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February 2nd, 2009
11:09 AM ET
Still the BossAnyone who’s ever seen Bruce Springsteen live knows that he gives fans their money’s worth. The concerts are often marathon affairs, three hours or longer, with Springsteen and the E Street Band leaving every ounce of themselves on stage. Last night at the Super Bowl the Boss may have had only 12 minutes, but he still gave it his all. Fans may quibble over his choice of songs -– I was talking to a friend who groaned at the mere thought of “Glory Days,” and I saw one ranking that had “Born in the U.S.A.” at even odds to be played (obviously, nobody from Ronald Reagan on has never listened to the verses) -– but Springsteen played the hell out of them. He even worked in some corny banter with Little Steven Van Zandt. Too bad there wasn’t time for a hushed monologue or two, but when you have 12 minutes, not even full songs survive. I could have done without the fireworks, but the NFL has to extract its pound of flesh somehow. What did you think? Up there with the best halftime shows ever? Or a subpar performance from Springsteen & Co.? - Todd Leopold, CNN.com Entertainment Producer P.S. As for the ads, my favorites were the NBC house ads (including Alec Baldwin’s Hulu.com spot). Otherwise, I’m getting really tired of all the violence. Isn’t that what the football game is for?
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He was amazingly good as he always has been 🙂
Long after the Superbowl is over, I'm still smiling in the enjoyment of 12 minutes..my faith in rock and roll continues to be renewed by Bruce and the band..great set..appropriate..and fun..and that's what rock and roll is..fun. Life continues on E Street, and I'm glad it does.
Bruce was awesome as always. Most of these haters simply have no idea about what REAL MUSIC is!! Enough of all these wannabees that have no musical talent and simply sing and dance.... BORING!!!
The last 2 halftimes shows have been great. I enjoyed Tom Petty last year and this year you can't top it. They've been asking Bruce to play the SB for the past 20 years. Not too many musicians have that type of staying power.
To the Faith Hill/Jennifer Hudson people – you do know they both lip-synched, don't you? Not conjecture, but reported on NYC radio (Q1043) the Monday after the game. This was on orders of the producers. Hopefully Bruce and band played live.
Earth Wind and Fire????WTF?
Here's a list of bands I'd like to see either before they retire or become irrelevant:
Earth Wind & Fire, Rascal Flatts, Matchbox 20, Santana, Dave Matthews and for serious nostalgia...the Doobie Brothers!
The Boss was fantastic as usual! I watched Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson who did great jobs, but Bruce knows how to work the crowd. It"s too bad the time was so short, but he made me dance and sing along.
He's still the BOSS! I loved seeing the whole group back together and really having a great time. I've been going to his concerts since the 80's and would have loved to be in the crowd on Sunday. He may be aging, but the heart is still in his music! One of my favorite half-times ever!
you can keep the Justin Timberlakes, Britanny Spears & Kanye Wests out of the superbowl arena. The Boss was a great act & always a blast to watch. He gives his audience the best performances, consistently. He is the ultimate performer. Love the Boss!
I actually didn't mind his performance. I was a little disappointed that he didn't do Born in the USA though. When he slid into the camera though I busted out laughing. He really got some distance on that slide.
I always loved Bruce, but I felt he tried too hard, and yes, his age showed. I wish he retired so we'd remember him as he was..one of the greatest rocker ever. There was something wrong with his voice, and that really might have been due to being out of breath. He wrote and sang so many memorable songs over the years..I still cry when I hear "Streets of Philadelphia" and the others. He certainly is a great talent, but none of us stays young forever..Marta
JEH, I appreciate that you liked my Pinko Commie comment...however you said, "is as bad as the conservative right calling things un-American." The last time I heard that comment, Tom Hanks was calling the Mormons unamerican–and apologizing for it. I appreciate the fact that you are a liberal....but are a reasonable one. I love talking to my reasonable liberal friends, and they me. I know my comment was harsh, but I don't lie. And you are so right.....let's separate entertainment from politics. Entertainment is supposed take us away from reality...well, I guess politics doesn't have anything to do with reality as we know it, does it? Again, thanks JEH. I think a liberal and conservative could actually be friends, here.
Best Super Bowl half time ever! Too bad Bruce and the E Sreet only had 12 minutes to rock. It was a little sad not having Danny there as part of the E Street. For those of you who do not know, Danny passed away from melanoma last year.
It hit everyone very hard and I'm sure Danny was looking down, pounding the heavenly ivory keys, making the pearly gates shake, and smiling the whole time!
This Jersey Girl loves Bruce and the E Street Band!
Springsteen & the E Street Band is always great. The halftime show was the best the only other one that was great when the Stones played super bowl halftime a couple years back!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And by the way, Faith and Jennifer had no choice BUT to sing to a previously recorded track, the NFL forced them to. There wasn't any Milli Vanilli-ness to it, it was still their own voices and they were awesome.
You can tell Bruce was a little out of concert shape, but he still did a great job. I was surprised to hear "10th Ave. Freeze Out", although I love that song, but I think ending with "Born to Run" would have been the way to go instead of having it in the middle. Can't wait to see him on his upcoming tour.
Great comment A.L.: "By Bruce’s standards, it was an OK performance. By NFL halftime show standards, it was excellent."
That's it in a nutshell.
Has Been! Old! No talent! Sorry people but for those of you speaking such nonsense, please go back under the rock from where you came. You must all be Rush fans, and I am not talking about the band.
Reality check, Best Original Song, 2009 Golden Globe, 3 new CD's this decade all very well received by music critics and fans alike. Bruce was having fun which is what he does at his shows. His lyrics speak volumes, always have always will.
Great Show Bruce, keep up the good work.!
Why do people get so disjointed when someone says something other than "he looked like a god on stage", about someone so over rated as a rock and roll musician or an actor? It is all about opinion and making personal insults about someone with a different opinion than you shows a lot about your general character.
COME ON!!! Jennifer Hudson and Faith HIll lypsynched!! No way would the boss do that-ever!!!
I loved the way that the "audience" was really a Boss audience and not 20 something girls who have no idea what a fantastic performer Bruce is. I've been a fan since 1981 and no one will every top him. American Idol crap will go on and Faith Hilll's will come and go...but no one will top the Boss!!!!
Excellent Post Laurie......."worn out pinko commie".....love it!
Funny too. Kind of harsh though.
Though I'm a liberal through and through, I too hate it when our left wing tunesmith's think they need to espouse some sort of arrogant agenda. Springsteen has that nasty laugh/chuckle after he tries to throw out a zinger against the "opposition." Like we're all supposed to wink to each other and we all get it.
Singing, "This land is your land" cB.S. is as bad as the conservative right calling things un-American. They are all bad for this country.
Bob Dylan has the right idea: Stay out of politics and just perform.
The Boss ran out of gas ! Very sad.
Wow........ Most of these posts are probably by people who have no talent of thier own & can't admit it. Bruce is still as good as ever. Hard to do justice to anything in 12 min. Like him or not at least he isn't sitting on hi s ##s like some people. And as for the Talent level...Let's be honest U2 -Was superb. Prince–Cool....Petty ..Enjoyable. But please let's not put someone out there who doesn't have the nads to CARRY it off. Male or Female. Heck I'd like to see Beyonce'. And for those who think Bruce has no voice ..Think again. Hard to be pushin'60 and Still Rockin' To me that's gutsy. I went to 1 of his shows about 9 years ago& still think it's 1 of the best I've seen!!!! BTW..For you righties out there ..We won get over it.
He is a worn out Pinko Commie who needs to either be a performer or a political activist. It wouldn't matter his political stance, I CAN'T STAND HIM and never have. He is so arrogant that he can't see he is corny and pathetic. And this fact, that he can't look in the mirror and see himself, just substantiates that he is a KOOK and his politics further substantiates that. GO AWAY and sing kumbaya with your liberal nut job friends. Next year, maybe they will let someone young, fun, and TRULY talented do the show-NO HAS BEENS and no politics.
HUDSEN"S ANTHEM WAS LIP-SYNCED AS WAS FAITH HILL. DONE IN A STUDIO A WEEK AGO. CHECK MTV
He sounded just like he did back in the eighties. I didnt really like him then but he gets points just for hanging in all these years and still sounding the same. Actually, he`s kinda starting to look like Keith Richards a little if you ask me.
By Bruce's standards, it was an OK performance. By NFL halftime show standards, it was excellent. And they didn't saddle him with wannabes, like when Aerosmith was up there with Britney Spears. And Hudson's anthem was worth more than a mention, too.
I find it funny that a lot of folks on here are saying that the Boss looked old, tired or out of shape. I was pretty impressed how well he moved. He seems very healthy and in shape to me. I have never considered myself an actual fan of his but after watching his half-time show, I think I will go see one of his concerts. He looks like he really enjoys his job. Good job Mr Springsteen!
Bruce is an all-time favorite singer/musician/writer of mine. but...both Prince and Tom Petty put on better halftime shows..think Petty's was a college bowl game..Bruce was good..could have been better..Born to Run – Born in the USA – Dancing in the Dark..one right behind the other no talk..straight singing and rock and roll..that would have done it for me..
Maybe Led Zepplin can get their act together for the 2010 Super Bowl. That would be the perfect halftime show.
It's interesting how many people don't understand what rock and roll really is. it's not about perfect pitch or perfect anything. It never has been. It's all about heart and energy and what you do with it. Whether Springsteen or those particular songs are your personal favorites or not, to deny that he's one of the masters of live rock and roll just shows how little you really understand what rock and roll is. Sorry for you, man.
God bless Bruce Springsteen. My hat's off to him and the band. Quite a showman. Voice was a little rough but more than made up for it in every other dimenion of his show. These guys are true professionals at their craft.
By the way, not a bad game either. Only wish the Cards could have pulled it out. One of the better nights I spent watching television
Lot of people hung up on the age thing –
You live till you die – rock on – get over yourself whether just starting out or finishing –
Nice half time show –
I would tend to go for the not so obvious.....
How 'bout The Turtles?
I'm not kidding. really. The Turtles from the '60's.
Happy Together and Eleanor.
There is an amazing LIVE video on YouTube of them from the 60's performing their song "Eleanor" and it rocks. No lipsyncing. It' s LIVE. I'm not kidding. The drummer i s amazing.
Check it out and book for next year. Everyone can sing along and go, "Wow this is chessy but really good."
"Eleanor, gee I think your swell, and you really do me well, you're my pride and joy etc......."
Wicked stuff. Stop laughing. Go with it.
People that complain about Springsteen just don't get it.
He's a historically world-class song writer and live performer. He chose to play 2 classics and plug a new album. His voice wasn't peak, however, it was his, and there was heart and soul in every note. Static was a problem in the beginning. A cabled mic would have been better. So what if he's 60 and his latest songs aren't his best?
