I’ve had the chance to see Bruce Springsteen live a few times, but that was in folk form as part of the Seeger Sessions Band. That wasn’t for me. I’ve been waiting for the E-Street Band. On December 19th I had my chance.

Firstly, the venue. The O2 (Millennium Dome) is a really nice venue. The design means you get a great view from anywhere and more importantly the acoustics are spot on. By 8:45 the place was full as people eagerly chanted “Bruce” (which sounds like boo-ing). By the time the band took the stage the atmosphere was, well, magic.

From the first song of the set, “Radio Nowhere”, it was clear the aging band was going to be putting on a show that would put any young band to shame. The crowd were standing and singing in good voice throughout the arena, allaying my initial worry that the not-so-young audience might not be up for a rock show.

Wasting no time the band raced thorough the first few songs of the night, only stopping for the occasional rallying of the crowd or political speech. I have to be honest, it is the first time I had ever heard the Latin “habeas corpus” worked into a rock concert, but it fit surprisingly well. As Springsteen explained the themes of the album I began to appreciate several of the songs I felt were lacking a little, “Magic” in particular.

The second half of the set contained most of the E-Street classics: ” Waitin’ On A Sunny Day”, “Rising”, “Working on The Highway” and “Badlands” all sounded note perfect and were as energetic as any songs I’ve ever heard live.

The real fun came with the encore. “Jungleland” was the highlight of the night for me. It’s epic nature really transferred well to the stage and made me long to be in 1970’s New York, just to see what could possibly stimulate such amazing songwriting. It was likely one of the last times England will hear that song with Clarence’s brilliant sax solos.

The Big Man’s (Clarence) performance was influential in making the night what it was. Even his delayed entrance in the “Born to Run” sax solo couldn’t take away the majesty he commanded on the stage. It’s a real shame this is to be his last tour.

The night ended with “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”, perhaps an odd ending for a classic rock group, but it really set off the night. Never again, I expect, will I see a group of 20,000 adults crying “yes”-they believe in Santa Claus!

Rating: 10
Best Song: Jungleland
Worst Song: Girls in Their Summer Clothes

Watch Santa Claus Is Coming To Town from the night on YouTube