report from tampa

[AMIW]

winning number was 602

kim had 598

it's all doc's fault

[thejudge]

winning number was 602

kim had 598

it's all doc's fault

Doc had 600. He called me and told me what his number was. He told me to guess what number got pulled, and from the tone of his voice, I guessed 602.

I must be psychotic or something. :D

[BruceNut]

without you Welshman they didnt stand a snowballs shot in hell !

[BruceNut]

theres also word that the show will run long tonight and be prepared for some sort of video at 8pm
(taken from snoopy on BTX)

[AMIW]

hmmh so Kim at 598, Doc at 600

I'm going to guess Jess is 599

[thejudge]

theres also word that the show will run long tonight and be prepared for some sort of video at 8pm
(taken from snoopy on BTX)

And where might this video show up? Official website?

[BruceNut]

ahhhhhhhhh who wants to be at some silly concert when I can watch AI, Hells Kitchen,Deadliest Catch and L+O SVU !

[BruceNut]

And where might this video show up? Official website?

I dont know Rich.I c/p it from btx. Maybe its a video tribute to Danny??

[Daddy-O]

I must be psychotic or something. :D

Must be how well the Cubs are doing, huh Rich? :hat: How about Ronny Cedeno hitting a grand slam :blueeek: and Ted Lilly getting a win today? 8-1 over the Muts. Now if the Sox can take care of the Yankees tonight, it will be a doubly good day. :sunny:


Seriously though, I'm looking forward to the reports from Tampa tonight. I wish I could be there. God Bless the E Street Band tonight...long may they rock.

[AMIW]

Extra large video screen above Max

Accordion on stand by itself with a spotlight on it

[Crazy4Bruce]

after the opener I'm hearing BACKSTREETS!!!

[RedHeadedWoman]

.... listening to Backstreets thanks to Doc.

[AMIW]

the opener was Blood Brothers video screen played photos of Danny

crying on both ends of the phone

thanks kim!

[BruceNut]

Blood Brothers with video tribute to open

[August Blues]

wow, what an emotional start!

[SpringsteenMagic]

1. Blood Brothers (Recording, with band watching video tribue)
2. Backstreets

(According to GL)

[22andCountin]

did the band play blood brothers or did they come out to it? sounds like a very, very nice tribute. and if they did open with BB you heard it here first, i picked it...hehe, not to make light of the emotions everyone is feeling

[SpringsteenMagic]

According to Lakers, it was a recording, and the band watched the tribute along with the crowd.

[August Blues]

did the band play blood brothers or did they come out to it? sounds like a very, very nice tribute. and if they did open with BB you heard it here first, i picked it...hehe, not to make light of the emotions everyone is feeling

Recordings don't count.

What band walks out to a recording of their own songs? Please tell me they played Blood Brothers live.

[SpringsteenMagic]

1. Blood Brothers
2. Backstreets
3. Radio Nowhere

[SpringsteenMagic]

Recordings don't count.

What band walks out to a recording of their own songs? Please tell me they played Blood Brothers live.

Everyone seems to be saying the recording played with the tribue, and the band watched it together.

[August Blues]

Everyone seems to be saying the recording played with the tribue, and the band watched it together.

I don't think that was the best they could come up with.

[SpringsteenMagic]

I won't argue with it. Whatever Bruce felt was the best I will go with 125%. It had to be right for them. I think it sounds like a pretty good tribute to Danny.

Also, according to the Lake, Patti is there tonight.

[ahunte1]

Recordings don't count.

What band walks out to a recording of their own songs? Please tell me they played Blood Brothers live.

I find it a little hard to critique them for this, but it does sound a little odd. Maybe being there was different.

[August Blues]

I'm sure it was moving, but I was hoping for something more powerful. Bruce has to do what he feels is right.

