The "hardest working white man in showbusiness" lived up to his billing last night, as Bruce Springsteen BROOOOOOCE Springsteen and the E-Street Band performed an incredible and intimate 20-song set at the Apollo Theater in Harlem to kickoff their "Wrecking Ball" tour. One can't help but stand in awe of the exuberance the 62-year-old rocker from NJ exerted during the two-and-a-half hour set—between bunny hops, jumping on amps, and impassioned strumming, Springsteen also fit in most of his new album, classic '70s hits, a few deep tracks and some surprise soul covers. Conjuring up the spirit of a preacher, he gave his mission statement before diving into "My City Of Ruin:" “We’re here to put a whoopass session on the recession. We're here to bring a smile to your face, an extra beat to your heart, and to raise your spirit high in these hard times."
Videos: Bruce Springsteen Exhilarates At Intimate Apollo Theater Show
Clarence Clemons' Nephew Joining Bruce Springsteen And E-Street Band
Ever since Clarence Clemons died last summer, E-Street band aficionados have wondered who The Boss might recruit to fill his big shoes for future E-Street band tours. Now that they have just such a massive world tour lined-up for this spring, Springsteen has made his decision: Clemons' nephew Jake Clemons will "share the saxophone role" with longtime collaborator Eddie Manion.
Bruce Springsteen Rumored To Rock Out Newark This Spring
It's been a busy week for Bruce BROOOOOOCE Springsteen: he announced the March release of his 17th studio album, Wrecking Ball, along with the first single from that album, "We Take Care Of Our Own," and a 2012 world tour. While we know he'll be playing Europe come May, he hasn't released details of his US dates yet—but according to the Star-Ledger, Springsteen will be playing the Prudential Center some time in late April or early May, his first show ever in beautiful scenic Newark.
Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band To Tour, Release New Record
The Boss will be back in a big way in 2012—Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, who've been lying low since the death of beloved saxophonist Clarence Clemons this summer, have just announced plans for a worldwide tour and new album in 2012. In a post on the official Springsteen site, the band reports:
Springsteen: Clarence Clemons Was "A Man Of Unconditional Love... With A Lot Of Conditions"
Yesterday, a memorial service was held in Palm Beach, Florida for beloved saxophonist Clarence Clemons. The 69-year-old, best known for his work with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, died on Saturday after complications from a stroke, and the Boss told the mourners, "Clarence was a man of unconditional love, but his love came with a lot of conditions... He was a complex guy … an ongoing project. But when you were in his presence, it was like being in a sovereign nation."
Clarence Clemons, E Street Band Saxophonist, Dies At 69
Clarence Clemons, the beloved saxophonist for the E Street Band and called "one of the key influences in Bruce Springsteen's life and music through four decades" by the AP, died today in Florida. He had suffered a stroke about a week ago, and Springsteen's spokesman said that Clemons' death was due to complications from the stroke.
Clarence Clemons, E-Street Band Saxophonist, "Seriously Ill" After Stroke
Beloved E-Street Band sax man Clarence Clemons is reportedly "seriously ill" in his Florida home after suffering a stroke. His exact condition is currently unclear, but a source tells Showbiz 411 that members of the E Street Band were advised to get down to Florida "as soon as possible." The stroke is latest in a series of health setbacks for the 69-year-old musician, who in the past year had both knees replaced AND spinal fusion surgery, MSNBC reports. "That last tour was hell," Clemons told Rolling Stone in February. "Pure hell."
Video of the Day: Christmas in Hollis
It's hard to believe Run DMC's "Christmas in Hollis" came out almost 20 years ago. The song was included on the 1987 A Very Special Christmas album, the first in a series of compilations to benefit the Special Olympics. Also on that cd (which included cover art by Keith Haring): Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band singing "Merry Christmas Baby". Happy Holidays!
Actually, not a bad year for the Grammys
The Grammys are over and the winners now get to calling themselves "Grammy-winning." Remember, so is Christopher Cross (sorry, Christopher Cross, you're just too tempting a punchline). So is a deserving Lauryn Hill, but where are you these days Lauryn? We need you. Norah Jones was the big winner of the night, winning the most prestigious categories, Record, Song, and Album of the Year. Bruce Springsteen represented, winning three, and the Dixie Chicks, Eminem, and Coldplay all won two. Dixie Chicks co-producer Lloyd Maines looks exactly like daughter and lead singer Natalie Maines. Eminem gave a respectful acceptance speech, thanking the MCs who came before him. Coldplay gave an awesome rendition of "Politik" with the New York Philharmonic. But the best performance was "London Calling," the tribute to the late Joe Strummer, with Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt, and Tony Kanal. There was a lot of making up: Mayor Bloomberg welcoming the Grammys back to New York after Giuliani's squabble with then NARAS head, Michael Greene. The Dixie Chicks pointedly thanked Sony after their contentious earlier fight. Of other interest: Jon Pareles on the many categories of the Grammys; more information about writer of Song of the Year, "Come Away with Me," Jesse Harris; and get thoughts of The Onion A.V. Club, one of the best arts sections around, on the best albums of 2001 and 2002, many of them ones that Grammys voters have never heard of. Virginia Heffernan called the night repressed, Ken Tucker mourns that the Boss didn't win more.
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