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Description: New Jersey's most celebrated rocker serves-up some rootsy fare, as featured on his current album, We Shall Overcome, The Seeger Sessions.
Phone: 0870060 0870
Website: www.whatsonwembley.com
Trains: Tube: Wembley Park 
Extra info: Parking, Food, Pub, Air Conditioning
Bruce Springsteen has found an extensive new band and immersed himself in the folk
After its mid-term elections, the US is getting back on the right track as far as Bruce Springsteen is concerned. And the response of the man whose songs so often reflect his country's mood? A gigantic barn dance.
In the past year, Springsteen has found an extensive new band and immersed himself in the folk last revived in the Sixties by protest singer Pete Seeger.
A covers album often indicates artistic flatlining, but We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions manages to sound both timely, as on Irish anti-war song Mrs McGrath, and fantastic fun.
In concert these ancient songs had the dust blown off them with even greater enthusiasm. Fronting a 16-strong band that included fiddles, banjo, penny whistle, accordion and a portly gent cuddling a tuba, the singer visibly enjoyed giving his voice a gruff country flavour as he hollered down-home favourites such as My Oklahoma Home and Jesse James.
The old-time makeover was so thorough that even Bruce originals, including Blinded by the Light and Atlantic City, were barely recognisable, reinvented to fit seemlessly into an evening of twanging the braces and stomping. Most impressively, the fans embraced the new old look without reservation, waving their hands en masse during gospel spiritual Jacob's Ladder and singing the boisterous chorus of Pay Me My Money Down long after their hero had stopped.
The singer was generous with his spotlight, allowing everyone else plenty of solos except absent band member and other half Patti Scialfa, who he said was at home keeping an eye on their teenagers. Guitarist Marc Anthony Thompson lent his soulful vocals to Eyes on the Prize and even managed to give freshness to a slow motion When the Saints Go Marching In. The horn section turned into a doowopping barbershop quartet on Open All Night. Everyone finished up in a front of stage conga line.
There were serious moments, as on the first airing of boxfresh song Long Walk Home. A series of portraits of an unhappy America, Springsteen explained that it was about his feeling that the US has been broken and now needs to be fixed. Primarily though, he feels that it's time for a party. These timelessly rousing songs made dancing obligatory a hundred years ago, and their capabilities are just the same today.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
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It amazes me how people expect an artist to constantly play their hits and well-known songs every single time they hit the road. How boring that would be for artist and band alike? Re-treading the same old ground over and over again. Musicians must be free to explore and try new things, Bruce Springsteen included. I've seen Bruce in concert over 90 times in the past 25 years and I think his current "experiment" (as he called it) is one of the most refreshing things he's ever done. Those who went along expecting a greatest hits show were missing the point of the whole Seeger Sessions concept. A little research on any one of a number of Springsteen-related websites would have revealed that this show is a radical departure from his past and an opportunity to re-invent his own material, often to stunning effect. If being "Anti-American" is exercising his democratic right to free speech, then I must be anti-American too. "Too arrogant to play an encore"? There was a break after "Pay Me My Money Down" where everyone left the stage. This was followed by five or six encores. And those "boooos" were actually calls of "Broooooce!", a common occurrence at Bruce gigs. I appreciate that not everyone can like this kind of music and that the sound can differ greatly in different parts of an arena, influencing one's impression of the show, but that's not Bruce's fault. He infused the Wembley sets with as much energy as he always has with the E Street Band and I loved every minute of it.
- Mike Saunders, London, UK
I went to the Saturday show at Wembley. I have been a fan for over twenty years but have never seen him live. I was so excited and that excitement has not left me!!! He was incredible. The crowd was not booing. They were shouting BROOOCE! The whole place was kicking. All that energy , all that happiness. It was such great fun and I barely stopped dancing all night. I felt that the show was carefully balanced to show where Bruce came from ( songs like Blinded by the Light ) and what his influences have been, but also what the influences of past greats , such as Seeger and Guthrie and the negro spirituals and old minstrel tunes, have had on todays music. We would not have got to where we are today without the past and this show was a very big hats off to the past, but in a celebratory way. The mesmerising gentleness of Devils and Dust perfectly broke up the foot stomping of the livelier tunes. The gospel reached passionate heights that complemented the folk bits. Excellent. best thing I have ever seen anywhere , ever. The excitement stays within, hopefully for a very long time, until i can afford another ticket. Worth every penny and more. THANKYOU BRUCE!!!
- Woody River, wells
An interesting set of reviews!
I have never been a Springsteen fan so was more or less "dragged" to Sheffield by my girlfriend.
We only really knew on the morning of the concert that he was unlikely to be playing any of his old stuff. To make things worse we then discovered it was going to be folk music! I have to say the thought of a guy I didn't like singing music I would never normally listen did not fill me with enthusiasm.