What do you think a new artist would do? They'd:
– sing someone else's songs
– unreservedly pipe in their own lip-synced versions to "assist" them
– not for one instance display natural emotion
– sing on a huge platform far away from the crowd for safety/ego gratification
– use 100 technical gimmicks (light shows, breakdancers etc) that aren't related at all to good music
Another problem with new singers is that often their sung lyrics just don't ring true. I mean, a 60 year old guy could have experienced what's he's singing about. He sings with some authenticity – especially because his success was cultivated from years of hard work, trial and error – honing his craft to perfection (albeit many years ago).
An American Idol singer, on the other hand, is a lottery winner. If you have the best voice and zero character you win. Now you can always say they were good enough to beat the competition. But basically it's a cattle call, and the one with the best voice wins (or finishes 2nd). Take Kelly Clarkson – "A Moment Like This – some people wait a lifetime". How would she know? She's was only 19 when she started singing it. Regardless of how good her voice is, how can the lyric be credible? Sure – I'll listen to it a few times since she has a good voice, but that's it. You know how Bruce made his lyrics credible:
1. He worked hard playing in small venues for years, improving his craft every step of the way, and didn't hit it big until he was 26.
2. He wrote all his own songs.
He's so good that, on an intellectual level, you know in many cases he couldn't have directly experienced what he's singing about – but he still delivers the authentic emotion suggesting he has!
I've never seen Bruce Springsteen in concert before but I must say his 12 minutes were definitely something I wouldn't mind seeing again. To be honest the only halftime show I remember is Paul McCartney and I'm still mad about his depressing performance. The superbowl is a high energy exciting event and Springsteen kept up the momentum. For a guy who's almost 60 yrs old if not already, did a hell of a job. I'm truly a fan now!!!
I thought he was good... but I was hoping for exceptional!
Sure lots of people adore him, but you know what else can be said about lots of people.
Prince is the perfect halftime show entertainment.
According to a report from MTV, Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson BOTH lip-synced their songs. If at any event, the National Anthem should be sang live especially at the Super Bowl. What a croc. As an American, I feel duped.
Anyone can scream into a mike. Good pander job.
who would be the perfect half time show?
anyone anyone anyone
Never been a huge fan but the show was worth watching. Music is ageless; there is no such thing as "too young" or "over the hill". Prince is still the halftime show gold standard but I would certainly pay to see Springsteen again. I hope I have his stamina and looks when I am that age.
I can tell 😉 You are classy too!
"Get out a bit?"
I'd be willing to bet that I've been "out" more in the last month than you've been in the last year.
I don't agree with people ragging on his age. I don't think rock and roll is just a young man's game. I'm personally not a fan and I think last night's show was pretty cringeworthy. But that being said, I don't think you're too old to create and perform until you're in the ground. If I liked his sound and songs, I would want to hear it for as long as he can go.
I don't take it at all personally. However, the degredation of taste in this country has become sickening. The inability to acknowledge that which has quality, in spite of not necessarily caring for it. The US has become a nation of cultural retards who seem to think they know what's what simply for having a voice and an outlet. Reality TV and American Idol are only the beginning of the problems.
Squirrel, relax – don't take it so personally. Get out a bit, it will do you good. 🙂
"Bruce ‘bombed’ !!!!"
You wouldn't know good if it slapped you upside the head. "Bombed?" Not by any reasonable measurement. Not even close.
'Bombed' means failed, sucked, embarrassed himself, wasted our time........choose any one or all.
Sorry, missed the question marks.....got it.
Yes, he bombed, I agree.
Doesn't "bombed" mean failed? : )
Still the Boss......? Rocked the house............? Sounded great...........?
What kind of beer were you people drinking ???
Bruce 'bombed' !!!!
He pretty much seemed unable to catch his breath to actually sing.
He should probably stick to the studio recording. Not his Best.
I agree, most medleys are lame, but so are half-time shows. So why not master the form instead of trying to be something you can't be in that setting. Bruce looked old and silly.
In ref. to past Superbowl half-time shows...thought U2, Prince, Sir Paul McCartney, the Stones and Tom Petty were all really good! Personally, think we need to thank Janet. Since she was "exposed" we have been treated to far better shows and 'live' bands! Including Bruce...!
btw Faith and Jennifer are both great, but unfortunately lip syncing yesterday...painfully obvious
"Not what I call “Rock and Roll”."
Really? I'll reiterate that I'm not the biggest Springsteen fan in the world, but what he does is pretty much the definition of rock and roll. What else would you call it? And what do YOU call rock and roll?
Medleys are lame. Always have been, always will be. Prince does them in his live shows, so he was already there.
Quoting Sandy>>>"Fabulous!!! He’s still the Boss and will always be. You young whipper snappers don’t know what real Rock and Roll is."
I'm 52, how old are YOU?
Not what I call "Rock and Roll". sorry..... 🙂
I agree with you about the "young whipper snappers, though" 🙂
I think what only Prince succeeded at , that every other half-time performer has failed at, is Prince knows what a "medley of hits" is and how to construct a careers worth of tunes and perform them in a short , cohesive 12 minute set that can rouse any audience.
I own Essential Springsteen CD, and if had any performing talent, like the old masters of entertainment of the 40's 50's and 60's, he could have done a rousing medley of ALL of his hits, but he seemed mis-stepped in trying to recreate one of his 4 hour concerts in 12 minutes. It was doomed to fail. He knows how to perform to HIS audience, but he had no clue how to perform to those of us who don't attend or enjoy his over bearing 4 hour concerts.
Lol. Can you picture Tom Waits going in to audition for AI? That's pretty funny.
"Would have preferred more from Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson. Shoot for someone like Pink Floyd for next year. They STILL rock."
Pink Floyd will not ever be performing live again. Not sure how you could know "they still rock" considering they've played all of 4 songs together in the last 26 years. And Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson aren't artists. They're kareoke singers for children and soccer moms. The Super Bowl books real talent for their halftime show.
All you haters need to think about one thing. CAN YOU DO BETTER? The answer is NO. Bruce and the E Street Band are a rock machine. Great performance. Some of the imperfect moments were engaging and the fact that his voice wasn't perfect means no cheating (lip synching). It was entertaining and that's all you can ask for.
Bruce > you.
Still the boss...................and still sucks.
For those who think Bruce can't sing or that "Simon" would boot him off, please note that the American Idol genre of singers is not the end all and be all of music. Simon and AI are looking for a very specific, narrow, generic type of vocalist. Springsteen doesn't fit that narrow slot.
There are lots of great rock performers who would get booted of AI:
Neil Young
Geddy Lee
Bob Dylan
Mick Jagger
Tom Waits
Leonard Cohen
Tom Petty
The list goes on and on. All great performers, great artists, but not what Simon or AI would call great vocalists.
There is more to music than Kelly Clarkson or Clay Aiken.
And as for the arguement that BS is too old. Hah! The man is a musician. He is a songwriter, guitarist, singer. What's he supposed to do start playing Pat Boone songs because he's almost 60?
Please. Get a grip. I'm 48. I still play bass in bar bands and hope to be doing so when I'm 80!
Just because we age doesn't mean we gotta get old!
But for those who insist he's too old, I hope you remember to give up what you love to do when you hit your 50s, lest you embarrass your kids.
I was hoping it would be good, it really wasn't!! being from a younger generation, I didn't know most the songs and lost interest quickly.
Thought Bruce & the Band were excellent, hope to see them at University of Virginia May 5 in concert.
Thought Bruce & the Band were excellent, hope to see them at University of Virginia May 5 in concert.
Go Boss!
Bruce did a great job of doing what he was paid to do...entertain and rock the stadium audience! Should we care what the armchair critics think?
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band were the only reason I watched the first half of the game. As soon as they started my Grandson started dancing and that was completely spontaneous. I thought it was just what was needed – no drama – no hysterics – just music that moves you. I heard from 3 of my kids because they knew we'd be rocking at our house. I'm glad everyone got to experience it.
Springstien...NO
Hudson.........Oh Yeah!!!! Awesome girl.
Jennifer Hudson is no Maya Rudolph. The Boss is still the Boss!
Not a fan of The Boss but his voice was amazing, his energy level was infectious and the band was excellent. He even gracefully survived the crash into the camera. And Little Steven is always entertaining, regardless of what he's doing.
Meg – Why should Bruce "Grow up and act his age?" Who are you the age police? So of us ancient folks of over 50 still like to have fun. Wow! I think Bruce was fantastic as always! I have seen him in concert 6 times since the 80's and he still rocks, still has fun and still has the crowd out of their seats.
But don't worry, I'm sure that next year the NFL will have the Jonas Brothers lip-syncing for 12 mins.
Rock on Bruce!
Horrible boring (zzz) music. Let's see some more of Janet!!
I was embarrassed for the 80's, those were great times and the fans deserved better. Bruce Springsteens voice was old as he is and should be retired.
He's not a good singer he just isn't. He is a poor mans band and these are poor times. We're in a recession so I guess it's the best money could buy.
Great job as usual. I especially appreciated the lack of obscenities and inappropriate stuff. I don't think I saw him grab his crotch a single time. If you don't like his music, that is fine. It you think his voice sucks, Duh. To say he didn't give a good show is showing your ignorance. Springsteen is an icon not because of his voice, but because he gives a great show singing great songs accompanied by a great band. His voice sucked when he was 20.
I would changed his song choices but not a bad mix of new and old.
I'm with squirrel. bruce like dylan and others is a benchmark in american music. the others will be forgotten.
Very disappointed, maybe Bruce, you should stay out of Politics, and concentrate more on your music, I don't think you are getting too old, but I will think that you should definitely, stay focus, on your profession.
Bruce has for decades been America's and the world's premier poet rocker. Nobody even comes close. His voice is as powerful as ever, and entirely a matter of how he chooses to use at any given moment. I suspect that Bruce's populist, conscience-driven music and politics are the real reason for much criticism about his halftime performance. And the fact that he helped elect Barack Obama. But for anyone that's ever paid attention, Springsteen has always been a working class hero. Sorry conservatives, the artists on your team shrivel in comparison to Bruce Joseph Frederick Springsteen. To this day, he can draw capacity crowds in any city in the world. And Bruce has been making America look good all over the world despite Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and the whole conservative cabal. Finally, remember this: Bruce is healthier, more fit, far richer, more beloved and more talented that you will ever be. That makes him the winner, and you the loser. I hope they have him back next year.
Bruce was out of breath 2 minutes into it. Was afraid he hurt himself trying to get up on the piano. Would have preferred more from Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson. Shoot for someone like Pink Floyd for next year. They STILL rock.
One of the top two Super Bowl halftime shows, only U2 may have been better. This guy is used to 3 hour shos, trying to put it all in in 12 minutes is crazy. He did a great job of getting in as much as he could, while still having fun with the crowd.
I don't get some of these people saying that there are many other bands they would rather see doing this, not that many that are relevant and that can appeal to the varied crowd that a Super Bowl gets.
