Classic Pop Icons

Bruce Springsteen proved that he has lost none of his sparkle with an impressive two-night stand at Pittsburgh’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall last week.

The gigs reunited Springsteen with his friends Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, with whom he performed at the same venue last November. Springsteen and Grushecky have been friends for many years, working on the album “American Babylon” together in 1995.

On both nights, Springsteen first took to the stage to join the opening band “The Composure” on “Dancing In The Dark.” The Composure features Grushecky’s son Johnny.

The second show was the longest of the two, with the 32-song set running three-and-a-half hours and featuring classics from Springsteen’s long career, a selection of Grushecky compositions, and some well received covers. Among the highlights was a first ever solo acoustic version of “Incident On 57th Street” from Springsteen, as requested by Grushecky. Rolling Stone reviewer Andy Greene called this “one of the most gut-wrenchingly beautiful renditions” of the song that Bruce has ever performed. Judge for yourself:

Bruce Springsteen – “Incident On 57th Street” (Nov 4, 2011)

Other songs performed during the marathon second gig included “Your Own Worst Enemy,” “I’ll Work For Your Love,” “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “Never Be Enough Time, “Another Thin Line,” “Because the Night,” “Radio Nowhere,” “I’m Not Sleeping,” “Two Hearts,” “A Good Life,” “Code of Silence, “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day,” “Johnny 99,” “Save My Love,” “Talking to the King,” “Adam Raised a Cain,” “Pumping Iron,” “Light of Day,” “Hungry Heart,” “The Promised Land,” “Glory Days, “Down the Road Apiece,” “Brown Eyed Girl, “Pink Cadillac,” “Twist and Shout,” “No Surrender,” “Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street,” “Surprise, Surprise,” and finally “Thunder Road” with Joe Grushecky sharing vocal duties.

Bruce Springsteen – “Darkness on the Edge of Town” (Nov 4, 2011)

Bruce Springsteen – “Promised Land” (Nov 4, 2011)

Bruce Springsteen – “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day” (Nov 4, 2011)

Bruce Springsteen – “No Surrender” (Nov 4, 2011)

Bruce Springsteen – “Brown Eyed Girl” (Nov 4, 2011)

Bruce Springsteen – “Twist and Shout” (Nov 4, 2011)

Bruce Springsteen and Joe Grushecky – “Thunder Road” (Nov 4, 2011)

Springsteen fans will be delighted that he remains capable of performing such lengthy, high energy shows, and that his enthusiasm for performing is undiminished. Let’s hope for news of a 2012 tour soon.