I am delighted to say that this was one of the most amazing concerts I have ever seen. Not particularly for the music, nor the man but because of a combination of every little ingredient that makes a great concert. I'm not sure where some of the reviewers actually were but from where I was sitting I watched an audience go from mild interest to wild enthusiasm. We were lead there by a 57 year old guy who infectious style worked even with a bunch of normally-cynical Yorkshire people.
I left Sheffield with a huge grin on my face which is still there - brilliant!
- Andy, Leeds
I am pretty familiar with Bruce's recordings and was patient enough to be 15 feet away from him on Sunday 12 Nov at Wembley. Sure, it's a little different from his other stuff but time moves on and things change. Having said that it still has the unmistaklable Springsteen passion and slant on things and he really did rock the evening. The hugely responsive crowd (including me) were a sheer result of the energy, fun and brilliance that the band created. Probably the greatest live singer you'll ever see but if you did miss it, hopefully the Dublin tour will be out on DVD. Failing that then just watch and listen to the album/DVD. Are there no limits to what Bruce can achieve?
Ann's from Sheffield's comments regarding the boos - highly amusing. Obviously not a true Bruuuuce fan!
- Renny Biggins, Ipswich, England
I was at Sheffield with my two sons who new little of Springsteens past music but though the show was incredible as did I. Bruce has provided a musical inspiration and education for years now leading us back to Woody Guthrie and others. Anyone doing their research would have known what to expect musically and it was not a night for Born to Run. His bands performance at Sheffield really was something special and his choice to sing Youngstown a song about the decline in the US steel and coal industry was especially poignant. Ann from Sheffield has completely missed the point of it all and just for the record the cry is Broooce!
- David Trueman, Rotherham, UK
Reading the other reviews, I think I must be missing something. I was at the Sheffield concert and thought it was an utter let down. I have been wanting to see Bruce 'live' for nearly 20 years and I was unbelievably disappointed. In my opinion he has lost it with this radical new style. Maybe he is trying to make a big statement but the quality of the music does not match up to his earlier stuff. The seeger sessions band are fine, but limited. The tracks were barely distinguishable from one another, virtually everyone being exactly the same style. A selection of these would have been fine.... but the whole night... what a let down. On seeing the band it was, of course, obvious that classic renditions of 'Born to Run' and 'Thunder Road' just would not be possible, however the Boo's continued throughout the show. Very little reaction from the crowd. Sure there were a few people enjoying it but I don't think that can be said for the majority. If I'd known I was paying for a 'folk' evening, there is no way I'd have gone! Come back the 'Boss'. I am guessing the people enjoying it are relative newcomers to Springsteen? The few 'classics' that he did do (e.g. the river) in his new style, left a lot to be desired. I had to go home and get the old albums out to remind myself of what he has been!
- Ann, Sheffield, England
Another earth quaking, body shaking, heart thumping show, Bruce manages with ease to combine old and loved material with the good old folk rock from the Seeger Sessions album, well done sir, you truley are The boss.
- David Marr, New Southgate, London
I was lucky enough to bear witness to Bruce @ Wembley on Sunday. It has always been my dream to see him Live and if I never see another concert, that's ok by me!!! He played his heart out and so did the rest of the band-didn't stop once in almost 2 and a half hours. Beginning with electrifying energy and it didn't deminish! He loved every minute of his performance, the whole concert hall was leaping like lunatics. Thank you Bruce !!(not to be mistaken with 'Boos') You didn't disappoint!!!!!
- Dean Jay, Halstead, Essex
I was at the Sunday concert. Having seen Paul Simon on Friday I was able to compare the performances of two icons of American music. Springsteen's performance and band were great but the set was short of light and shade - it was all the same, plus the sound quality and mix were rubbish, i.e. too sharp and toppy, too loud for the material, and we barely caught a word all night - and who puts the TV screens behind the speaker stacks? (we were near the back). Have you ever heard 10,000 people boo (or were they shouting Bruce? My guess is the former.
Paul Simon however was filled with variety, light and dark, up tempo and moody, and the souund? It was like having him in your living room - he and the brilliant band could be heard.
Take a wild stab in the dark at which one I would see again.
- J Penberthy, London, England
I've been going to see Bruce since 1988 and have never been disappointed. I saw this show in May at the MEN but Saturday at Wembley was a night beyond my wildest dreams. I went in with a sad soul and came out feeling alive!
- Nicole Fleet, Hilperton, England
The boss is back, with a new band, new sound, but the same top quality performance. How does he manage to totally change musical direction but still please all of his adoring fans? Went to Wembley on Sunday and have to say that I have never been to a concert where everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves so much. Only Bruce could end a concert with "The daring young man on the flying trapeze" as a tribute to his UK fans.
