IT’S an odd piece of synchronicity that the two colossus’s of find themselves touring Europe at the same time. While Taylor Swift is currently delighting the “Swifties” on mainland Europe before heading to the UK, Bruce Springsteen has been serving up his patented brand of rock with the legendary E Street band in Cardiff, Belfast, Ireland and, last night, in a rain-soaked Sunderland. Spring-nuts know what to expect - a three hour long-plus set, fantastic musicianship from an amazing band, surprises, last minute set additions especially if the right sign catches the Boss’s eye, and, in Springsteen himself, one of the most charismatic and energetic performers the world has seen.
The region had waited 12 years for Springsteen’s return and there were many veterans from that 2012 show at the Stadium of Light who recalled that visit too was under similar, forbidding skies. They helped make up an estimated crowd of 45,000 fans from all around the world who had come to pay homage. What was noticeable was the huge age range of those present, from grandparents to children attending their first show - such is Springsteen’s appeal.
It’s not just a show, for many it is a pilgrimage. As usual, there was no support band, with Springsteen and the band coming on stage a little later than expected at 7.40pm due to the weather having creating travel difficulties and delays for many attendees.
Some of his recent shows had opened with a surprise number and tonight was no different.