[SpringsteenMagic]

1. Blood Brothers (Played over speakers during Danny tribute)
2. Backstreets
3. Radio Nowhere
4. Lonesome Day

[dudley]

perhaps it was put together
for the service on monday
and they wanted it played
tonight -

[SpringsteenMagic]

1. Blood Brothers (Played over speakers during Danny tribute)
2. Backstreets
3. Radio Nowhere
4. Lonesome Day
5. No Surrender

Patti IS there tonight.

[slingshot_scott]

maybe wait and see, perhaps they bookend the show with blood brothers by the band?

[22andCountin]

thanks SM, i like Scott's idea

[SpringsteenMagic]

I'll be out for a few minutes... hopefully someone can update while I'm gone. Posts all coming from GL.

[estreet77]

I totally disagree with August Bluey.
Blood Brothers while they all watch must have been gutrenching for the band. A true Tribute.
And i had a big feeling that Patti would be back tonight.
The remainder of the ESB.

[slingshot_scott]

If it has not already been mentione, BTX has pretty much crashed.


Well its spotty at best

[22andCountin]

Do you think Charlie will be introduced as "the newest member of the E Street Band"?

[slingshot_scott]

From BTX

1. Backstreets (Band on stage without Charlie)
2. Radio Nowhere
3. Lonesome Day
4. No Surrender
5. Gypsy Biker

[Paulie]

Listening to Sandy as I type.

Paulie

[BruceNut]

Do you think Charlie will be introduced as "the newest member of the E Street Band"?

I dont think tonight would be the night to do that as its Dannys night?

[22andCountin]

No Charlie on Backstreets? seems weird....well its not my decision

[22andCountin]

forgive me as i don't post that much but who is the troll?

[slingshot_scott]

From BTX

1. Backstreets (Band on stage without Charlie)
2. Radio Nowhere
3. Lonesome Day
4. No Surrender
5. Gypsy Biker
6. Sandy

[slingshot_scott]

Again, from BTX (when I can get it....)

1. Backstreets (Band on stage without Charlie)
2. Radio Nowhere
3. Lonesome Day
4. No Surrender
5. Gypsy Biker
6. Sandy (4th of July) (full band) at the end Bruce kissed Roy ... is crying...
7. Growing Up
8. Atlantic City

[22andCountin]

1. Blood Brothers (NOT PERFORMED...PLAYED OVER SPEAKERS DURING DANNY TRIBUTE)
2. Backstreets
3. Radio Nowhere
4. Lonesome Day
5. No Surrender
6. Gypsy Biker
7. 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)....Roy on accordion
8. Growin' Up (Rap included)
9. Atlantic City

as per BTX

[Daddy-O]

1. Blood Brothers (NOT PERFORMED...PLAYED OVER SPEAKERS DURING DANNY TRIBUTE)
2. Backstreets
3. Radio Nowhere
4. Lonesome Day
5. No Surrender
6. Gypsy Biker
7. 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)....Roy on accordion
8. Growin' Up (Rap included)
9. Atlantic City
10. Because the Night
11. Darkness on the Edge of Town
12. She's the One
13. Livin in the Future

per SPL

[SpringsteenMagic]

Wow.. what a night. I really can't imagine a dry eye in the house during Sandy. I've got the album version on now and some tears.

[SpringsteenMagic]

GL down now.

[Daddy-O]

1. Blood Brothers (NOT PERFORMED...PLAYED OVER SPEAKERS DURING DANNY TRIBUTE)
2. Backstreets
3. Radio Nowhere
4. Lonesome Day
5. No Surrender
6. Gypsy Biker
7. 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)....Roy on accordion
8. Growin' Up (Rap included)
9. Atlantic City
10. Because the Night
11. Darkness on the Edge of Town
12. She's the One
13. Livin in the Future
14. The Promised Land

per SPL

[AMIW]

GL down only because its the regular maintenance window it'll be back soon

[Daddy-O]

Gello Andrew...you post at both LD and GL, right? Where do you find the time? :laugh:

[AMIW]

gello daddyo tough night to watch a setlist but kim (who you met in chicago) is there and is doing the onsite crying for us

[Daddy-O]

yup, very tough night...thanks to Kim for the tears and the updates

it all seems so unreal

[SpringsteenMagic]

BTX also no longer working. The viewing numbers tonight are crazy.