- Keith Wilkins, Biggin Hill, Kent
A self indulgent display that made paying £65 for a folksy performance. Almost none of his hits that his fans paid and expected to hear. The set was disppointingly 80's and would not have been out of place at a local county hall. Too arrogant to play an encore. We could have left earlier and salvaged the rest of the evening.
- M Dunnine, Canterbury, Kent
From those early 'Born to Run' days Bruce has always provided audiences with reflective, poetic lyrics hooked on to memorable, almost anthemic tunes (think of Thunder Road) but this concert was awesome in every interpretation of the word! The audience behaved as one with the band, we weren't so much as entertained as pulled in to responding and contributing to the whole experience. As a result it is an event that will live on in the hearts of those that were there and we will find ourselves telling others about it and singing choruses from it publicly and less publicly for a long time afterwards! Bruce Springsteen surpasses every expectation!
- Kate Wollaston, Brighton, UK
We have been going to Bruce gigs since 1981 and Bruce never fails to deliver great performance after great performance! We went to Hammersmith in May and that was a great show BUT the Wembley show was totally electric! Bruce and the Seeger sessions Band were awesome and left us die hard Bruce fans wanting more!
- Linda & Darren Conway, Kingston Upon Hull
Fantastic, no other word for it. Two days on and the toes are still tapping.
At different times rambunctious, emotional, moving and joyous. What a concert!
- John Griffin, Harlow, Essex
What can you say! Bruce is awesome! Second time seeing him this year after having the pleasure of being at the Hammersmith Apollo in May and this time round Saturday night at Wembley with the family! From listening to Thunder Road in the back of the car as a child to (I am now 26) rocking with the whole family at Wembley! Doesn’t get any better and we have Bruce to thank for that! I say “the family that rocks together stays together”!
- Lucie Bloomfield, Saffron Walden Essex
I was in London on Saturday, had seen the show in Paris earlier in the summer. The Paris show was awsome, & not having a ticket for this one I almost didn't head over to Wembly. But, I thought I might miss something if I didn't. I was able to get a ticket & I am SO glad I did! Bruce was brilliant, the band was tight & right on! I expecially enjoyed "Blinded By the Light, Going to Be a Long Walk Home and Open All Night" with the Horn Players doin" the "doowop". You folks in Dublin are in for a rip roarin time for the end of the gig, & the Point is a great place to end this leg of the tour!
- Buff Sessions, Richmond VA, United States
My 13th Bruce concert and I sure felt lucky to be there. He never ceases to amaze and delight...Highlights for me were the incredible opener of Blinded by the Light, the three song segue of Devils and Dust, Mrs McGrath and How Can a Poor Man and the gorgeous When the Saints. And as for the world premiere of a new song - stunning and a great gift to all his London fans. What a guy, what a band, what a party! Thank you Bruce...
- Janet Bloomfield, Saffron Walden, England
Could you understand him, I find him to be very Anti-American and a mumbler! Maybe he should move over there!
- Theresa, USA
Fan since 1981! Great concert- great show man! Bruce was on fire!
- Brenda D'Cruz, Thornton Heath, Surrey
I have never seen Bruce Springsteen in concert before. In fact I am not even a particular fan. I went to see him at Wembley because so many people told me how great he is in concert. My expectations were exceeded. This was truly an outstanding musical evening with no hype or glitz. Just fantastic musicians and singers giving amazing performances. I thought the tickets were expensive (I paid £55) but on reflection I would say value for money. I love all sorts of music from high opera to hip hop but if Bruce comes back next year buying tickets again will be high on my agenda. For sheer enjoyment's sake I rate this concert full marks.
- Esther Bromnick, West Hampstead London
I went on Thursday to NEC Birmingham and the show was totally different but supremely awesome. Loved the ensemble of musicians totally different from the E Street Band who are in a class of their own but this worked superbly and the version of Bobby Jean was also fantastic. I knew it would be a good show but I did not realise how good and Bruce just gets better and better and the energy he produces is second to none.
I wish I was going to Sheffield and Dublin and they are in for a fantastic night also.
- Liz Almond, Gosport, Hants.
Went on sunday, how good though was 'further on up the road' and 'the river' in this new style. 'how can a poor man stand such times and live' and 'when the saints go marching in' were standouts as well.
Its not the same as watching him with the e-street band though but for now, it'll do.
- Tony Dryer, london, england
Totally agree with this review. Bruce looked relaxed and and at ease with an ensemble of musicians who could certainly play.
A few of the highlights for me "Pay Me My Money down", "American Land", "Oklahoma Home".
For those in Sheffield and Dublin yet to see the Concert you're in for a great evening!
- Alan Walter, Erith, Kent