BRUUUUUCCEEE isn't called the Boss for nothing! Although I wish it were longer so the rest of the world could see what I've seen over and over and over again at his concerts. The whole band and the Boss rocked the super bowl.... he still has it, and ....
they're not overrated you're just uneducated
on the rump shakin', earth quakin',
destiny makin', no fakin'
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street BAND!
Springsteen was totally awesome as always!!!!!! Brings back the joy of his concerts.......
"Corny" is an understatement. The money wasted on that 12 minutes of non-sense could have no doubt been better served elsewhere in the world.............
Springsteen = noise!
He's still rocking !!! Only reason for a Dolphin fan to watch the Super Bowl and he did not disappoint. Too bad he didn't have more time...for more songs......he and the band are GREAT !!!!!!
A bit long in the tooth. The old cool he once had in the late 70's is now corn and god why did he play "Glory Days" a lowbrow bar song appealling to the lowest commen denominator. Well, I guess it was for the sports fans who..........
My opinion of Mr. Springsteen's talent hasn't altered one bit from the first moment I heard him caterwauling about some random social injustice: he's a talentless toad, and quite visually unappealing. I'm sure he's a nice guy, well meaning, loves his mother, etc., but I see no reason why I should be subjected to his hoarse, tuneless yammerings. From the first time I used it, back when George HW Bush was trying to talk his way out of one mess or another, I have thanked the engineers at all of the TV manufacturers for the mute button. I use it freely, willingly, and with extreme prejudice when the occasion calls. This was definitely one of these times.
There were several folk who think that The Artist Formerly Known as The Unpronounceable Symbol (c Time Magazine) did the best halftime show ever. I'm no fan of TAFKATUS(cTM), but I will agree that he Did It Right. Ol' Bruce? Well, in my opinion he was past his prime when he Wow'd Reagan with his BAHRN IN DA YOOESSAAA! and he, much unlike fine wine and good cheeze, did not age well. See The Rolling Stones(TM) for a perfect example of same.
Norway, not all vocal performances aspire to the relatively narrow offering sought after on American Idol. Most of my favorite bands and singers would be booted off of there in a heartbeat, and it's a silly way to measure quality unless Idol-style, melismatic-sledgehammer vocals are all one cares about.
As for Bruce, he was offered the halftime gig, and he said okay. That's it. So he put on a tiny slice of the kind of shows he's famous for. He jumps, he slides, he sings his poetic songs, he and the band rock out a bit, and the Springsteen fans mostly are impressed while the Springsteen naysayers aren't. So what else is new?? One halftime appearance probably won't change the minds of most fans or nonfans. I think most, if not all, SB halftime shows are polarizing. And generally a letdown.
Seriously, would you pooh-poohers rather go back to the days not too long ago when the halftime show was more of an Up With People (remember them?) kind of thing? The country's collective head would explode.
Hard to tell. Music was so loud or his volume so low could only hear music – maybe that was intentional.
Amazing!! Thank god they didn't have another cheesy Britney Spears/Aerosmith fiasco! Bruce is where it's at! He rocked it!!!
Used to like Springsteen back in the day but he is definitely over-rated non the less. Couldn't bring myself to even watch him during half time.
I'm tired of his political rants and his demands if we don't vote for his guy don't vote at all. Doesn't sound like I missed much anyway.
I loved it! So glad there wasn't a "wardrobe malfunction" during that slide into the camera!!
He is the boss. An amazing performer. A poet. A great American.- a great HUMAN.
Bruce Springsteen brought the Super Bowl Halftime to life! The last few years have seen the likes of rock legends. The Boss delivered and all these people complaining about how he's overrated need to take a back seat to the mater showman he is. He gives his fans their moneys worth even on a halftime show.
I wasn't drunk enough to think he could ever was or ever will be good.
The Super Bowl usually offers hype-upon-hype and you wonder if America is just another name for Hype Land. You could even wonder if any artist willing to book themselves into such a slot has finally sold out. But I have to say, Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band's half time show with its high-energy set exceeded my expectations – and made the half-time show an actual party this time 'round.
Bruce looked dated. The best part of his performance was when the camera kept panning to the "lady in red".
Good show, but Prince put on the best halftime show ever...
Way too boring!
He still remains one of the best entertainers of our time.... Such negative comments from youth obsessed people not to mention the usual redneck blurbs.
I thought the performance was classic Springsteen. It is hard to put his show into 12 minutes but he did it like only he could. Sure he is getting older, so is Jagger, Daltrey, and other great rockers. Bruce still rocks like no one else ever has! Great Show! Glad I have it on my DVR!
helllooo tom...cheerleaders?? could ya at least hobble into the 21st century and take a look around? women no longer find being viewed as sex objects for old farts(or young farts) to leer at-cute!! Bruce is great, getting a little too old for the super antics – but he is legend,and Janet- well said!
I thought he was fine.His voice seemed a little rough, and he didn't hit the high notes, but perhaps he had a cold. I do question his wife being on stage with him, strumming an acoustic guitar that nobody could possibly hear. That seems a little silly.
The best half time entertainment ever. Loved the song choices. Sang to the audience not just the camera as the Stones, Aerosmith and Prince all did.
"nobody..... has never listened to the verses"?
Grammar much? And you're the producer?
he was great.
Generally, I skip the half-time show (if not the entire game), but I wanted to see The Boss. Maybe it's because I've never been to a live show, but I did think all the theatrics (in particular the "ref" calling a delay of game penalty) was over the top. It gave me one of those "Oh brother" chuckles.
I think the whole Disneyland comment was a play on the old ads. "Bruce Springsteen! You just rocked the house at Super Bowl XLIII! What are you going to do now?"
Overall, I'd give the performance a B+. I'm certainly not complaining about the song selection and was pleasantly surprised by the 10th Avenue Freeze Out opening.
Bruce and the e street band rocked ! I can not wait to see him when he comes back to Ontario this year.
Although I have never been a huge Sprinsteen fan ( and I did listen to some of his songs during his hey day), his show definitely entertaining. I believe Prince is still the halftime show to beat but I would pay to see Bruce after last night. Those who present the "over-the-hill" argument really rediscover rock and roll. Music is ageless. There is no such thing as "over-the-hill" in music. If a performer is willing to stand on stage and people come to listen, then he is always entertaining. I just hope I have that amount of energy and look that good when I am sixty.
He still sucks!
Most right winged idiots still dont get it...... Bruce is still solid ... Rush lovers , eat some more oxycotin.... Drug addicted ditto heads
Every year the music gets safer and safer. I mean I know the Boss will always be the Boss but his music is getting so dated. I think it is the obnoxious sax solos that scream "1980's!"
Bruce was great fun to watch...E St was hot..and thank goodness he didn't let his political persuasion get involved in the fun he was having on stage...the show rocked!!
Prince is still the high water mark for these halftime things. But Bruce was great. Those of you knocking him are mostly likely people with merely a peripheral interest in music. Anybody with any kind of music IQ knows what he's about and that he and the E Street Band are the genuine article and one of the best live acts in the history of music. Any kind of music. Eastern, classical, World...whatever. Music is about communication and elevation...and he is a master of acheiving both. And that band is outrageously tight. There aren't many acts with the gravitas for something like this.
To all those moaning and groaning about Bruce's voice and old age....
First of all, Im not all that much of a Springsteen fan so this isn't a biased opinion. I'm 26 but hope that when I'm Bruce's age I will still be enjoying life and free to let loose and have fun like he did on stage. In an industry filled with egos and greed, its always nice to watch a band that truly enjoys their own music and making that music with each other.
In regards to his voice, first, Id like to see any of you heartless critics get in front of 50,000 people in a stadium with millions watching on TV and wow everyone with your singing. Second, Bruce is not a vocalist. He's never had what is traditionally viewed as a wonderful singing voice. He has a unique and identifiable rock n' roll timbre to his voice. Bruce's success doesnt come from amazing vocals, it comes from great writing of timeless American rock & roll songs.
The guy has had a fabulous career and is playing the half-time show at the Super Bowl. If you wanna fault him for showing his age a bit, I hope when your his age, people point out and criticize your thinning grey hair and saggy love handles and tell you to stop having fun and to "act your age". Bruce, good for you for enjoying the moment and giving it everything you had to make sure people enjoyed the show.
Fantastic! Finally a halftime show worth watching.
Bruce rocked!!! It's too bad the rap generation has missed out on some good old classic American rock and Roll that's full of heart. The man is almost 60, but I hope to have half of that energy when I reach that age. Looking forward to seeing you in Albany, Bruce!
Bruce was great! I'd like to see some 20 year olds do what he did last night! He was as good last night as he was when we went to see him in 85!
So glad that most of what he played was his older stuff...not a big fan of his new music...
Hopefully RUSH will play the next SuperBowl and everyone will get to see real talent.
Definitely the best show that I can remember. Springsteen's voice was a little weak, but it's never been about his voice anyway. The guy is just a pure entertainer and the band was awesome. I think that most of us 40 somethings enjoyed it a lot. I'll take the Boss over what currently passes for music anytime.
He was and is still the greatest. His show was the best.......other than the Steelers winning of course!!!
Its pretty interesting to me to see how differently people see the same event. Lots of people here seemed to have hated the BS&ESB halftime show. Weird.
While I was watching it I had the stereo and t.v. turned up as loud as possible. Sure, Bruce's voice isn't what it was 25 years ago. But for my money there are few bands out there that can put on a revival tent rock show like The Boss. Springsteen's love of life and love music and his desire to pull the audience in to his party is infectous.
The band was tight, as one would expect, and they obviously still love playing together.
I thought it was a great half time show and can't wait to see them on tour this summer.
For twelve minutes I forgot that my back hurts, my knees are sore and I can't make my mortgage payment ...Bruce was great. He can't be all things to all people but if you love Rock and Roll...he's The Boss.
how did he survive that crotch rush into the camera...i was surprised he could walk much less perform!
The show was fantatistic! Bruce has been the first choice for the past 10 years for a reason.
It is sad that the negative comments here are based more on his support for America and the right wing hatred of all things American. These people see everything through their poltical hatred filters, you really sound like bitter children.
The boss rules supreme!
Oh yea, and for those of you spoutting off saying he 'fills stadiums, tours the world', etc., remember, Charo is also still touring too. I think even his buddy Tim Russert would have been disappointed.
The only unfortunate thing about Springsteen was that I wasnt there.
As always, I danced for 12 minutes!!
He's The Boss.
Best show in a long time. While Bruce is approching 60 he still looked good and moved well. The energy and happiness he displayed was very good to see.
It was the first time I have ever looked forward to a half-time show. It is hard to capture the pure energy of a E-Street Band concert, but for a 12 minute performance – it was outstanding.
I have seen hundreds of concerts in my life, but seeing Bruce and the E-Street Band has always been the highlight. With apologies to Ringling Brothers, Bruce is still the greatest show on earth.
I only wish I could afford to buy tickets for the next tour.
Little Steven made the show bareable !
The super bowl was wonderful, GO STEELERS. And the Haltime show was great. Bruce may be old but he still knows how to give a performance.
