ROCK-O-LLECTIONS

By Frank “Smokin” Truatt 

I have been to many concerts over the years. My preference for performers are those who charted hits in the 1960’s through the 1980’s. I’ve also enjoyed attending concerts in smaller theaters or performing arts centers and have not attended many stadium events. I’ll even venture a bit off my favorite artists list to see a performer that is significant in the musical entertainment field. I’ve seen Tony Bennett and Johnny Mathis because of what they represented, the greats of their generation. When Bruce Springsteen came out with “Born to Run,” I was on the radio at my college radio station. To me, the song had a different sound, but nothing special compared to other hits of the day. Subsequently, I never delved into the early albums of Bruce even though he represented my home state. In the 1980’s when “Dancing in the Dark” and “Cover Me” were popular, I  overplayed them as a disc jockey in the clubs. Once again, nothing special, however, I began hearing about these incredible concerts that Bruce and the E-Street Band were performing, concerts that lasted three hours where the crowd couldn’t get enough. 

I knew all of the single releases and some album cuts, but still had not listened to a complete Springsteen album. Now, in all honesty, when Paul McCartney was at the MetLife Stadium two years ago, Bruce popped on stage to sing two songs to celebrate Sir Paul’s 80th birthday. The crowd went wild, and it further heightened my desire to see a full concert. Last month for my birthday, I was given that golden ticket to see him in Albany, a concert that I attended a few days ago. I had to see what makes a Springsteen concert so special. I now understand what makes these performances so special. Bruce did play for almost three hours. The E-Street Band is one of the tightest bands I’ve ever heard. 

These seasoned professionals made it look easy while playing flawlessly. The audience sang along and waved their arms to songs we’ve heard over the past 50 years, but Bruce was the conductor. With the wave of his hand, the band responded and went anywhere he wanted to go. He then conducted the crowd to sing along, raise their arms and join in the moment as one unit, one team flowing with the energy that Bruce was controlling from the stage. It was quite a sight to see! I now understand what all the hype is about, why his devotees follow him from city to city, and why, what he does is unique in rock history. I just feel like shouting Bruuuuuce!