mick parkinson writes: wow indeed !! would also like to say i agree with erin c.typical examples of the bruce we all know ( even though some fans don't like it ) the guy has moved on accept it!!!!!!

Frank October writes: Light of Day was also at The Paramount last year although Bruce didn't show up for that one. LOD is held in several venues in Asbury during the weekend, not just the Paramount. Stone Pony, The Wonder Bar etc. Just wanted to clear that up

Darrel writes: You can't have it both ways. you can't be a socialist and a capitalist at the same time. I think it is good to sue. Smaller artists don't get the same royalties as the big ones like Bruce, but he wants to be like the great Obama act like a populist, but he wants it both ways. Capitalism works socialism does not. Write about that Bruce!

Mike writes: The ASCAP would benefit from having a two-tiered system. The artists at the establishments/the bars need to make money and some songwriters need to protect their loyalties. Why not allow artists to have license free songs at such events, if they choose?

Pete writes: ASCAP were correct to sue, though not to use Bruce's name so prominently. Think about it; we can't get cable TV for free, and neither can bars, so why should they get music for free? Any artist, no matter how big or small, deserves to be paid for their work. The bar in question did not have a licence nor pay their dues, so why should they be excused? What would happen if you drove without a licence? It's nothing to do with populism, capitalism, or socialism. Just the law.

anteo writes: The vast majority of the ASCAP money goes to line their own pockets, then the big artists and record labels. they are not some charity designed to help struggling artists. The best help a struggling artist can get is if their music is heard not some token $500 cheque each year. When an establishment has to pay the same set fee for lets say a Springsteen tribute the struggler isn't going to get a look in. Bruce has genuinely hands on helped smaller artists - gary us bonds, joe grusecky, southside etc. - and am sure his reaction was from principal rather than a calculated PR ploy.

Linny writes: There is no one like Bruce to turn on one person or 50,000... I have never had a better, more thrilling time as when I attended the many Bruce concerts.

David Jenkinson writes: Make a mistake, Bruce. I DARE you!! (SEE, it's impossible!).

Kal writes: The notion that everything copyrighted has to be paid for over and over again is inherently flawed. If you buy a six-pack and share it would someone, should that person have to pay for their beer again? No. Once you own something-- for example, I own everything on MY computer-- it is yours to do with what you will. If a person bought 'Born in the USA' and pays it at a party or a bar there should be no problem. Bruce has already gotten his money when that person bought the CD. Is every person who hears it supposed to buy it over again? Ridiculous.

Julia in New Jersey writes: Pleeaassee............Bruce has it goin' on at the age of 60. Look how bad Roger looked during the halftime show of the Super Bowl. He's only 4 years older then Bruce. There's only 1 Bruuuccceee!!!

Charlie writes: @ Darrell 'Capitalism works and socialism doesn't'? Just about the dumbest comment I've ever read. Can you justify that statement, please - and don't give me the usual dross about the Soviet Union. I tell you what; I'll give the debate a start. Capitalism keeps billions - yes, billions - of people without enough food to eat, water to drink, medicine to take, a roof over their head, heating in winter etc On top of fueling child labour, modern slavery etc etc. You can say what you like about socialism but I can tell you now, capitalism does not work.

David writes: Well said Charlie! What does that have to do with anything? Smaller acts should be getting their asses on the road as much as possible and as tiring as it is (Bruce knows better than anyone) cause that is where the money is and where you have the best chance of becoming a famous artist. I have no knowledge of how ASCAP works but like it was said before, if the owner of the bar has bought that cd he /she should be able to play it where/whenever he/she wants.

Alan writes: @ Charlie. Capitalism does work. You childishly want to ignore the most glaring example of its failure- The Soviet Union. The examples that you give are problems predominantly in socialist countries like Cuba, Venezuela, CHINA, N. Korea, Shall I go on? Capitalism is exactly what enables people like Bruce Springsteen to become the stars that they are. Capitalism provides people far more opporitunity to become sucessful & provide employment for others. The medical technology that helps heal the world mainly comes from Captialist(yes the U.S.A.)nations. Capitalism provides for far far greater amount of people than what you claim it causes poverty on. The next time there is a disaster I want you to recognize the fact that Capitalist Nations lead the way in humanitarian aid. Please don't confuse Capitalism with greed. The two are not synonymous. As a matter of fact, Bruce is always looking out for his own slice of the pie when it comes to royalties & getting paid. When they were making the movie Mask, a true story about a disfigured boy who was a big Bruce fan, they wanted to use his music in the movie & he wouldn't allow it because of royalties. They had to use Bob Seegers music instead. Sorry Bruce you can't have it both ways. I love your music & the band, but politically you are the complete opposite end of the spectrum from me.

