No Goombah, i don't have that version. Not yet anyway....

I saw the Boss at Old Trafford last year. Not only did I feel complete by finally seeing one of my all time favourite artists, but I also spat on the football ground of Man Utd. It doesn't get much better than that.

I bought it recently on Amazon for $25. Have seen it elsewhere for $40. It contains a digital remastered copy of the "Born to Run" cd, a retrospective special discussing the making of the album, plus a complete Hammersmith Odeon concert. It's terrific. I read that they are doing something similar to commemorate the 30th anniversary of "Darkness on the Edge of Town" in the not-too-distant future.

Here is a funny story how Rolling Stone brought down the Vegas betting on which Springsteen songs would be played at the Super Bowl halftime show.

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/in...r-bowl-betting/

I think Bruce will play the following on Sunday:

Working on a Dream
The Rising
Born to Run
American Land

This has become a popular activity - guessing the 4 songs. I'm going to guess that he starts with Glory Days because it's lively and appeals to casual and non-Springsteen fans. It's a song everyone knows.

Next will be Working on a Dream. Three years ago the Rolling Stonesopened with Start Me Up, followed by a new song. This seems the best place for a song from the new CD.

The third song may be the Rising as it is inspiringand uplifting. I would like to see him do Badlands, Rosalita or Thunder Road, but they're lengthier (at least the latter two) and it's still about the game.

I'm thinking Born to Run has to be the finale. Heck, that song could be the National Anthem.

I'm hoping he doesn't make any political statements during the show. Yeah, most of us were thrilled by Obama's innaugural, but the Super Bowl isn't the place we want to hear someone's political beliefs.

This could be one of the great half time shows. I was a little disappointed by the Rolling Stones three years ago and last year's Tom Petty. One of the better ones I remember was Aerosmith, who was joined by Britney Spears, about whom I knew very little then, and one of the boy pop bands of the time. And I thought U2 right after 9/11 was the best, to date.

If I were a betting man, I would be shocked if there were any political statements. It will be a pedal-to-the metal, high energy performance. with encore type of material from a regular concert. I don't know whether he should kick it off with "Born to Run" or end the show with it.

"American Land" has a rowdy, Irish-folk song type of feel to it. He has played it in the encores for the past two tours. The lyrics are flashed on the big screens so that everyone could sing along. I think the song is a strong possibility. Click this to see what I mean. This version was without the E Street Band but still very good: American Land live from Dublin

Speaking of memorable halftime shows, Klydon, SI.com has this collage on its website:
Top 10 Most Memorable Halftime Performances

Thanks for the links, goombah. The Springsteen one was outstanding and made me want to raise a pint of Guinness. I wouldn't mind seeing that on Sunday.

I also went through the SB performances. I'm sure you remember Super Bowls where the half time shows weren't broadcast. It all started with Michael Jackson, I guess.

The show that fell flat on its face wasn't listed. Do you remember when Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi and John Goodman did a Blues Brothers show. That was tough to watch.

I agree that Springsteen is going to do it right on Sunday. It's going to be a memorable show. I hope the Steelers are ahead by 17 at half time so I can enjoy the show.

Klydon,

Not only do I remember when the halftime shows were not what they are today, but I am old enough to remember the games starting at a reasonable hour: 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. EST.

I don't recall the "Blues Brothers" thing, but I am sure it tied in with the "Blues Brother 2000" movie with Goodman. That concept sounds painful, let alone watching it!

Was the game always on the same network years ago or did it bounce around like it does in the modern era? For some reason, I feel like Madden has been calling many Super Bowls (first with Pat Summerall) since the Stone Ages.

Throughout the 70s and into the 80s it alternated between CBS and NBC. I remember early afternoon Super Bowls where they would lead into golf telecasts (I can't imagine watching golf after a Super Bowl :)).

