TWINKLE TWINKLE: Bruce Springsteen and lead guitarist Steven Van Zandt in Hyde Park
[Dave Hogan]
HENRY BELL is fascinated by the underlying curiosities and contradictions of one of the great poets of the Mediterranean
DAVID RENTON recommends a books that explores the ways in which disabled people are made to feel both of and not part of this world
JONATHAN TAYLOR is fascinated by the philosophical problems that permeate the art of life-writing
GORDON PARSONS steps warily in between the lines of Britain’s most famous diarist
SIMON DUFF recommends a recording of Arvo Part that takes the listener on a pilgrimage through seemingly distant times and events of the Bible
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Hyde Park, London
BRUUUUUUCE! A sea of adoring fans bellowing Springsteen’s name, which sounds a lot like boos, never ceases to amuse. Particularly after a three-hour epic set so seamlessly electrifying that the very idea of so much as a disgruntled heckle would be laughable.
The Boss, a well-earned moniker, is a force of nature on stage — even at 73 — who defies anyone hitherto indifferent to his brand of all-American heartland rock by the sheer vibrancy, passion and showmanship of his live performances.
Tunes about the life of blue collar workers, including Working On The Highway, Badlands and Out In The Street, transform into extended singalong anthems, while the Boss assumes the role of a quasi-conductor to his E Street Band as they jam out on Kitty’s Back.