SSR writes: http://priceprobe.co.uk/bruce-springsteen-the-boss-2-discs-anv3279-best-price/dvds/p1353351

The Butt writes: the What Love Can Do/A Night With The Jersey Devil 7" last year was Bruce's first Record Store Day release. Dream Baby Dream came out in October of 2008 and was part of a series of EPs or singles paying tribute to Alan Vega/Suicide.

Karsten writes: You are of course correct. Sorry about the mistake. It has now been fixed.

george writes: at last

temj writes: I have an idea for a poll, i don't think i've seen it before, but it has to do with one of my favorite parts of each show - the band introduction schtick. The poll would be what tour had the best band intro routine - for example, choices could be 10th Ave/Reunion Tour; Rosie/River Tour; Mary's Place/Rising Tour; American Land/Magic-WOAD Tours, etc. Just a thought.

Timmy writes: A commenting feature would be great, I was about to start a thread about the dancers in the forums, but somehow the forum feels separate from the main feature. Keep up the hard work - looking forward to see future polls!

Gary writes: I saw Bruce on the last tour (MSG Night #1)where he had both Horn & Strings (not at the same time) supporting the band. It was a great show, and enhanced the music. I'd actually like to see Bruce tour with both.

George W. writes: Who cares? It's a song released 25 years ago. Written by a man who never had the expeiences that he wrote about. Its not even relevant to the time in which it was released. It's a very narrow stigmatic view. The last time I heard anybody use it as a political back drop it was Ronald Reagan. Let's move on people. -Next time think aqbout improvement not just "change."

gus writes: Bruce has a great voice to go with a gospel choir. My goosebumps are the size of bowling balls when he has done a song with a choir.

Jeff writes: Bruce's sound and horns go together much better than any of the other choices. As far as strings, he has Ms. Tyrell and whoever played cello in Buffalo for "The Angel", how well would more strings really fit into a full-scale Bruce show without some major rearrangements? Should the other two choices be seriously considered? Horns open up the set list to so many other songs, covers and originals, not to mention the Asbury Jukes' sound that I love so much. Horns, arranged by Stevie, of course, or nothing but the band.

Klaus writes: Where do you post the poll results, Karsten? I can't seem to find them.

Klaus writes: A link to the results from previous polls, please! ;-)

Karsten writes: Klaus, I'll look into it! It's a great idea. Thanks for the comments and suggestions. Keep them coming.

A Vet writes: Hey George I would of thought being the age of 18 -21 during the height of the Vietnam war would have been very relevant,now where does he claim to have been a Vet just troubled at the way they were received by their own people.

Kal writes: The ironic part is, who gave the vets returning from Vietnam the worst treatment? Who spat on them and called them baby killers and treated them like garbage? Who else? Hippies and liberals. Conservatives treat those who defend our country with the respect they deserve for the sacrifices they have made. We've gotten that right from the start.

Dan French writes: Let me add my voice to congratulate Chris and Backstreets on the 30th anniversary. I'm sure the next issue will be worth the wait!

Magnus writes: I voted for the Steel Mill video too - the 78 and 85 live tapes would be similar to things already in bootleg circulation, Electric Nebraska would probably be similar or inferior to the live versions of those songs playes in 84-85, and the Relationship Album doesn't sound very exciting to me personally. Of course I'd love to see all of these things released at some point, but I don't think that everything Bruce has done onstage or in the studio since 1967 merits official release. What would make me very happy (and surprised) would be if any of those mysterious song titles from 1976 turned out to actually be recorded songs that could be released some day. We're not really talking Darkness outtakes so much as a separate "lost album" from between BTR and Darkness.

Magnus Lauglo writes: I'm also very happy to see another issue on its way. Bruce's album and touring schedule has been keeping Chris and the Backstreets staff very busy, and I'm glad to see the magazine side of things getting the attention it deserves again. A minor correction, the last issue of Backstreets came out in June of 2008.

Telecaster writes: Hey Kal I'm fairly conservative but I agree with you 100%. Our Vets need more respect and Bruce is the voice of a lot of people.

gus writes: man crush and i'm a man

Bianca writes: So hard to decide

emily writes: that picture that says 1978 isn't it from 1980? anyway even without looking at those my favorite bruce is from 1978

emily writes: yes i agree during the time between born to run and darkness, so many songs were written and recorded , that would be the ultimate gift to the die hard fans

Cas writes: got to be 1992

Klaus writes: RE: Philadelphia Soundtrack Neil's song for the movie is amazing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmaCQ4-2T5I

Tom in Tucson writes: I saw him 2 days before winterland in little ol Tucson Az. 34 more times since then. Nothing compares. Hope we get that show on DVD!

Lisa writes: My vote goes to 1975 and the present. He's aging VERY well.

