Everyone knew it would be special, but no one quite knew how Bruce was going to honor his friend through 40 years, Danny Federici, who passed away this last Thursday. As it turned out, he of course chose to do it the only way he knew how: putting on probably one of the best and most emotional shows he and the band have ever done. One of the questions fans had been asking themselves was anwered early on: No, "Sandy" wasn't going to be retired forever. In the spot usual reserved for "Magic" Bruce called down Roy Bittan to do the accordion part and then sang and, literally, cried his way through the song that on this tour has become synonymous with Danny and his struggle against his disease. Anyone who had expected "Sandy" would be put to rest along with Danny soon realized that Bruce did the right thing. The song has to live on, and rather than a sad memory should become a beautiful celebration of Danny's life and what he stood for. Even if he can't play on it himself. It's what he would have wanted. Altogether, the show turned into a memory and celebration of early boardwalk life and youth. No less than seven songs were from 1975 or before, all allegedly performed with a passion and emotion rarely seen throughout an entire show.

But enough rambling from someone who wasn't even there. Read a great review on the Greasy Lake message board or Backstreets' quality show report or this article from the Tampa Tribune. Oh, and last but not least, the complete setlist.

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