[Daddy-O]

1. Blood Brothers (NOT PERFORMED...PLAYED OVER SPEAKERS DURING DANNY TRIBUTE)
2. Backstreets
3. Radio Nowhere
4. Lonesome Day
5. No Surrender
6. Gypsy Biker
7. 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)....Roy on accordion
8. Growin' Up (Rap included)
9. Atlantic City
10. Because the Night
11. Darkness on the Edge of Town
12. She's the One
13. Livin in the Future
14. The Promised Land
15. Waitin on a Sunny Day

per SPL

[AMIW]

reports also of Doc crying (and not because they don't serve rolling rock inside the arena)

[AMIW]

daddy-o

I have no life and if I had any money left in my bank account I would be in florida

regards

andrew.d.wicks

[Daddy-O]

daddy-o

I have no life and if I had any money left in my bank account I would be in florida

regards

andrew.d.wicks

Andrew-

I know that you would.

[SpringsteenMagic]

I think that, given the option, we'd all be there tonight.

[Daddy-O]

1. Blood Brothers (NOT PERFORMED...PLAYED OVER SPEAKERS DURING DANNY TRIBUTE)
2. Backstreets
3. Radio Nowhere
4. Lonesome Day
5. No Surrender
6. Gypsy Biker
7. 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)....Roy on accordion
8. Growin' Up (Rap included)
9. Atlantic City
10. Because the Night
11. Darkness on the Edge of Town
12. She's the One
13. Livin in the Future
14. The Promised Land
15. Waitin on a Sunny Day
16. Brilliant Disguise
17. Racing in the Streets

per SPL

[AMIW]

I could have made it for orlando but not tampa

[SpringsteenMagic]

Thanks for all the updates Daddy-O.

GL is back up.

[SpringsteenMagic]

I could have made it for orlando but not tampa

Making it out to any more up-coming shows? I've got nothing until GS.

[AMIW]

4;23 every morning denmark time GL does maintenance sadly that's usual during an american show except on the left coast

[AMIW]

fook racing in the street more crying!!!!!

[SpringsteenMagic]

4;23 every morning denmark time GL does maintenance sadly that's usual during an american show except on the left coast

Wow, how did I never notice that? Thanks.

[Paulie]

Have to agree with you Andrew on Racing!! Fook!! Piffle. Thanks to Doc, though, I go to listen to it.

He has three shots in the next week to play it for me. It is my birthday damit!!

Bethie

[AMIW]

bethie

you know in between crying i was thinking of how much of an anticlimax tomorrow will be

thanks to kim i am crying alomg too racing right now
its beautiful

[HeldUp]

Would like to have been there but I'm married ;)

Seriously, it's way too somber for me. Besides, it's high school incoming freshmen night...

[Daddy-O]

1. Blood Brothers (NOT PERFORMED...PLAYED OVER SPEAKERS DURING DANNY TRIBUTE)
2. Backstreets
3. Radio Nowhere
4. Lonesome Day
5. No Surrender
6. Gypsy Biker
7. 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)....Roy on accordion
8. Growin' Up (Rap included)
9. Atlantic City
10. Because the Night
11. Darkness on the Edge of Town
12. She's the One
13. Livin in the Future
14. The Promised Land
15. Waitin on a Sunny Day
16. Brilliant Disguise
17. Racing in the Streets
18. The Rising
19. Last to Die
20. Long Walk Home
21. Badlands

per SPL

[SpringsteenMagic]

Great main set. What a tribute... can't wait for this boot.