I love the Stones and U2, and their halftimes were great, but the Boss was the best. Ever.
Sigh ... why did the NFL decide Bruce Springsteen, an 80s has been, should be allowed to perform his tired old tunes at the superbowl? I'll tell you why, it's because they couldn't get anyone else!!!
He's in a class of his own – gives 100% and was awesome – that's why they call him the Boss – he is.
Prince is a a complete whack job!! He doesn't even have a name and thinks he is some kind of royalty – Springsteen is a real, true, hard-working, down to earth person......that is why he is loved and appreciated...he never let his fame and fortune go to his head!! Please, there is no comparing these two people...It is about the music, but it's also about the heart and soul that is behind it!! That being said just about everything today lacks.....and as far as Simon Cowell voting him off...American Idol is this countries biggest joke and shows how it is so not about the music but about image...get back to basics America!!
p.s. some folks are posting that the over 40's loved Bruce and the kids didn't. Well I'm heading for the big 50 and Bruce was an embarrassment. He sucked big time. Defintely not Super Bowl entertainment quality.
"Simon would have stopped him before he got two lines finished. Bruce is big in image only, his vocals are awful."
Well, no he wouldn't have and who cares? Simon doesn't know jack about artistry. He knows about cheesy pop and selling records to idiots.
Like Bruce, but I think that there were many other choices that would have been MORE enjoyable.
Great 12 minutes (and I am not a fan). For all those who did not like it – how come he sells out football arena's as fast as he does? Game was not bad either.
also agree with the "church-choir is quite passe" comment, seriously, its old. and the "put down your chicken fingers" comment? weird. I though JH did a good job with the anthem, she did not overdo it. why does SB committee keep going with old performers?
P.S. All of the ads sucked! I was way more into the Movie Trailers for G.I. Joe, Transformers and Star Trek then I was for any of the ads then showed.
The best regular ad was the Miller High Life one that lasted one second and only said "High Life!".
"I didn’t know he still performed. So lame."
LOL. That's more a commentary about you than anything else. He sells out massive arena tours. He plays stadiums in the summer. He's as big a touring draw as U2, the Stones and Radiohead, if not bigger. To not know he still performed is to admit to the world that you live under a rock.
I've done some engineering and I didn't have any issues with the mix. The mic at the front of the stage for WOAD was a little tinny, but that's it.
He sucked beyond the telling of it. Seclusion recommended.
I couldn't agree more about being EMBARRASSED for him – it was so dorky. Between his odd facial expressions, references to appetizers and then annoucement he was going to Disneyland, he gave the appearance of being either drunk or senile.
Bad choice having Springsteen at half time. I prefer to just listen to his records and not watch him. Love his music on CD. But I like my rock stars deathly skinny, longer hair, and under 30 please, even though I'm 54. This over use of a large choir in church gowns also has just gotten out of hand and plain rediculous. I have never been to a rock concert in my life with 50 choir members behind the band. Talk about white people always over compensating lately to please African American audiences. Why? What the heck is that for? Stop it! Faith Hill has a problem with that silliness too everytime she's on TV. It just looks silly and gratuitous, and I'm sure my African American friends think so too. They did that at the Obama Inauguration concert too. Who's pushing that whole thing? Hate it!! I just don't think John, Paul, George and Ringo would ever have gone that route.
The performance reminded me of something sad from a theme park. Super cheese. Knee slide? Guitar windmill? Having a ref come throw a flag? Geezz... I can't believe the actually rehearsed that and thought it would be funny.. Sad and awkward.
Bruce was okay. Having seen him live several times, I know he can do better, but he was still enjoyable. I didn't much care for the super close up of his balls when he slid into the camera but hey he was having fun.
Electrifying!!!
I have never liked the music of Bruce Springsteen. He can't sing worth a damn. Last night he was acting like a teenager and he looked ridiculous sliding around on the stage. He needs to grow up and act his age.
I'm 60 and an aging rock and roll fan for life, but I must agree with the naysayers here... Bruce sounded winded, was a little too enthusiastic, and should have laid off the gymnastics. And the banter with Little Steven at the end was awful. A quiet venue with the choir backing him would be great though at another time, Bruce really is good. Faith Hill was great but Jennifer Hudson was DUBBED and LIPSYNCHING!
Bruce was ok. The big guy was dressed like he just returned from saying mass. It turned cornball when the ref came out and threw a flag. Gimme a break.
Bruce wasn't the greatest . It probibly would have been more suited for last years Super Bowl so the entire State of New Jersey could enjoy the game and the Half Time show. Bruce is another example of how having old performers at half time show is going to kill the entire concept of the Half Time SHow.
Prince 2 years ago was the best ever. I am not a Prince fan, but loved his performance. Bruce should just hand it up
I thought the half time show was horrible. Springstein yelled into the mircophone the whole time. His antics were bad. He is past his prime, why put him in a half time show. YucK!
Worst performance ever....wish they would have had the wiggles or something ...when is the NFL gonna pull there heads out ?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Boss and band. Yes, they are showing their age but still delivered an energetic and fun-filled performance. Great half-time show!
Was it me? I though he lipped sinked the entire time. What do you think?
The Boss –ROCKS !!!
The best Super Bowl Show since U2.
I think the comments on this list can largely be judged based on age. Anyone over 35 or 40 thought he was great (myself included). Anyone younger doesn't get it. No, Bruce doesn't have the same smooth (highly packaged) voice of today's pop singers – but that's not the point. his music is phenomenal as is his stage presence. I really think the American Idol generation has a limited sense of what music is. Just my opinion.
Didn't care for the beginning, but loved the ending.
Anyone who thinks that he was "over the top" or "trying to hard" have obviously never worked 100,000 people into a frenzy. He was having a great time out there, he was giving it his all. It is too bad that America has so many people who want everything calm and collected and prim. This is Rock and Roll people! All you need is an overwhelming need and a mic!
I only hope I have that much passion for ANYTHING when I am 60!
He will forever be the best live performer ever!! He is a musical genius and his songs have true, deep, everlasting meaning to those who know them. I thought he looked hot.....and those guys will play anybody under the table and they are n their 60's – in no way did he appear old and unable to hold his own....he was over the top...best performance ever...and Jennifer Hudson and Faith Hill have beautiful voices but will never be close to gaining legendary status like The Boss!!!
He's no longer an entertainer or a rock and roll performer . . . he's a protester.
I no longer buy his music. He sucks. Maybe he and Bono can sing to each other!
EMBARRASSING! He looked like a fool.
AMAZING! I loved it. Just because you are over 40 does not mean you are dead and Bruce really showed he still has it.
Absolutely the BEST half time show in years!!! Bruce RULES!
Highly overrated. The local butcher can do the same or even better!
I was thinking he should have quit years ago.
His voice (like he ever had one in the first place) was shot.
Ehhhhh. Bruce is a great entertainer but I wanted something a little edgier. U2 & Prince were probably the best in recent history. Bruce is a legend and I can't argue with his talent but I'm not a big fan.
I suppose we can expect Bruce in a white jumpsuit with sequins next. One of Elvis' old ones should fit him nicely. I don't mind the old guys rockin', if they can, but that show was just plain sad. Time to retire, guys. The stage slide was silly, and probably dangerous for an old dude.
Shameful–He is way a 'has been'. Clearly has dyed his hair and are those hair transplants? terrible.Songs bad also. the band is great!Stay home Bruce!!
Simon would have stopped him before he got two lines finished. Bruce is big in image only, his vocals are awful.
horrible! that was the longest 12 minutes ever! he might have been the boss at some point but with the economy in shambles, he needs to be laid off to make room for fresh, less expensive talent.
Sounded like he was covering somebody else's songs. Lackluster emotional connection to the music despite the major league props. Plenty of energy but not a trace of hunger. Like someone playing a character of himself instead of being there himself.
The halftime show was awful, perhaps the worst ever with a dreadful sound mix. Can't believe that Born in the USA wasn't played. He gave it his all but it just didn't mesh. The early physical energy made promises not kept by some of the snoozer gong choices.
Still the BOSS!!! Rocking and Rolling and making the best of the 12 minutes he had to work with. CANT WAIT to see the ESB in Philly in April..my tickets are in hand already.
That was singing??????
Can't understand why everyone loves this guy. He was horrible, as usual. The NFL should just have Prince entertain us every year!!
As a contemporary of Springsteen's, I was embarrassed for him. Like the Stones, the Who, et al, they look ridiculous. Van Zandt with that rag around his head-pathetic.
I'm also embarrassed for the fans around the stage-their children must be mortified seeing their parents trying to act cool with the their antics of bygone days. The whole thing was loud and sad.
I've never been a Bruce Springsteen fan and I'm still not, very boring. I never realized he was so short, I found that the most interesting.
I love the fact that some people don't get Springsteen. They say his politics are wrong, his voice is gone, if he ever had one, and he acts
too old for his age, and his songs all sound the same. I have been a fan for 35 years, I love all music, especially rock and roll, and have never seen or heard anyone better. Ask Townsend, Chuck Berry, Bono, Dylan, etc if he's overrated. I couldn't get tickets to his shows yet,
but why should thing change since when I waited in line for hours, before the internet. The Main Point was great, but he is as good as he ever was., and I will be there when he comes to play.I would have loved to see Springsteen with Buddy Holly. I guess
seeing him sing happy birthday to Roy Orbison in LA will have to do.
RIP Danny, and long like the E-Street Band.
All things considered, nice job.
Given that the audience ranged in age from 5 to 95 and included all socio economic and demographic groups of this country, Springsteen did a great job of entertaining the masses.
I thought the band performance was incredible! Lot's of energy and it looked like the crowd was having a ton of fun. As far as it being compared to past Half-Time shows? I think it was a lot less extravagant. But hey, it was about the music!
He seemed old and tired; Prince was much better and he had to play in the pouring rain.
Springsteen has been demoted from Boss to Janitor
I like Bruce better when he's doing the acoustic thing, but I thought this was a fine performance.
Hilarious to see the right-wing whiners complaining about the man's populist politics.
Yes.
Springsteen gives a good show. He looks like he really enjoys what he is doing. My husband's friend met him many years ago and bought him a beer because he thought 'this poor guy is never going make it, he's not that good'.
I don't like the way his voice sounds but he makes good music.
So here he is.
Doesn't get any better than The Boss. He's got more energy and talent than most performers today – and most importantly, he's sincere and sings from the heart. He knows how to get a crowd rocking. He's old enough to be my father – but he is HOT. If I look half that good at 59 – I'll be doing something right. Bruuuuuuce!
