Hope Estate, Hunter Valley
Saturday February 22, 2014 :
The Hunter Valley turned on what could be described as the perfect outdoor concert experience – not too hot, a few clouds around, and no chance of rain. The sort of weather where shorts and a t-shirt was always the right choice.
As I squeezed into my plastic chair, a row in front on Karl Stefanovic and Richard Wilkins mind you, I couldn’t help but think, “mmmm, better seats that Karl and Richard.” Comfortable in the knowledge that being 30cm closer to the stage will give me a far better view, I take in the stage. It’s the near perfect setup to allow the performer to interact with the audience – from the standard height stage, there was a lower section that juts out about 3 metres at crowd level. There was also a front D-section area for a select few to stand and be in The Boss’ face, and around the outside of the D was a walkway right in front of the seated section. If any performer was put on this stage and worked it, the show would be amazing. Even better when it’s Springsteen with a 17 piece backing band.
Firstly, the set list. What band would put six cover versions into their set list and think they can get away with it? Let’s even open with a cover of an old blues song that nobody will know. In fact, two of the covers come from The Boss’ latest album, High Hopes, and the covers worked perfectly within the ebb and flow of the 26 song night. Tracks from Born in the USA and Born to Run make up close to half of the originals, with the remaining crossing the decades of Springsteen’s release.
Opener, Stick McGhee’s ‘Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee’, brought the crowd to their feet and kept them there for hours. Following this with the late ’70s ‘Badlands’ was perfect, delivering to the older crowd that favour the pre-Born in the USA era exactly what they need early in the night. Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello featured in ‘High Hopes’, a song that lifted the crowd with its Deep South Carnival atmosphere.
OK, guitarists, Morello, Little Stevie Van Zandt and Nils Lofgren. Only Springsteen could have a band that features this overload of talent. Just saying.
From ‘High Hopes’ to ‘Just Like Fire Would’, and a familiar smile appears. Every time I realise Springsteen have covered this quite iconic Australian cut (The Saints), I get this smile, and for The Boss to highlight the song by going for a walk around the D-Section was appropriate.
We all had a chance to catch our breath when ‘The River’ and ‘American Skin (41 Shots)’ appeared midway through the main set. With the crowd singing the opening chorus of ‘The River’, and Springsteen under a green spot, the song was enthralling. It didn’t hurt that this is one of my favourite Springsteen songs. ‘Because the Night’, co-written with and made famous by Patti Smith, was also a welcome addition tonight.
The “Magic Hat” came out during ‘Working on the Highway’ when Springsteen grabbed a cowboy hat from a bloke at the front of the stage. Must admit, it sat well on The Boss. A visit to the D-Section walkway for ‘Darlington County’, a champagne bottle from the crowd that was naturally sprayed over everyone, and the magic of the hat was in full force.
Wrecking Ball‘s ‘Shackled and Torn’ brought a gospel tinge to proceedings, and The Rising‘s ‘Waiting for a Sunny Day’ had a young boy come onstage and sing a chorus, and then take a ride on Springsteen’s shoulder as the E- Street Band kicked into full force. Now that is a memory for the young fella.
Tom Morello has made ‘The Ghost of Tom Joad’ his own, and a highlight of the Springsteen set. He sings, trades solos with Little Stevie, and opens the Morello trickbag. The song has a unique abrasive aggression that lacks (not in a bad way) within the set. Morello is the modern day guitar hero. ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ sequinned into ‘People Get Ready’ and an encore break that saw the band barely leave the stage.
Dedicating ‘The Wish’ to his mother, Springsteen tells the story of his mother’s new iPhone and informs us that each night he takes a photo of the crowd and sends it to her. Dutifully, we all smile as the lights are turned up.
One of the things I was looking forward to tonight is catching songs that are unexpected. I had this with ‘The River’ and ‘Because the Night’, and to now get The Easybeats’ ‘Friday on my Mind’ was bliss. Totally out of the blew and nailed by Springsteen.
Possibly two of The Boss’ most favoured tracks, ‘Born to Run’ and ‘Dancing in the Dark’ follow. It’s a masterclass if crowd participation, and every musician should be taking notes. Everyone in the front row had a chance to strum his guitar during ‘Born To Run’, and each of the band members had someone from the crowd invited up for them to dance with during ‘Dancing in the Dark’. It was a party on stage – guitars were traded, harmonies were sung, and many selfless were taken.
The raucous Isley Brothers’ ‘Shout’ closed the first encore with the crowd still on their feet and in full voice. ‘Thunder Road’ was a masterful evening closer, much like how ‘Badlands’ warmed the hearts of the faithful three hours ago.
Personally, this ranks up there with one of the best shows I have seen, up there with The Who, U2, Tool, Pink Floyd and Pink (yes, Pink). There’s not many shows that if you could buy a ticket to the following night, you would. This was one of those.
Reviewer and Photographer: Kevin Bull
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