[Daddy-O]

Back in a bit...bedtime for the two sweetest girls in the world...carry on

[AMIW]

Oits

[Crazy4Bruce]

Listening to "I'll Fly Away"

Some bright morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To that home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away

Chorus
I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

2
When the shadows of this life have gone
I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away

3
Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away

[AMIW]

a traditional hymn?

[ahunte1]

Listening to "I'll Fly Away"


Jars of Clay did that, right? Who wrote it?

[Flory Days]

Daddy-O, you're doing this SPL update and this at the same time. Pretty sharp tool yourself!:wink: :biggrin:

Thanks for the updates. Unbelievable show, I hope we can get a DVD of it.

[Daddy-O]

1. Blood Brothers (NOT PERFORMED...PLAYED OVER SPEAKERS DURING DANNY TRIBUTE)
2. Backstreets
3. Radio Nowhere
4. Lonesome Day
5. No Surrender
6. Gypsy Biker
7. 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)....Roy on accordion
8. Growin' Up (Rap included)
9. Atlantic City
10. Because the Night
11. Darkness on the Edge of Town
12. She's the One
13. Livin in the Future
14. The Promised Land
15. Waitin on a Sunny Day
16. Brilliant Disguise
17. Racing in the Streets
18. The Rising
19. Last to Die
20. Long Walk Home
21. Badlands
22. Out in the Street>I'll Fly Away
23. Rosalita

per SPL

[AMIW]

"I'll Fly Away," written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929 [1], is a hymn most associated with American Baptists[2] and the Church of Christ. It is an optimistic song about an earthly death that leads to everlasting life in glory with Christ.

"I'll Fly Away" has been called the most recorded gospel music song [3], beginning with a recording by James and Martha Carson, the "Barn Dance Sweethearts" of WSB Atlanta, in 1946, followed two years later by the Chuck Wagon Gang in 1948.

The hymn has been covered by numerous singers, but usually associated with country or gospel music, particularly the variety referred to as "shape note music".

[stang]

Andrew beat me to it

[AMIW]

2 PCs and 4 browsers going stan it was a beautiful song to listen to thanks to kim

[Janie99]

Here's the Alison Kraus version. Jars of Clay also recorded it - among many others as Andrew mentions...

What an amazing tribute to Danny tonight...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjgYsHt71XE&feature=related

[Daddy-O]

Updated:

0. Blood Brothers (NOT PERFORMED...PLAYED OVER SPEAKERS DURING DANNY VIDEO TRIBUTE)
1. Backstreets (Band on stage without Charlie)
2. Radio Nowhere (Charlie joins band)
3. Lonesome Day
4. No Surrender
5. Gypsy Biker
6. 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) (Bruce kisses Roy after song while crying)
7. Growin' Up (Small Rap included)
8. Atlantic City
9. Because the Night
10. Darkness on the Edge of Town
11. She's the One
12. Livin' in the Future
13. Promised Land
14. Waitin' on a Sunny Day
15. Brilliant Disguise (Bruce jokes about the brownies with no one at home watching kids)
16. Racing in the Street
17. The Rising
18. Last to Die
19. Long Walk Home
20. Badlands
21. Out in the Street

ENCORE #1
22. I'll Fly Away *FOR DANNY* (Garry on Bass, Max on tambourine, Roy on accordion)
23. Rosalita
24. Born to Run
25. 10th Avenue Freeze Out

per SPL

[Jeniene]

Sounds like an amazing show so far. I wish I could have made it. Thanks to everyone for keeping us posted.

Jeniene

[Daddy-O]

"I'll Fly Away," written by Albert E. Brumley in 1929 [1], is a hymn most associated with American Baptists[2] and the Church of Christ. It is an optimistic song about an earthly death that leads to everlasting life in glory with Christ.

"I'll Fly Away" has been called the most recorded gospel music song [3], beginning with a recording by James and Martha Carson, the "Barn Dance Sweethearts" of WSB Atlanta, in 1946, followed two years later by the Chuck Wagon Gang in 1948.

