Last night I made the trek to Gillette Stadium to see Springsteen. I think it was the 41st time I've seen him. I was less than impressed a decade or so ago when I last saw him at Fenway Park so I had low expectations. And I have to say, last night, it was magical. On the cusp of 74, he had the spirit and fire, of course not of those glorious years of the 70s, but of the consummate pro (in the best sense of the word). It was moving, even inspiring. He's wisely added horns, a percussionist, and has several backing singers. The enormous screens were put to great use and they have the camera work down beautifully. It was a communal shot in the arm that I needed, and 3 songs from The Wild, The Innocent, and The E Street Shuffle. And like all the other Bruce shows, the only black people were on stage. And a random wish, the Mighty Max Weinberg had better be compensated adequately because no one in the band puts forth the effort that he does.

And in October for the first time I get to see Bob Mould! Never saw Husker Du or Sugar so I'm hoping he'll offer up some of those treasures. The location, in Derry, NH, is literally a few hundred yards from where my mother grew up in a sprawling farmhouse (which has succumbed to yet another shopping center).

Peter T.