Sept 25 thoughts from the Boardwalk

[tomjoad2]

Went down to get in the drop line. Got a wrist band at 3:30. They gave out 350 or so wrist bands. All ticket holders go in and those with wrist bands are left standing around. The show starts. No information was coming from inside. At least the first night I was told they came outside and told people to wait. Three songs into the show a security guard comes out and says "you guys should have bought tickets if you wanted to see the show." At this time I left to go to the Northside of CH as the this comment just made the crowd angry. They did eventually let 10 people in.

I went to the Northside of CH and the doors were wide open and you could see and hear perfectly. It was like being on the floor at the back of an areana show. There were about 100 people on the boardwalk and many more in chairs and blankets on the beach. It was free to stand there but security said no cameras or we will shut the doors. Nice night as it was about 70 degrees, no clouds and full moon on the water.

Now some comments on the show.

They were pretty sloppy on some songs. They are not to the usual E Street band standards yet- but will get there. Even on the old songs. Can Born to Run slow down any more. I know it is not 1978, but is almost becoming a balad.

The inside crowd seemed weak as there was more noise from the outside crowd. There were too many VIPs. That is why we were told there was really no drop. That is also why they did not know Thundercack. I know this is his show- but these VIPs always seem to leave halfway there- why do they go?

The set list was ok. No complaints but it seems Bruce is still trying to figure out the flow. I would guess that Long Walk Home will close the set and that American Land will be the last song of the encore.

All in all-
NJ Parkway Tolls -$1.40
Wonder Bar Quesadilla $7
Free Bruce show on the Beach-priceless

[POSTAL]

Sounds like a fun night.

Glad you enjoyed it.


I spent a few days on the beach/boards during the Rising Tour Rehearsals and Rehearsal Shows.

[Brotherfrankie]

I posted on another thread. I was one of the last let in. The husky loud-mouthed security guy referred to above, everyone tells me: "he's really a good guy." Probably is. But after 3 hours of standing in one spot with no one telling us anything, a couple of polite questions from a couple people as to status caused him to say what is quoted above, followed by: "If you don't like it just leave." Great. In his defense there were a couple of rude people, who were the exceptions. As the show started everyone crowded towards and a little into the lobby to hear, with tortured looks on their faces as to what they were missing. The security guy came running over screaming: "get out of the cul-de-sac." I said to an English woman, this is a cul-de-sac? She said, "a cul-de-sac is a dead end!" It would have been a good idea to tell people in advance to line up in order, instead, all of a sudden the guy was mumbling the numbers instead of loudly calling them out, then the lucky few had to fight their way through. Not whining, 'cause I was extremely lucky, but just keep people informed a little bit. In the good section side stage I was in there had to be at least 20 empty seats. The sections on either side more towards back of stage nearly empty, plenty would have paid full price for those seats. Seems you could have known by 8 at least, who was not coming. Drop tickets started to be sold around 8:50. Many in the vip sections left early.

[tomjoad2]

I always have fun at the shows I have gone to. This was nice for a couple of reasons. Though the drop line was handled real bad(lets hope they do a better job with the GA lines). First it was free and you could hear and see very well. The second thing was that it was 70 degrees outside and about 100 inside.

[Splooge]

very nice...i wouldnt have traded places w/ you last night but it's always great when they open the doors and give the people the opportunity to listen from the boardwalk and beach as a small reward for standing in a 3-4 hour drop .