The hymn has been covered by numerous singers, but usually associated with country or gospel music, particularly the variety referred to as "shape note music".

I have great versions of this by both the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and by Blind Boys of Alabama. It is an amazing song. Can't wait to hear Bruce's version.

[Daddy-O]

Daddy-O, you're doing this SPL update and this at the same time. Pretty sharp tool yourself!:wink: :biggrin:

Thanks for the updates. Unbelievable show, I hope we can get a DVD of it.

Hola Mark-

I agree, I hope a DVD of this surfaces. Sounds like an incredible night.

[Daddy-O]

0. Blood Brothers (NOT PERFORMED...PLAYED OVER SPEAKERS DURING DANNY VIDEO TRIBUTE)
1. Backstreets (Band on stage without Charlie)
2. Radio Nowhere (Charlie joins band)
3. Lonesome Day
4. No Surrender
5. Gypsy Biker
6. 4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) (Bruce kisses Roy after song while crying)
7. Growin' Up (Small Rap included)
8. Atlantic City
9. Because the Night
10. Darkness on the Edge of Town
11. She's the One
12. Livin' in the Future
13. Promised Land
14. Waitin' on a Sunny Day
15. Brilliant Disguise
16. Racing in the Street
17. The Rising
18. Last to Die
19. Long Walk Home
20. Badlands
21. Out in the Street

ENCORE #1
22. I'll Fly Away *FOR DANNY* (Garry on Bass, Max on tambourine, Roy on accordion)
23. Rosalita
24. Born to Run
25. 10th Avenue Freeze Out
26. American Land


Goodnight Phantom Dan. Thanks for all you've given us over the years. God Bless.

[SpringsteenMagic]

Wonder if the show stops there.

[slingshot_scott]

might be cliche` but the version of I'll fly away on the O' Brother soundtrack is amzing to me

[SpringsteenMagic]

I'm outta here for now.. thanks for the updates everyone. Awesome set. Hope you all enjoy your day tomorrow. Take care.

[John B]

Thank you SpringsteenMagic, right back at ya!

[ahunte1]

Thanks for doing the work, Daddy-O. Much appreciated.

[John B]

Thanks for doing the work, Daddy-O. Much appreciated.

+1 Thank you!

[Spirit]

Thanks for the updates. Really wish I could have been in Tampa tonight. Looking forward to hearing more details from those who were there.

[bad scooter]

I have great versions of this by both the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and by Blind Boys of Alabama. It is an amazing song. Can't wait to hear Bruce's version.
listening to the great johnny cash's version right now.... i did call Roy on accordion although wrong songs;)
JC unearthed cd 4
Swear to God Listening to Kanye's version as well God know's what I have on my itunes

[Flory Days]

Goodnight Phantom Dan. Thanks for all you've given us over the years. God Bless.
Thanks for your work Troy. Were these last words from Bruce? Or yours?

[RoanokeHoo]

Thanks to all for making it possible for us to share this show tonight. Looking forward to Greensboro and Charlottesville.

[Daddy-O]

Thanks for your work Troy. We're these last words from Bruce? Or yours?

That was me.

I saw that at the end of American Land, Bruce said something to the effect of 'filling in for Dan Federici, Charlie Giordano'

[thejudge]

Excellent job Daddy-O.

And a special thanks to the good Doc for the many phone calls I received this evening.

[ForYou]

Thank you Daddy-O, Andrew and all. A tough night but a beautiful setlist and tribute.

[AMIW]

Just heard from Kim, Jess, Doc and Cowboyhatgirl (cindy) who has flown in just for this show and is on a plane at 3am home - casual fan!

[bad scooter]

http://www.ginagiambone.com/page501.html
to those that havent seen it yet gina's site has a great slide show tribute to Danny sung by Billie Holiday Ill be Seeing you

[Crazy4Bruce]

... Bruce says to ROY... "You better not screw this up. Danny's watching".... (or something to that effect)

Thanks TxBossFan (CINDY!)