Agree with Jared B.'s posting. Springsteen looked embarrasing. The middle aged heavy version looked so lame do a very clumsy climb to the top of the piano. It's wasn't really a jump. More of an assisted stairway climb. Same thing with going down on his knees leaning backward then finding . . , oops it's harder to get up then I thought. Looked ridiculous trying to do the moves of a slim fit young man when he's 59 and much larger and only in average fitness level. Then the corny stuff also looked so lame. Corny lines and the whole 'time to go' line was painful to listen to. This act didn't even come close to Prince and even the aged and decrepit Rolling Stones beat it by a mile as they had their act pulled tight and didn't try riduculous physical moves unless they could actually handle it. Springsteen is lucky his pants didn't bust the seams in the back.
I love the boss, and he showed why he is STILL the boss! Bruce, please spare us the left wing politics... and just keep playin!!!
Springsteen is so overrated. I believe the show organizers could have selected a better halftime performer, someone more mainstream and up-to-date.
For 12 minutes – it was the best I've seen. The crowd was pumped and he pumped them up more. Besides, what's more American than Football and Glory Days!! He is the BOSS and the E-street Band is THE BAND...
He was OK. He did try–I will give him that. None have been more memorable than last year's performance by Prince. The Purple One still is king!!
It was ok, but I thought the NFL would go with someone younger and hipper. I guess the Dave Clark 5 weren't available.
When has Bruce ever been able to carry a tune? Or Bob Dylan? Their music is not about carrying a tune, but expressing what we are feeling. Bruce's songs tell a story that many of us can relate to ... especially during these tough economic times.
The fact that Bruce can get up there on stage and perform at 60 and have a stadium full of screaming fans at his feet, is amazing. Did you see how close he gets to people ... right there in your face singing. In Hershey this summer, he actually jumped down into the crowd and played ... shook hands with all of the kids and adults, high-fived, etc. What other performer can do that without being pawed at or molested? Bruce and his band have earned our respect ... he doesn't walk around with an entourage of body guards ... he walks down the street.
And 12 minutes is not long enough to appreciate a Springsteen show ... go for the real thing ... 3 hours of non-stop Bruce ... worth every single penny ...
Thanks Bruce ... you were my first concert when I was 13 and I can't wait to take both of my kids to see you. I know that they will enjoy the concerts just as much as I have.
I've never been a Springsteen fan anyway, but that "performance" really grated on the nerves.
I can't believe that I thought he was so cool when I was in college (20+ years ago). He sounded old. Why do singers always trot out a black church choir when they want to rouse the crowd? It's so overdone and cliche, it's embarassing.
Also his "I'm one with the working man" schtick doesn't ring true given his deal with Wal Mart.
Bruce captured the essence of his marathon concerts in 12 minutes. Not an easy task! I think the people who thought he sucked have never been to a concert and so just didn't "get it". He knows what his audience wants and he gives 'em their money's worth! That show was all about FUN and he nailed it!
As for Jennifer Hudson - she is one of a thousand singers who don't understand that the national anthem is NOT about the singer. My kudos go to those singers who give up the theatrics when they sing the national anthem. Sing it straight and strong, and do yourself credit. JH did not do that.
I love Bruce and his show was great, but I could have did without the opening telling me to put my food down and the referee. His songs were great!
Probably one of the best halftime shows ever.
Was never a "Boss" fan, but feel fully vindicated in that judgment now. Hackneyed song and terrible vocals. Halftime shows are going to the pits, starting last year with Tom P - another no-talent.
That was a JOKE!!!
TO LYNN!!!!!!!!!!!!
SPRINGSTON WASNT GOOD??? BUT A LIP SYNCED HUDSON AND FAITH HILL WERE "FAB"???????? WJAT A LOSER YOU ARE!
I loved it! It was full of energy.
Bruce was awesome. Never seen the Boss live but I would deffinetly go if the opportunity came up. I didn't even care about watching the second half of the game, Springsteen stole the show.
For everyone out there who says he sounds bad live, go listen to the cd then. Live shows are about the show and in my experience never have the same sound quality, and if they do the band will ultimately be boring on stage.
the boos was great and always will be. for a man that is 60 yrs old i was impressed. ive seen him 3 times and always puts on a great show. he hasnt been around this long cuz he sucks lol. rock on bruce
Clearly either you like Springsteen or you don't. I happen to like him and thought the show had it's not-so-great-moments, but loved his being up there (finally) and never tire of hearing him. His joy of performing really gets to me everytime. I too would have LOVED a 12-minute Thunder Road!
I say "some things are better left in the past." He wasn't good then, he certainly isn't good now. Seriously, the Super Bowl entertainment committee can't do better than that? Bruce, I think there's a show in Vegas that's calling your "has been" name. Maybe there you can be the Boss – the Boss of the Buffet!!
Same ole Bruce can't carry a tune in a bucket or a bag or his lunch box. But for an old fart I give him a b for Bruce.
I don't feel able to say whether it was good or bad because I could barely make it out. The crowd was so loud, the band was so loud, he was just coming in in snippets. It might have been a great performance, but what showed up in my living room was boring. I just don't know if that was him or the quality of the broadcast (HD, but still).
Old, really??? The boss has more energy than most people half his age. And his music is far better than a lot of younger singers out there. He put on a fabulous show....some great old songs and one new one. He was restricted on the # of minutes he could perform and got in 4 great songs in that time. This was one of the best half time shows ever.
I thought he was great – but I also think the Disney remark was a joke. Since he said "I'm going to DisneyLAND" which is the smaller Anaheim park and endorsements are typically for Walt Disney WORLD in Orlando. We'll see.
okey dokey... certainly not the best, not the worst, middle of the pack. sliding into the camera was friggin' funny though. 80's mj, u2 after 9/11, & prince a couple of years back are still up at the top for me.
he was great---------–
I think he's incredible. He looks incredible and is an incredible songwriter.
His voice is getting a little shoddy as he matures, but let's face it – not many people approaching 60 have that kind of energy and talent.
You should be proud of who you are Bruce!
I say – Kudos to The Boss – he's incredible.
Ya know it's not just a young person's world! Rock on Bruce... you're the best!
Some of these 18-30 so called music artists, don't write their own music and are so talentless and pre-fabricated, they wouldn't know talent when they heard it.
Tina is 67 and she's still going strong. Cher – sold out concerts. Stones – sold out concerts.
Love to see where Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, these cheesy American Idols or any of these young "wannabees" that don't even write their own music will be at 60.
Put that in your pipes – you younger critics.
It was embarrassing to watch. Janet Jackson's mishap was better!
He looked old and act was so corny.
We were really looking forward to something great and could not have been more disappointed.
Old, odd, out of time. Needs to find acoustic happiness and a better shampoo. Off to the golden oldies station and out of our lives.
A former fan checking in and checking out.
Who gets these has-beens for Super-Bowl? The last "hit" springsteen had was, what, the 70's? "Bruce and the Slightly Rockin' E Street Band" being wheeled on stage for their geriatric performance. It sucked. How could it not? Hey! Let someone else pick the acts!
For all those X Gen's that think Bruce and the E Street Band weren't a good choice for the Superbowl, remember, it is us "over 40" that he was chosen to entertain...Let me know when you hit 59 so we can hear and watch you entertain us for a solid 12 minutes!
As soon as i new it was Bruce as the halftime show, I knew I would not be watching... are you kidding? I was there in the 80's and I didn't think he was anything special and i can not imagine 30 years later he would be any better. Born to Run, right off the stage and never come back!!!!
Bruce was true to form, it’s about having the fun and as far as a super bowl shows go it was one of the best.
It was too busy and difficult to make anything out; there were at least five guitars going (besides the bass). Last year's performnace was much better.
Superfantastic. Twelve minutes is not very long, but he made every second count. Only wish I could have been there in person.
He was bad in the 80's....he's worse now
I just received a a comment back-that I had said this before and my
remarks were already stated?????? This was the very FIRST
time I have ever commented to CNN just a few minutes ago, and I think
it was a great comment given what was already posted.
thank you
carylee
I thought the performance was pretty good but I'm still laughing about the crotch shot he took during the slide. The smile on his face afterwords was priceless.
Bruce should be embarrassed? "Get Bog Seeger"? Wow. I'd like to see any of you critics (or Bob Seger, for that matter) try to do what Bruce Springsteen does every night. Let's face it: Bruce's detractors these days are jealous redneck Republicans who get winded walking and talking on their cell phones to the nearest all-you-can eat burger buffet. Oh, wait, you're right. They don't walk–they drive giant, gas-guzzling SUVs.
THE BOSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not worth watching – who ever said he could sing anyway. Writes good music but cannot sing.......Let's get some good entertainment – Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, plus many others that have been on supposedly "Super Half Time Shows" are way past their, and our, prime – if that is the way to go – then go even further back when good music was the thing
He was amazing. We are all getting older and deserve respect for not only what we are doing right now but for what we accomplished in our past. To those of you who felt he disappointed...take a look in the mirror and say you're sorry!
He tried hard and so did the band...but his voice was very sub-par at best. Even the overly optimistic sunshine pumpers whose comments are listed above don't truly believe he sounded like Bruce of the old. That is just more people who WANT to believe he was as good for themselves. Unfortunately, it is not what transpired. Good luck Bruce...retirement is nearer than you think.
I've never been a fan of "The Boss"; however, I thought the halftime performance was entertaining. One of the better shows in quite some time now.
I'm sure that die hard fans thought he was great, but that's just because there's nostalga associated with his followers. I on the other hand think he writes good songs, and yes, was good 20 years ago. But, I was embarrassed for him. He should give up singing every song that requires screaming and stick to the quiet ballads. His voice is GONE!!!!!
all super bowl half time shows suck. bruce just stuck w/ the trend. no reflection on his talent. realistically, i think half time would be better served by airing an episode of The Simpsons or something and just canning all the cheesy, overproduced nonsense.
seriously...the half time shows are just crap no matter who does them.
you watch for 5 min and then go out for more food or beer or something.
....also....do we REALLY need two patriotic songs before the game?
...let's just stick to the National Anthem, shall we? even still...can we just play the shortest/simplest TAPED version of it? honestly now, enough w/ the idiotic pop stars and actors/actresses. it's a sporting event not the Oscars.
all i can say is, "god bless remote controls".
What a yawner! He never could sing and proved he still can't. His voice sounds like he just gargled in Clorox! And, he's a left wing loon. Faith Hill and her husband and lefties too, but at least she can sing! Jennifer Hudson was AWESOME and the best of all.
BTW, why can't real big time stars sing live? Just a question! The FB players play live!
Mr. Springsteen was "trying too hard" to put on a performance as though he was 30 years younger. He has great music and we know how old he is. He should have acted his age with a lot less "put on".
One of the best halftime shows ever. Bruce still rocks the house after all these years!
I've never liked him much but he did put on one heck of a show!
The sound mix was not great, but I really enjoyed it and thought it was totally appropriate for a 12-minute halftime show. I liked Tom Petty too, but Springsteen's show had more energy and fun. Who cares how old he is? Get over it, people.
I thought it was the best Super Bowl half time show in a while....I am sick of the hip/hop stuff every year. Aerosmith was horrible...This was much better. Agreed that he didn't need run into the camera...but he looked good and still's GOT IT.
