In the darkness on the edge of town

Bruce Springsteen at Wembley

Bruce had played Wembley before, most notably during the Born in the USa tour of 1985, however this was his first gig since the stadium was rebuilt some years ago. It says much of his enduring popularity that after 80,000 plus here tonight ( Saturday 15th June), he's returning to play in the Olympic Park in just a fortnight.

After a few memorable tracks, I remember Radio Nowhere most vividly, Bruce played Badlands and then told the audience that he could continue to take requests, or alternatively the band could play the entire Darkness on the Edge of Town album. The reaction of the crowd ensured that we'd get the chance to hear the whole of the album released back in 1978.

In many ways looking back on Bruce's career, "Darkness" seems a seminal album, where he matured significantly, the optimism that is exhibited in Born to Run seems to have been replaced by the reality of a working life in "Darkness"
Where the author can no longer permanently run, instead he needs to take his chance for temporary escape as shown in Racing in the Street. The reality of life ahead is shown in "Factory" and although he still believes in the "Promised Land", there is a feeling that hope is tempered with what he sees all around him.

The whole evening was wonderful. I realise that every time I see Bruce I leave thinking that it was possibly the best concert I've ever seen him perform, however Wembley 2013 was special, yes it was part of the Wrecking Ball tour that seems to have yoyoed across the world for over the past year, but it was the chance to hear such an important album performed live by an artist who never disappoints.

 

The day after the concert this review appear in the UK press and it seemed to sum up the concert so well I've decided to use the link:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/bruce-springsteen/10123300/Bruce-Springsteen-Wembley-Stadium-review.html