Amazing show... From Cindy & Doc..."He was at another level tonight. It was unbelieveable"

[Flory Days]

http://www.ginagiambone.com/page501.html
to those that havent seen it yet gina's site has a great slide show tribute to Danny sung by Billie Holiday Ill be Seeing youAwesome......I've been shocked and somber, this moved me to tears. Thanks scooter.

[Crazy4Bruce]

http://www.ginagiambone.com/page501.html
to those that havent seen it yet gina's site has a great slide show tribute to Danny sung by Billie Holiday Ill be Seeing you

Great tribute...

[Mo Riley]

Can't believe I had to miss this show and leave Florida today, all for a 10 minute appearance at a meeting. Sounds like an incredible night and glad everyone there got to share in the tribute to Danny. Have fun tomorrow, my peeps!

[AMIW]

darkness and oits not on handwritten setlist
10th ave played instead of spirit in the night

[AMIW]

Can't believe I had to miss this show and leave Florida today, all for a 10 minute appearance at a meeting. Sounds like an incredible night and glad everyone there got to share in the tribute to Danny. Have fun tomorrow, my peeps!

big party at club mo as soon as jess gets them home!

[slingshot_scott]

from btx

With house and stage lights dark, the band took the stage, familiar shadows walking to the well-worn spots they've worked for years. "This night is a special one," said the somber voice of the Boss. "So we'd like to start with something for Danny."

With that, a video tribute unspooled onscreen, as a recorded version of gentle acoustic homage "Blood Brothers" played. With a spotlight illuminating Danny's workplace, the band then launched into a crescendoing, cathartic "Backstreets," with its notable refrain of "You swore we'd live forever."

[HeldUp]

might be cliche` but the version of I'll fly away on the O' Brother soundtrack is amzing to me
Playing it now. Great harmonies. I'll have to pick up the Blind Boys' version.

Thanks, Troy, for keeping us up to date tonight and to everyone else for the reports. Tough, tough, night.

R.I.P., Danny.

[Mo Riley]

big party at club mo as soon as jess gets them home!

Yeah, and another one tomorrow night, too.

Andrew, do you have GA for Charlotte or Greensboro? If so, I'm wristbanding next to you!

[MagicRat]

Just got back to the hotel. What an incredible and emotional show.

As noted, the show started with a tribute video which started and ended with a close up picture of Danny with his piercing blue eyes. The entire band gazed at the screens with all the fans.

Backstreets was played with a spotlight on Danny's organ and accordian.

During "Sandy" Up Bruce mentioned something about "Madame Marie" living in Florida.

During Darkness Bruce changed the line "Well I lost my faith when I lost my wife" to "I lost my faith when I lost YOU" (some fans claim Bruce said lost you Danny).

Patti seemed to enjoy being back on the road. The roadies did have some problems getting her the correct guitar, etc. for some songs due to her absence I assume.
She interacted well with Suzy.

Once again, it was a great show. Will post more in the morning.

[Princemyshkin]

Just back to hotel, amazing show and very intense. You could feel the love and sorrow the whole night. Luckily got in the Pit with #130, saw the unlucky foursome along with quite a few other regulars.

A very special night and one I'm glad that I was there for, after traversing Florida. From NC to Key West in a gold Blazer with a Canadian :) since Thursday it was good to get this one and under the trying circumstances for the band one very memorable night. Now on to Orlando...Peace and Love

[GEEBOSS]

http://snap.tbo.com/images/photos/100038/2008/04/22/zoom/1929244.jpg

[GEEBOSS]

http://snap.tbo.com/images/photos/100038/2008/04/22/zoom/1929241.jpg

[GEEBOSS]

http://snap.tbo.com/images/photos/100038/2008/04/22/zoom/1929243.jpg

[GEEBOSS]

http://snap.tbo.com/images/photos/100038/2008/04/22/zoom/1929242.jpg

[missp]