Great show. Would have liked to have seen something beside "Glory Days." Somebody above said all the songs were from different albums. "10th Avenue" and "Born to Run" are both off the same album.
Think if you are a fan, it was great. I've always been ambivalent and didn't come away a fan. Felt very canned. He lost his voice in the second song and it became pretty excruciating after that. Notice many people on this blog mentioning how old he is. Nobody talked about how old Tom Petty was (58) or Prince was (50) after their performances at the SBHT.
Well Squirrel, if anything you read here from commenters provides insight, Springsteen's not the "Boss" for everyone, and its arugable if he ever had the nationwide contingent – thankfully we don't choose rock stars via the Electoral College or Bill Clinton would be a successful jazz saxophonist. And sorry to say this, Springsteen fans, despite the greatness some believe him to have, he's not carrying the same audience he had 30 years ago. Time to hang up that Telecaster!
Horrible – always has been. With so many entertainers to choose from, how in the heck did they select this guy??
Man, I absolutely love all these folks with their immediate and hair trigger "worst half-time show EVER" and "he sucks, he's too old, his vest was stupid, I hate him and myself" comments. I'd be curious to know what they listen to!
Yeah, his voice was a little rough at the beginning, but you gotta remember that he hasn't been on tour in quite a while. He was sounding pretty damn good near the end, and I'm sure he'll sound even better on his eventual world tour. It was a stellar, fun, and over-the-top performance, and I wouldn't have it any other way. It's the Super Bowl after all, for Christ's sake.
Bruce rules! He hasn't been around for 40 years and influenced the artists he has without being talented. Best halftime show ever.
I didn't think about it! After over six hours if nothing but network Superbowl b.s., I shut it off and watched something far more entertaining: Wall-E.
i thought wolverine's grandpa did a terrific job!
They should have picked someone else to perform half time show. He was just okay. There was no "Wow" factor. I was expecting a little more.
Worst Superbowl halftime ever!! Hands down rather watch Janet Jackson again than the soft rock wannabe hard rocker B.S. was wondering when the Metamucil ad would show up for the guy. Great game okay commercials, terrible halftime, equals a good job by the NFL for the sports event. Next time maybe play out to it's audience, half dress women, beer, and maybe a dirt bike or something doing a back flip in the background. Mix up some country, hard rock and rap. Entertain the audience of more than just farts that are stuck in the eighties, they have 12 min of time to run 3, 3 min songs. Ad companies should be ashamed, they would have been better off just donating money to NBC rather than the not even break a smile stuff they had. Maybe with all the layoff they have cut out the folks that really made the commercials funny. I'd be pissed if I just dropped several million coins on the ads, and most of the audience just got up to take a piss rather than watch the flops they had this year. But I digress this is the first time I've really watched the event in 5 years so I shouldn't complain as much as I have. Over that time maybe it's just had a steady decline and I have not been subjected to it so my since of expectation was to high, boo on me for having expectations.
Ho Hum. Bunch of old songs by a bunch of old musicians. Guess they went low budget.
Springsteen has been over-rated for decades. He is good,has written some nice singles,and is high energy, but that describes a ton of rock and rollers. The Super Bowl performance was particularly over-wrought and "off key". Ugh
Another baby boomer. So what.
Bring back Tom Petty!!!
It was just terrible. I've never been a fan of Springsteen and last night just cemented that for me. His voice is just awful. I don't get the hype at all. So glad he didn't get that Oscar nomination.
I'm with you Squirrel.
Even though see did a great job with the anthem, she's no Boss!
I shudder to think what kind of "music" some of these kids think is
great, rap I suppose. LOL
The "Crotch Crash" = Best. Halftime. Moment. Ever!!!
(When the boss slid into a camera)
The show was good.. but the organizers could have brought some young people into the field.. looked like Bruce brought his groupies who had been following him around since the 70s.. I guess they could not find younger fans in Florida.. Also they could have brought some new star risers to the show.. after all , its the greatest show on earth, why bring an old guy to entertain a much younger crowd? again, its Florida and what else do you expect?
I am no fan of Springsteen,and think he has always been overhyped. My wife and I just watched thinking that they should have gotten someone else because we were not entertained.
I'm not impressed! Throwing a guitar around his neck trying to act so cool. He is so overrated as a great performer. I hope we see a different and much better show next year!!
The choice of Bruce Springsteen for the super bowl half time show is proof that america plays it safe. I do not think we nead any more artists that champion fat white lazy people, that say how proud they are to be an american, but do nothing to make America proud of them.
..I thought Bruce and E-Street did a great job! So much better than most of the 'pop' acts....at at least they were live! Not pre-recorded like most of the half-time shows...
btw Faith and Jennifer were great but both lip syncing
As a lifelong Springsteen fan, I say it was ok at best. He's gotten too deep into the spectacle. At any given time he has 3 people on stage strumming acousting guitars and contributing very little. I'd like to see him get back to having a tight band with more focus on the songs and less on the theatrics.
I thought he did a fantastic job. He looked like he was having a great time and you could feel the energy from the crowd that they were having a great time too. In today's day and time, the message for many of us is that we need to get back to the basics of living . . . Bruce's music takes us back to those basic days about appreciating what we have and enjoying the simple things in life!
It was fun for them and fun for the viewers! High energy and great vibe!
No matter if I was a big fan of the Boss or not..I think the performance was awful! I actually turned half-time off and I usually enjoy the show. Hope they pick a more updated entertainer for next years half-time.
He was drunk, right??
Bruce IS older–and so will each of us get old. But that doesn't mean that we should go and hide and stop doing what we love to do. Springsteen's music has evolved and so has he. Let's celebrate change with him. Let's have fun with him. Performance is not reserved for those under thirty.
Fabulous!!! He's still the Boss and will always be. You young whipper snappers don't know what real Rock and Roll is.
i enjoyed it when he teabagged the camera.
He totally rocked.....He will always be the BOSS.
Springsteen was awesome. Half the tools complaining would probably have been satisfied with any American Idol contestant. Its rock 'n' roll, not a glee club.
"He is damn near 60 and acting like he was in his thirties, just crap – sorry to disappoint you, his time has come and gone and he should Not have been on that stage last night."
You are utterly clueless.
Indeed, Bruce and the E-Street Band hit it out of the ballpark with their
performance. I thought the songs they choose where shop worn and
stale,however.I realize its hard to introduce new material at an event of
this magnitude when his vast audience has had such a vested interest
in him for such a long time. I just have to comment, why has this awesome group put up with Bruce's no-talented, unattractive, just going
through the motions( air guitar) wife for so long? It is well known she is detrimental to the band. She must be there just to keep the groupies
at bay. Thank you for the comment.
I agree with others that Bruce has a gravely voice and I'm not a huge fan of his songs. But, in my book, I thought it was a great performance. It was great simply because it was sincere and, at least as I could tell, he did not lip sync. A true rock and roll performance which was miles above the typical flashy lip syncing rap artist who has a couple of "perfect body" dancing girls next to him. Good show. Way to go Bruce!
I didn't know he still performed. So lame.
Also, make no mistake, he was there to sell his product to the Garth Brooks contingent out there. People who like to eat the cheese. He's no fool. It will translate to money for him. But it's not him. If you want to see the real thing, go see him live. They'll floor you.
Stevie, your Pirate-In-Black look is 30 years old... hang it up dude. You're not getting any more popular in being a Johnny Cash version of Jack Sparrow!
I agree with Mondo, Springsteen's 'Glory Days' have passed him by.
The NFL should've brought back Tom Petty & Heartbreakers!! At least they're originally from Florida! How someone could've brought a New Jersey blue-collar singer to Tampa escapes me. Who's next for next year, NFL? The B-52's??
You people have got to be kidding me! The BOSS rocked the house last night! The best half -time show in years if not ever!!! I guess the rest of you would have preferred Brittney Spears! Doesn't get much more energetic or exciting than last nights performance! Pure Rock-N- Roll and bull sh*t!
He was horrible. Why anyone would refer to him as "The Boss" is nauseating.
I thought it was terrible. Half of the people watching the performance probably had no idea who he even was. Just last when they picked Prince to do the half time show..dumb idea. When you watch the commercials, they are mainly geared for a younger audience..by younger I am late teens to mid twenties...so why pick an artist who is way out of their prime..who was obviously trying way to hard to be a young 'all American' rocker again.
Looked old, tired, out of breath. Use to write good music but definitely not in his prime. Just no real explosive stage presence. Didn't even keep my interest like the Stones and Aerosmith did in the past. At least the NFL didn't try to put together a mix of different artists to try and please everyone. The E-street band has always had the awesome tight sound of true music professionals. Bruce would be nothing without them.
Overblown performance, just as overblown as his ego. His voice wasn't in good condition–he just can't hit the notes on the old songs as he did when he was in his 20's. Anyone who thought his performance last night was great is delusional.
Instead of theatrics, I wish he could release a decent album. The new one is awful.
The donkey in last year's Bud commercial carries a better tune
Every hero is a bore at last,no doubt,but the more money he makes the more irrelevant he becomes.How much of Springsteen's money has been knocked off by Madoff?
The Boss rocked, again. I was in a roon with 20 people of all ages and everyone enjoyed the show. OK, crashing into the camera was amusing but it was, by far, the best halftime show in ages. As far as him being too old – get used to rockers sticking around much longer than they used to.
Some of you don't know the first thing about music, yet love to lob baseless insults. Bruce is still in his prime. I'm not the biggest fan, but there is no denying the gravity of the man's stage presense, his wit, the seamlessness of the E Street Band, the energy that he brings to the stage, the infectious sense of camaraderie, and the greatness of his songs. He nailed it.
And anybody citing Jennifer Hudson as "talent" while knocking Springsteen, is somebody WAY more interested in artiface than substance. And really not qualified to even discuss the work of Springsteen.
i too would have liked 12 minutes of rosalita. What, no 'Factory?' or "Atlantic City" hahaha. The NFL and TV heads all wanted UP and HAPPY and that's what they got. Not quite as classy as TP last year but E St Band rocked it out best they could under the circumstance. i'll bet album sales are up today
He did a great job! It was a lot of fun.
I'm not a Springsteen fan, but I was in a room with people who wanted to see it, so I watched. It was cringeworthy. Even for the people in the room who are fans. I respect him as a musician/songwriter, even though it's not my kind of sound. I hated when the ref came out and declared it "boss time". I hated when he slid across the stage. I hated the choir. I hated the hula-guitar. Just sing your songs man. You don't need all of that.
He was over the top, still the boss.
Can't believe some of the negative comments. Bruce and the band were highly entertaining. Probably the best half time show I've seen.
I couldn't hear a word that he was singing. He just walked for 12 minutes.
He delivered– he rocked the house. Bruce rules.
Doesn't ANYBODY remember the past Super Bowls' Disney commercials?
