BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN at the SXSW Music Festival. Marck 15, 2012. Rating: NNNN
A triumphant Bruce Springsteen, playing only his second show without the late saxophonist Clarence Clemons, left no doubt that his E Street Band will move on and thrive without the Boss’ lifelong buddy.
After an inspiring keynote address to the SXSW faithful earlier in the day, The Boss was buoyant and ready to rock a generous three hour show with amazing special guests. Springsteen drew largely from his latest disc but with his excellent soul-infused delivery and the power of the new five member E Street Horns, including Clemons nephew on searing sax, the audience was happy to receive.
By shows’ end the band had delivered enough chestnuts that fans old and new would leave the hall exhausted and satisfied.
The tireless entertainer was clearly having a great time with enough rock showmanship for a dozen shows. The Boss even enthusiastically tried his hand at crowd surfing with no mishaps reported for the fit yet aging rocker or the crowd that hoisted him.
Tom Morello and his chainsaw guitar from Rage Against the Machine was the first up on a guest filled gig and Springsteen was thrilled to share the stage with his showy pal.
Near the end of the a show that never dragged, the Boss surprised the crowd by bringing out reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff for two tracks. Cliff is a clearly a hero for the Jersey juggernaut who spoke of listening and being influenced by the Jamaican’s tracks during the 70s.
An exhilarating take on The Harder They Come was a stunner followed by the heartbreaking soul of Many Rivers to Cross.
Then citing the power of the “tweeterverse” Springsteen, reminded us of his earlier speech where he confessed to stealing most of his rock riffs from British 60s stars The Animals. Listen to that keynote, on the meaning of music, here.
“And who knew Eric Burdon was actually in Texas?” Apparently Burdon’s people got the message the Boss was a huge fan for tweets during his keynote address and got the group’s former main man to drop in on the show.
A grinning, gushing Springsteen welcomed his longtime hero on stage and Burdon was in great form as they went through some Animals’ classics. Magic.
Replacing the iconic Clemons with five horn players was a brilliant response to filling a huge hole in the singer’s heart and his band. The exuberant Springsteen doesn’t appear close to hanging up his rock and roll shoes and the soul-infused turn his music is taking is the perfect showcase for his still masterful singing.
The 1,200 lucky fans who jammed the theatre that usually hosts the iconic Austin City Limits TV show need no convincing that Springsteen remains at the top of his game.