The first prime time Super Bowl was CBS Dallas/Denver (1978 I think), and I remember how surreal it felt to see a football game played on Sunday night, let alone a Super Bowl. I would say that it was the mid-70s when the popularity of the Super Bowl started to take off and become an event more than a championship. The Jets winning III would certainly be a crowning moment in '69 though. There would be a variety show on Saturday night before the game called "Super Night at the Super Bowl." It was probably in the mid 80s when the "Super Bowl Party" came into vogue.

Anyway, I didn't mean to get off the topic of Springsteen.

Rumor is

Tenth
WOAD
BTR
Glory Days

I found WOAD to have its moments --- it's ok but I'm not sure that it's that cohesive. There are very good spots ("Outlaw Pete", "What Love Can Do", "The Wrestler") and awful spots ("Queen of the Supermarket" - joke song or not, "Surprise, Surprise", the title track) but it is one of his most creative and I can't fault him for taking a step forward (but back in time) with his sound. I love Spector...so I dig some of this stuff, but I'm not sure he can ever top "Born to Run" with that wall of sound production, but how could he...that song was painstakingly looked after --- 12 guitar overdubs or something?

I must say though, kudos to Bruce and Brendan O'Brien for not making this record so damn compressed. It's lush at times, even.

The only version I can find is live...I hate crowd noise. Like the song though.

Cant wait to see the Boss perform tomorrow. Hope he pulls out some of his older work.

ds

Yeah, "American Land" is a nice little rowdy tune, but I was so relieved to get "Kitty" right after it because

1) it's "Kitty"
2) I don't love "American Land."

By the way, quite a few years ago Adam Sandler did an impression of Springsteen on SNL at the beginning of the program. I forget who was hosting. I think it might have been Courtney Cox. Anyway, does anybody recall what Springsteen song Sandler sang?

Grazie.

By the way. How 'bout them Steelers!

The Steelers and Springsteen both put the "super" in Super Sunday.

They certainly did Klyd

I enjoyed the little clip they showed of Bruce talking about his upcoming show. He talked about the guy heading off late,getting lost,stopping at a bar for directions before getting there 2 hours and 48 minutes late. "The 12 minutes he would see are what you are going to see" said Bruce. Steve van Zandt was laughing his head off behind him

The only thing I watched in regard to the Super Bowl was the halftime show and I was disappointed. I would have rather heard 3 songs with all the verses rather than 4 abbreviated songs. I loved the energy and the enthusiasm, but taking verses from each of those songs left them kind of hollow. Plus, I loathed the gospel singers on "Working on a Dream." There is nothing even remotely like that on the actual recording.

Longneck, there is a studio version of "American Land" on iTunes and on a re-release of the "We Shall Overcome" cd. But that is a song meant to be heard and played live.

It was a 12 minute halftime show. I thought the Boss was great.

I'll second that!

Boss was great last night. How he started 10th ave was too intense. I just saw a great show from him and the e street band in nashville this past year and just got my tickets today for a show in Atl IT'S BBBBBOOOOOOSSSSSS TIME!!!!!!!!

I just scored tickets to see Bruce in NJ. I can't wait for the road trip and what should be a terrific show. It says "Izod Center," which I assume is new corporate new for what was the Meadowlands.

Good for you Goombah. I know you will be looking forward to that!

Congrats Goombah. When is the big event?

The show I am going to is on a Saturday in mid-May.

The way I figure it, this might be the last tour of the E Street Band, at least in the current configuration. Their keyboard player Danny Federici died last April. Clarence Clemons was sitting on a stool on stage,has to use a cane off-stage, and is almost 70. Then Bruce himself is almost 60. I can't imagine that this same group of musicians will be playing together for many more years to come.

Goombah, how are you?

Sounds wonderful. I have no doubt you'll have a great time. Concerts are wonderful when you are seeing one of your favorites.


TIS

Maybe you can meet some of the BBer's while you are in NJ.

I didn't realise Clarence was nearly 70

I just thought he was the same age as Bruce,give or take!