At the end of the game, they'd grab the MVP and a "reporter" would ask, "What are you going to do next", and the player would respond "I'm going to Disneyland!" THAT"S where the comment came from, and why he didn't say Disney World even though they were in Florida.
Great show, really surprised at 10th Avenue, but wonderful job shortening the songs without losing anything.
he is so over it is sad. just stick to sucking up to the liberal left!
Best half-time show ever. I saw him at the Harley 105th. He played for 3 hour 40 minutes solid and wasn't winded during any of it. Even my 17yo son thought it was good.
Bruce has always been a "man's singer" – not appreciated so much by the females. Last night, he was appreciated even less, and rightfully so.
Football is a dangerous,violent activity,for some one who is in to human rights,he doesn't mind to get paid for performing at an event that is NOW known to cause brain damage.That goes for Bono,U" and whoever else!!!
He's the EX-BOSS to me. I didn't watch and I feel better for not doing so.
I hope they had Oxygen ready for him after that awesomely bad performance. He sure sounded like he needed it while singing (if you want to call it that). He sounded like he had just run that interception back for a touchdown. I wonder what old fart they'll choose next year.
Bruce was awesome! If the game wasn't so good I would have wanted more than 12 minutes. I didn't mind his theatrics at all. Not too many people could perform the way he did, at any age. He and his band looked & sounded great, and they obviously showed that they were having a great time. Easily the best 1/2 time show since U2!
The set was great! The amplification enhanced his voice more than the music so the sound on TV degraded the band. Otherwise, it was vintage Bruce. But in all fairness, it's impossible to condense a 3 hour concert into 12 minutes.
Bruce and Little slimy Stevie need to find a new gig. Old and tired. Sorry Springsteen fans, I'm not one of you.
the dude is well past his prime... and him talking about freedom after he supported that scum socialest (osama). he did the super bowl no justice.
Sad, but typical has-been half time show.
I left the room after a couple of minutes. If I want to see someone exercise by running hopping and sliding I will go to the gym. Also, his voice is gone. The same effect could have been gotten by playing his albums.
Why does he always look likes he's trying to take a dump when he sings??
Time to retire Mr. Springsteen – you stink!!!
great performance, as usual, but the knee sliding is getting old. who cares that he can still slide on his knees. most of us just want to hear
their music.
He was so out of breath from running around at the start. I love Bruce - but he is no spring chicken. He should have just stayed still in order to have the breath to actually sing.
Honestly. There have been a lot better half time shows. 37 years of having to listen to this guy is getting painful. He's one of the most OVER rated musicians of all time. They are .. decent musicians but please. He's got a FEW good songs... but the majority of his stuff is mediocre at best. The hype has been hilarious.
The Entertainment value was exactly how we imagined it but typical to these halftime shows, he was lipsyncing. From the digging I have done it would appear that Garfunkel was the last artist to perform that did NOT lipsync and The Boss is no exception.
I loved how Bruce tea-bagged the cameraman.
The best half time show i've ever seen, and i've seen them all.
He's old, and trying not to be. Can't blame em, tho..
I did see him in concert recently and was passed Geritol instead of a joint.
I like Bruce a lot, but when is the NFL going to get over the wardrobe malfunction? It's time to get contemporary artists back on the SB stage.
It amazes me to hear people say he is past his prime, and should hang it up. Call me when you are listening to the Jonas Brothers in 30 years. It wont happen. Todays artists have neither the talent, originality or stamina to last as long as Bruce has. He actually has talent. Is his voice the best, no, but find me an entertainer who can perform originally written songs for 4 hours every night, and never repeat if he chooses not to. Good luck.
I look forward to the Halftime show's more than the game itself. I am not a huge Bruce Springsteen fan and was not looking forward to his performance at all. I know whomever books the talent for these show's has to be "conservative" due to past experience's, but PLEASE, let's get some better show's in the future !!
Bruce was great – hey, he may not as young as he once was but he totally rocked! Hope I can move like that when I'm his age. BTW he's not old – Just awsome!!!!
Okay, so I'll give him props for trying to be entertaining but come on, why was he doing all that running around like he was 25 again? He was out of breath and his voice was pretty awful for a majority of his performance. He has a good band but I wouldn't pay money to see him live. Just another geriatric half time show.
Attended my first Springsteen concert last year and I am now HOOKED! For those of you thinking he is "past his prime", "old" or whatever else you really need to see this man and his band perform live... it is amazing. A month after seeing Bruce and the band I saw The Police.... what a let down! I will be a diehard Springsteen fan forever!
It was a decent half-time show, but that is not saying much as they are usually awful. It was definitely a sub-par performance by Bruce and the band. The song choices were not what I would have queued up for from the Boss. And I thought he was going to break his hip or have a heart attack from his on-stage antics. He should give that stuff up, he doesn't have the agility for it anymore.
Just what the country needed. Some rousing rock n' roll. I enjoyed it.
One of the few (if only) bands in the world that are to BIG for the Super Bowl. 12 minutes just can't do them justice. Far and away the best half time show yet. The only way it will be bettered is if they invite them back and give him 15 minutes. 🙂 🙂 🙂
not very happy,stop playing save.bring back entertainment everyone would like to see. goody two shoes had there day
He was drunk, right?
FANTASTIC! Bruce & the E street band's performance will be remembered for the enjoyable entertainment it provided to the NFL fans during half time. The BOSS and his band once again showed us what it is to be professionals in the entertainment industry. It was very obvious that the band enjoyed giving everyone another opportunity to hear and enjoy songs we all know and love. I only wish the band was allowed a little more time to hear "Born in the USA".
It is important to note that Bruce and Band will be remembered for their great performance and not a wardrobe malfunction!
I am 61 years old and I thought he was wonderful! He is in great shape and gave an exciting performance.
To Scott D – he was winded and past his prime, he needs to retire and take the best of his memories with him, last night was a farse.
He is damn near 60 and acting like he was in his thirties, just crap – sorry to disappoint you, his time has come and gone and he should Not have been on that stage last night.
The man cant carry a tune but does carry that beer gut well, that was quite apparent last night
Is it possible to get someone under 40 to do a half time show? My guess is John Melloncamp will be doing it next year the way it is going. Maybe everybody needs to get over the boob incident and get some fresh entertainer to do the show.
I was on my feet, DANCING!
Bruce still has it – always will!
The self-indulgent crap at the end ("Hey Steve! What?" etc.) was really irritating.
Sorry Bruce, the 80s are long gone. Your Glory Days have passed you by.
I thought Bruce was great, full of energy and fun. I'll take the classic rockers like Bruce and Petty any day of the week.
Bruce still rocks!!!
I was bored. After the Janey affair they followed up with Sir Paul- which was AMAZING. One guy rocking a stage. Bruce had about 30 people up there and all I could notice is that the 2 women weren't really playing the guitar and he probably gave a cameraman a black eye when he slid into the camera. Yawn.
I am not a big fan of rock music but I think that Bruce Springsteen was pretty good and I enjoyed it. You want to talk boring, Paul McCartney was boring.
He made New Jersey proud once again. He is a true entertainer and what a performer. He and his gang looked so happy to be there and his slide into the camerman was so great.
I hope next year, he will be there with a joint effort of Jon Bon Jovi. How great will that be?
What a halftime moment. He is so great in person, he gives it his all.
love it, love him and just got tix this morning for his show in Philly!
Bruce was alright but he wasn't the best. I liked his energy, he can definately put on a show but there was something missing in it for me. Prince had the best Halftime show but Bruce was up there. He was better than The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Tom Petty.
His mic volume was really down until the last song when they made they fixed that kind of put a damper on it..but other than I loved Bruce! I love his music but hate his politics....Musicians stick to music!!!!! Yeah you Bono!
My wife and I agreed that he sounded like he was out of breath. My 13 year old son was innocently making fun of the performance... to put that into perspective, he loves Johnny Cash, Led Zepplin, Rush, Beastie Boys, Sting, and other iconic performers He recognized the songs but assumed that they picked someone out of the crowd like it was SuperBowl Karaoke night
tired of watching these geriatric halftime shows. get someone who has as least had a few hit songs since the 80's. Commercials were better than halftime.
Best half-time show ever. The Boss is still that!!!
It would've been awkward for him to sing "Born in the USA' since it's NOT a patriotic song. i wonder how many people actually know that.
The Boss was great; and I don't even listen to him. I might start now.
Horrible, just like Madden's commentating on a game that has passed him by. The theatrics were not needed. Sing your songs. Oh, and thanks for the full-on, High-Def Tea-bag you gave the camera.
Fantastic! The set list was perfect, "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out" is always a crowd favorite. The edits of "Born to Run" and "Glory Days' were great. Bruce mixed in his sense of humor, captured the energy of his shows, and worked the crowds and camera like magic. I feel sorry for the act that has to follow him at the next Super Bowl! Bruce, you da man!
Overated old guy. Never understood this so called "Boss" and I still don't get it. Go back to New Jersey and stay there.
I put down my chicken fingers, turned up the TV and danced faster than Larry Fitzgerald ran. The Boss covered more terriotory than James Harrison and was more nimble than Santonio Holmes.
The best Super Bowl show ever.
best super bowl act in 40 years he was great wish it didn't end.
I'm sorry but musicians past their prime should not be in the halftime show. Get bands or artist who are on their 3rd or 4th album and are in their prime and in their 20's – 40's tops. I'm not trying to knock the older crowd but look at the range of the age groups watching the game at any sports bar and you'd be hard-pressed to find many people in their 50's – 60's. The same thing last year with McCartney and in the years before with the Rolling Stones.
I think the networks got to get back to showing a "SHOW" during halftime and not just a collection of hits from a 30 year old song catalogue.
BORING. BRUCE is TOO OLD, CAN'T SING. That kind of music is washed up. That 70's rock crap. I would have liked to see some real talent. Either RUSH or DREAM THEATER would have been nice. Real muscians who can read music, don't need 20 people to sound good and can sing very well. Today's muscians are not a bunch of burn outs that plagued 70s music.
I would love to know what the people who commented were watching during half-time. This was the best half-time show the NFL has ever put on (Prince comes in at a close 2nd). I love Paul McCartney and the Beatles, but his ranks as one of the worst (only the Britney Spears/NSync/Aerosmith fiasco was worse). The referee coming on was corny but it was obvious Bruce and the band were giving it their all and enjoying themselves. Faith Hill was not any good. Jennifer Hudson was okay (a little over the top), but they just lip-synced.
There is a reason that Bruce has been asked to come on for over a decade-last night he showed us why.
I thought the "Boss" was fantastic. He never disappoints his loyal fans. He may be older...but he has definitely not lost any of his piazzzzz!!!!! I have my own favorite songs of his, but the ones he sang were awesome. Kudos to whomever picked him for the half-time show. He rocked the house.
Two words........He Sucks!!!!
"The Boss" is great!!!!! He did a great job with that 12 minutes and the fun combo of him and Stephen Van Zant was fun..
