I paid $250 to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band play at Chase Center on Holy Thursday. Fortunately the hex of Ticketmaster was included in that hefty price tag. My seats were approximately 21 rows from the stage—albeit, the back of it. The crowd in front of me stood for the vast majority of the three hour show because we needed to and we wanted to...I didn't mind. I have seen the Boss 24 times. I never really question whether or not I will attend. But this time around, a number of questions found me. They have lingered long. A few are nagging. Certain ones require answers. Maybe you have your own.
Whether or not it's Springsteen, I think fans ought to question the cost and the value of a ticket. For $250, I got a three hour live performance. I agree with Springsteen's manager. Jon Landau who said “I believe that in today’s environment, that is a fair price to see someone universally regarded as among the very greatest artists of his generation.” But, I'm not paying for another person, children or my family. Some fans can and do spend much more, others were left “dispirited, downhearted and yes, disillusioned.” What's a fan to do?
Fortunately, I found one solution. Although it is not surprising or revolutionary, I think it's an important spiritual discipline: intentional gratitude. Attending a concert, a professional sporting event, or a live performance is a privilege. Some find their way to them regularly. Other make an annual trek. A few are checks on the proverbial bucket list. Regardless, the opportunity and ability to attend a ticketed event is a gift. None is a given.
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| “If dreams came true well wouldn’t that be nice.” -Bruce Springsteen, from “Prove it All Night.” Missed this one due to the price of the ticket. A cool $600... |
I did not see "Springsteen: Live on Broadway." I drew a line in the sand of my check book. I am happy for those fans who went—I mean it, and I was happy to watch it on Netflix. Springsteen had a second show on Easter Sunday at Chase. I had hoped to find a last minute deal and see if I could crash the party, arriving late after an Easter feast. No luck. Instead, I focused on the show I did see and I made a point of answering the four questions outlined in "A Gratitude Adjustment."
According to WomansDay.com "All it takes is recognizing what's good in or about your life and why it's happening. Start by creating your own Yay! list. Here are four questions to guide you." I have the questions and my answers below.
There is much to hear—29 songs in total and much to see in a singular show. Turns out there are 17 people on stage forming the E Street Band, choir, and a versatile section of horns.
The sight and sound that I enjoyed the most was Springsteen covering "Night Shift" —The Commodore's hit tribute to Marvin Gaye. Bruce has a lot of soul and this performance was only enhanced by Curtis King. He toured with the Boss from 2009-2014 and still has the voice of an angel. What a great performance. Thank you.
2. Someone who showed up for me.
I find it both mysterious and strange that Bruce's wife, Patti Scialfa never shows up for Bay Area performances. However, a good number of friends did show up for this Thursday night show and brought their kids to see the living legend.
I sat with my longtime friend and colleague Sean and toward the end of the show, I saw my friends—the Murray family— were sitting just one section over and a few rows down. They told us to come down to their seats so we could take a picture together. This was my favorite part of the night. Not only did we gain a killer vantage, I got to enjoy the show with the four of them. BONUS!
The Murrays show up for me time and again. I don't think they realize how much their presence matters and to me and brightens my day. Whether it's a quick hello, watching a game, having a beer or giving me a ride— I feel as though every member of their family shows up for me. Encouraging Sean and me to join them captures who they are: welcoming, inclusive, and present. #Grateful
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| I feel so lucky to share so many memories with these girls. |
3. This made me smile.
I hate the comment "if you know you know" BUT if you know the first few drum beats of Atlantic City—you know. And I knew. My set list wish came true. I couldn't help but smile.
I saw the fluorescent yellow sign in the pit calling for the Nebraska hit. I was hopeful The Boss would take the request. Who doesn't love it when he calls a great audible. Great choice, outstanding song. Still smiling....
4. I learned this cool new thing
I have always wondered why Bruce wears black wrist bands. When you're a rock star, you get away with a number of fashionable question marks. Turns out it is an arthritic thumb brace. This might be the only sign of wear and tare on the man who turns 75 on September 23, 2024.
I don't know that an arm brace is that cool, but I did learn this new thing via a review of the show—one that gave props for "some really aggressive and muscular guitar playing from the bandleader himself." Shredding the fender at 74 during "Prove It All Night?!" Not sure what's more cool than that.
Although it's formal, I think the four questions on the Yay! list are a helpful way to practice gratitude. I had so many thoughts after the concert, and the perspectives of each question helped me to ground my experience and create memories that I cherish. I think I do appreciate opportunities I have been given, but I also hold many of them in question.
I have been haunted—in a good way—by a Niko Moon concert I saw just six days before Springsteen. The country/pop artist played at the Fillmore and the ticket cost me just $24 ($37 with Ticketmaster fees). I went into that show with NO pressure or expectations—in part, because of the price point. The cost of a Springsteen ticket puts a person into more than just sticker shock. Springsteen knows what his fans are going to ask of him. His shows are physically and emotionally taxing—for all in attendance. It's his gift to music and all of us. Would I do it again? 100%. Will I raise other questions? No doubt. Is that a bad thing? Absolutely not. These are important ones to live with. I'd like to know what yours might be.
If they pertain to how he does what he does at his age? I have a few thoughts ;-) And I'm grateful he does. Thank you, Bruce. Thank you Sean. Thank you Kealy, Mike, Catherine and Maddie. Thank you E Street. Long live...
Photo Credits
Ticket Cost
Bruce Wrist Bands
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