What an evening.....
what a set list.....
Thank you to all that reported in from Tampa.....
We all shared the evening....
because of you !!!!
and that rocks....
you guys are the best....
peace,
polly aka missp
(owner of the red BRUUUCE banner)

[Crazy4Bruce]

By CURTIS ROSS
The Tampa Tribune
Published: April 23, 2008
Updated: 12:22 am
TAMPA - Somewhere, Danny is smiling.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band played their first show since the death Thursday of longtime keyboardist Danny Federici, Tuesday at the St. Pete Times Forum. If Springsteen generally plays as if his life depends on it, Tuesday night he played as if his soul and those of everyone in the arena were at stake.
The show began with a video tribute to Federici, who played with Springsteen for 40 years, beginning in pre-E Street outfits such as Steel Mill.
Then, as pianist Roy Bittan played the introduction to "Backstreets," a spotlight shone on an unmanned Hammond organ and accordion, Federici's instruments, a silent expression of the band's loss.
The rest of those expressions were anything but quiet.
Springsteen howled the chorus of "Backstreets" with as much passion as he did in 1975. Max Weinberg pounded his kit so hard it seemed close to tumbling - or disintegrating. The whole band played with an intensity that seemed impossible to sustain for the length of the show.
But they did.
Springsteen and band stormed through the early part of the set with no let-up. Weinberg kept the pulse going as guitars were swapped between songs. "No Surrender" was especially moving, with guitarist Steve Van Zandt joining Springsteen at the microphone. The two ended "Gypsy Biker" with a stinging guitar duel.
Finally pausing, Springsteen offered thanks for "prayers and condolences for Danny," then told the band, "We better get this right. Somebody's watching."
With Bittan on accordion, they launched into the sad, sweet "Sandy (Fourth of July Asbury Park)," evoking the early days of Springsteen's and Federici's musical life playing clubs along the New Jersey shore.
Springsteen told the crowd of 16,332 that the song's fortuneteller, Madame Marie, might be a Florida resident now. Then, he announced, "one more fairy tale," and delivered "Growin' Up" with more youthful vigor than a man on the downside of 50 should have.
There were so many highlights - "Atlantic City," "Because the Night," "She's the One" - but the show's emotional centerpiece came with the pairing of "Racing in the Street" and "The Rising."
The former song is one of Springsteen's most desolate, the cold flipside to "Born to Run," about finding out you're not that young anymore and maybe there's nowhere to run.
The song is so devastating as to make any attempt at levity seem a lie. "The Rising," then, was the perfect tonic, a song about demanding life - joy, even - in the face of tragedy. If every song seemed to have special resonance given the circumstances, this one may have had the most of all.
The encore began with a stirring rendition of the gospel hymn "I'll Fly Away," followed by "Rosalita," "Born to Run" and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out," a trio guaranteed to send any Bruce fan into spasms of sheer joy.

[ThunderRoadrunner]

Thanks to all who contributed here.

I'm reading this a week later -- and 4 shows later -- and it remains very moving to remember each magic moment and see how you folks reacted here as we reacted there.

One of my most enduring memories is seeing Bruce silhouetted against the big Danny tribute screen as the tribute played -- and then seeing his tears as he turned and launched into the best Backstreets I've ever seen or heard, with Danny's parts highlighted by their absence. By now everyone has access to the recordings -- among the very best of the tour, too -- and I think you'll agree how none of us there that night will ever quite be the same.

Thanks again for all the words here.

Bill Daverne

[bobby18]

I have to agree with Bill. A couple of weeks later and it starts to sink in just a little more. Thanks to all who posted and reviewed a very difficult show...

It's hard to understand how one of the greatest shows that I have EVER seen live was spawn out of such a tragic loss.

After 40+ shows I had never heard Racing in the Streets with the Band live - I did not believe that it could compare to Piece de Resistance - I was wrong - IT WAS MUCH BETTER IN TAMPA.