Lisa writes: Bruce can do the E Street Shuffle with me anytime. He IS the sexiest!

Ryan Wakley writes: Wish I could look that good when im 60!

Ryan Wakley writes: I don't ask for much as a Bruce fan but please release this box set this year!

Glory Days writes: 1984...not even close. He absolutely rules in 1984 and the looks is superior to the other...

Jersey Ed writes: "the protangonist in "Born in the USA" is actually proud of being American, but the America he thought he knew has let him down." - Wow, this is exactly how I feel in today's America!

mick parkinson writes: my thoughts too ryan !!!!

Justin writes: More news about the box set, I was at the Rock Hall in Cleveland today and a worker there was telling me that Bruce recently had his famous Fender Telecaster/Esquire guitar picked up so that he could use it in a video to be part of the Darkness box set. Looks like it might be coming soon!

lucy writes: 1984 does it for me But he looks good any time!

AnotherNJfan writes: I like 1975, 1992 and present!

rick Diehl writes: Chill dude. Bruce does things when and how the spirit moves him, no sooner and for sure no later.

PÃ¥l E writes: I voted for Land of Hope and Dreams, and that is because I love that as the ACTUAL show closer. Rosalita is great for a MAIN SET closer, Twist & Shout is great for an encore, but the LAST encore should be LOHAD, I have NO doubt. Of course, I'm thinking of the version from Live in New York. It captures the whole show, the emotions, the immortality of this fantastic band.

Sneakin' Sally writes: Perfectionist Pauses For A Spell

Anne writes: 1981 or 1992 for me. I always did find the 1984 look a bit overblown and musclebound.

mick parkinson writes: excellent article should have been titled how born to run saved us all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mick parkinson writes: i am sure all our thoughts will be with dannys family tomorrow we all love & miss him

gpjmoss writes: I'm not very impressed by the "Record Store Day" releases. Simply put, the latest 10-inch is now costing close to £40GBP on eBay. So much for music for the people! Nothing more than music for privateers, in my opinion. These releases should be limited for Record Store Day but alternatives would be great - to see the singles such as Wrecking Ball released in a physical format, for example as a second disc on a future release or as a CD single, so all fans might have a greater chance of getting these releases. As it is, £40 for a single in the middle of a recession? Why not go whole hog and release it through Wal-Mart (again). What is Bruce on?

mick parkinson writes: what a track list amazing can't wait till june 22nd ooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh yyyyyyyyeeeeesssss

joeyluppy writes: Well finally!.....I bought my blu ray player just for this release ....It will be nice to have and entire show from this great great tour in such high quality!....Yes..I was kinda hoping the release would have been The River from msg..but i'll take it!....I do think that the Darkness set will have a dvd that will keep us diehards more than happy!

Magnus writes: It's a real shame when an official tour DVD leaves us making an effort to say good things on a Bruce Springsteen fan website. But at first glance, it looks to me as if the Bruce camp have once again dropped the ball on what could have been a much more memorable set. I wish I could be more excited, perhaps I'm just another spoiled fan who has seen too many shows and heard too many bootlegs. But historically speaking, the one area where Bruce's official output is typically hit or miss has been his live albums, dvds, and compilations. Having said that, I do look forward to this release, and there is no reason to assume the sound or video quality will be anything but stellar. The LINYC dvd was also far less than it could have been, but it is still great fun to watch for the most part. Here's to hoping they get the Darkness box set right.

Timmy Petersson writes: Sounds promising, will be nice to get an outdoor show on official video!

Vegas Johnny writes: I wont be buying it ....I love Bruce but this show was the worst I'd seen Bruce ..he was very tired , seemed as if he was going thru the motions and teh crowd were just lame.....I was right up front and despite a great start in London Calling everything else was just a repeat of stuff Id seen before ..found myself yawning because I knew what was coming next ,,,sorry Bruce but Landau's dropped the ball again!!

nigel lawry writes: It was a crackin show and now we can relive it in hd, I can't wait till the release day may well invest in a blu ray player...

19dav74 writes: fantastic show, great cant wait for june.. and bonus i was there on the day........

DM writes: you knew they were going to play trapped, racing in the street, rosie, and jungleland?!? good for you! wish i could see the future!

Brucemoll writes: At last - something from the brilliant shows - anything is welcome so although perhaps not the best concert probably commercially brilliant as the show got a huge TV audience

Kavana writes: In reply to Vegas Johnny. Your argument probably holds water if you are/were a frequent show attender. However, there is nothing 'tired' about the set if you've only seen one show on the tour (this one) and if you've seen none and the DVD is the first opportunity to sample the show. In that regard, the setlist is a fairly good representation of the most played songs on the show. I was at only one show (Dublin July 12 - fantastic show incidentally) and am really looking forward to the DVD.

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