On what is arguably the world's biggest stage, Bruce delivered a set that is now the new standard for halftime entertainment. Bruce was in overdrive from the beginning. He was terrific and the band was as good as always. It was vintage Springsteen and I'm guessing it was pleasing to most fans, eye-opening to a lot of "new-comers", and the same old tired schtick to the people who made up their minds about Bruce many years ago. "Bruce is a big non-event"? Yes, except to the millions of people who would have liked to see him play another couple of hours.
Gotta Love the Boss. He killed.
I don't usually watch the Super Bowl half time because it's usually cheesy, but I never miss an opportunity to see Bruce Springsteen. He always looks like he's enjoying himself and that's infectious. So what if he can't hold the notes as long – it was more fun than any half time from the past.
Sound was awful.
Great show . . . the Boss is the BOSS.
Springsteen brought it home baby. Real music, substance and good ol rock n roll. The critics only wish their dad could be so cool!
Past his prime and it showed. My kids laughed cause he
was from the 80's. Too bad he's fat and out of shape
now..
You either love "The Boss" or you don't. I'm one who doesn't. I think I've heard better performances from a houseful of drunks.
Bruce is a good musician, but a POOR choice for the Super Bowl half time. If they're trying to reach a younger audience ... then pick someone who sings music they know.
I would have left to check out the concession stands if I were there.
What a refreshing performance!! I loved it~
For once I got to see a performer who actually enjoyed and interacted with his audience. For gawd's sake it was nice to watch someone actually _sing_ instead of lipsync and churn out their little precision moves you'd see in any of their given practice sessions in the studio.
I'll take the Boss over Spears and Timberlake ANY day.
One of the best Superbowl half-time shows ever! Bruce looked awesome! I just loved seeing him prancing around the stage. (The comment by Jared is ridiculous). The performance was brilliant and is a testimony to Bruce's reslilience in a youth-oriented society. I was proud for him, proud for the NFL, and PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. Thank goodness the NFL is bringing the people what we want. Hopefully the years of lame acts like Justin Timberlake & Janet Jackson are over! Bruce ROCKED THE HOUSE!
You can't expect a live Bruce concert from the Superbowl. But still, it was a great Superbowl concert I've seen; rivaled U2's efforts.
Bruce is awesome! He put on a great show as usual. Considering his age and longevity, he seemed to give it his all. That's what counts. Even if it seemed awkward to some, hey, you can't please everyone. Every year someone has something to say and complain about. We should appreciate and respect him for agreeing to do this gig. It was clean and he seemed proud. Leave the guy alone, can you do better? I love you Bruce! You are and will always be THE BOSS!
He is an American musical institution, did a great job in a brief time and it killed all the Republican Conservatives to have a good liberal progressive in their city. Good for Bruce, Faith and Jennifer, wonderful as always and gee all liberal democrats! Go Pittsburgh, also team owner and majority of the team are Democrats!
Nice performance but not the best ever Super Bowl show. That still belongs to U2.
The best halftime show ever! Only Bruce Springsteen could make this happen. Clarence, Stevie and Patti were great, too.
No – No – No – No more, please. The voice is gone (loud does not mean good). His talent was great – in its day – but now, please – no more........
In the words of Randy Newman "he's dead but he don't know it"
Way past his prime-no voice and couldn't understand the words as he didn't sing-he yelled.
Springsteen put on a great half time show. Wish the NFL gave him a bigger stage to work on.
I think this guy is way over rated. He wouldn't even make it on American Idol. We switched channels when he came on. He has become just like the rest of the asses from Hollywood sticking his nose where it doesn't belong in politics..
Bruce is the real deal, man. You can't argue with his songbook or his ability to perform and get a crowd going. Still, I have to say that I was more excited by Tom Petty's performance last year. That dude is cool.
The word to describe last night's performance? Tired. He looks and sounds absolutely exhausted. Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson used recorded music, and though I hate the practice, I longed for Bruce's true voice. Perhaps lip-synching isn't so bad after all...
Bruce is getting old
The Boss was the best-the music was awesome! He showed up all the other past half-time shows. This guy is in he late 50s and still has it! Those guys who sat in their lounge chairs criticizing the show were just jealous!
I think he makes the top 10 list of most overrated artists of all time. I'm surprised he didn't give a sales pitch regarding his political opinions.
I wish David Gilmour would have played instead. He is up there in years but I think he would have done a better job!!!! He doesn't try to act like he is a teenager any more.
I thought he was great (which honestly came as a surprise to me) but his clothes were too tight. They (especially his pants) looked so tight that it almost made me uncomfortable.
Bruce was great 20 years ago, but I think it's time to hang it up.
Who invited this ~ no voice anymore ~ pot belly antique ?????????
No doubt...Bruce was definitely putting on a show for his fans but I don't think he captured the audience at the stadium and at home quite like U2 did during there halftime perfomance after 9/11. That one still gives me goosebumps.
A totally committed individual, whatever he does! Bruce never lets me down. Lost luster? You've got to be kidding.
Bruce was great......and sexy as ever.
Unlike Tom Petty last year, it was apparent Bruce was enjoying himself immensely. Give this guy a break, he is going to be 60 years old this year and still puts on an amazing show and his song writing capabilities are like no other.
what a waste of the halftime spectacular...watching a grown man run around the stage and try to sing....time to quit that stuff....he could have just sat on a stool and performed his greatest songs....that would have been fine....p.s. great game almost allowed me forget his show....
Bruce and the boys were great that was the best show for halftime ever next year get Bob Seeger
Springsteen is still the best. But, that Super Bowl production was over-the-top and cheesy. No fault of The Boss. He did great. And, I'm glad he is proud of his leftist leanings and his support of Barack Obama. We don't need any lame, crappy Republican country singer croaking away at half-time.
GO STEELERS!!
Bruce is/was good....but, Prince was better-the best-by a longshot.
The rain, the guitar, the purple..all more majestic, funky, rocking, and inspired than The Boss.
Top notice. no venue or audience is too big for the Boss. too bad he could have 25 minutes. not the ideal amount of time for any artist to perform.
Thought Bruce sounded like he was past his prime. His counting off to start the songs stood out the most and his crotch shot into the camera guy was just too much.
If not for the 100 yard interception at the end of the first half, Bruce and the E-Streeters would have been the best part of the game so far.
When he came out and told me to put the chicken wings down and turn up my TV as loud as it would go, I did just that: although, I was eating popcorn at the time and the sound was coming through my surround system...but how would he know that?
Then he began a 12 minute set which could have included any of his 100’s greats and it still would have brought the house down...mine included.
I am a little biased because I am from Jersey and a huge fan of the man, but you have to admit that for a guy who will turn 60 this year, to be able to exude all that energy the same way he did back in '73, was something spectacular.
The writer of this blog has obviously not been to a lot of Bruce shows, because that so-called "corny banter" happens at every one. Him and his band have fun on the stage and they let it all out.
His choice of songs can be debated until next year's Super Bowl, but one thing that cannot be disputed is that his 12 minutes totally outperformed the Cardinals' 13 minute 1st half TOP
It was a 12 minute show, not a concert for heaven's sake. The Boss managed to put more into 12 minutes than any show the Superbowl has had since it gave up marching bands.
He should have retired. It is obvious his voice is past its' prime, more yelling than singing. Like professional athletes, performers should also know when to call it quits.
The NFL wasted alot of money. Hope in the future they get some good entertainment.
Not relevant? He has the #1 album in the country, is on the cover of Rolling Stone. I'd say that makes him pretty relevant.
It was a great twelve minute summation of his concerts. To Tom Wharton, he was briefly winded at the end of 10th Ave. Freeze-Out and the beginning of BTR because he hit a camera in the chest while sliding down the front of the stage.
Bruce still rocks, but the sound coming through our TV was muffled, so we didn't really 'hear' him sing clearly. Anyone else have that problem?
Boss was excellent !!! Best part of the show/game. No need for all the glitz though ... btw: He'd make a great game commentator ... how about it Jeff ?
He is like a parking meter who's time has run out, let the old guy go with some sense of style – he is done, like a bad egg!
It convinced me that Bruce is one of those artists who needs more then 12 mintues to fully appriciate him, i've seen him preform live and while i don't think it was his best preformance ever i think thats partially to blame on the time restirctions, i imagine its gotta be pretty hard to pack everything into 12 min instead his normal 3 hour shows
All that being said i was dissapointed when it came to an end, as usual I wanted more
I would have preferred to see Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson again at half time. "The Boss" is old and the half time show was not entertaining at all.
I prefer Timberlake's energy and style but I'd rather have Bruce than Janet Jackson's chest-baring, CD-promotion. She should have been jailed for indecent exposure, exposing herself in front of children all over the world like that. Bruce gave a good ole American performance, which is our current climate. Good choice.
Still can't carry a tune. I was embarassed for him.
I agree with Tom, Bruce did look a little winded, but he is still the boss. I think he should cut out the theatrics and just do what he does best – SING. Love him no matter.
Great show until he ruined it with the gratuitous and no doubt compensated Disney plug.
I thought he looked old and thick- his usual schtick of "leaving his guts on the stage", just is not cutting it at this age- Get an acoustic guitar, show up at a bar and give up these Arena/Football shows.
He was totally out of breath and hit zero notes. His energy was fantastic but he either had a cold or was just suffering from overworked pipes.
Definitely below the standard Boss performance – but better than the usual fluff crap from recent halftime shows.
I haven't watched a halftime show in years because I can't stand that hip hop crap, so it was refreshing not to have to see half-naked girls humping on stage! Gangstas' and "Hos'...thank God none of those showed up! The Boss couldn't hold those notes anymore, but his performance was still better than anything we've seen for a long time at half time.
It really breaks my heart to say this, but Bruce Springsteen's band has become too big and too full of themselves.
I feel that the music itself suffers from having 5 guitarists, a full horn section and a full choir. The whole sound appeal for such great songs a "glory days," "born to run" and "tenth avenue freeze out" was a stripped down, raw power that has been long gone from Springsteen and his huge live band.
I know it will cause a real crap storm posting any criticism of Bruce Springsteen, but for a good comparison check out any song on the recent release of him and the band from London 1975. His super bowl "show" (and it was mostly show) seems really bloated and phoned in compared to his smaller, tighter band.
Thought he was great; surprised at the choice of Glory Days, but thought the performance was top notch
This was the worst performance I have ever seen.
He sure has seen his "Glory Days" Not last night.
The sound mixing was terrible. It was nearly impossible to hear his voice on the TV broadcast. May have sounded great in the stadium, but not on the sofa.
I though it was just ok, it was nothing special. I though Tom Petty was better last year. It seemed like more in your face showmanship than focussing why he was chosen. And if you are uncertain as to why he was chosen, it is because of the music.
I did like the banter though.
Boring...I just don't get the hype. He just didn't have the energy I expect of superbowl entertainment. But, ah well. My husband enjoyed him.
Half time shows suck, Bruce is not relevant in 2009, if you wanted bring in a "vintage" rocker then John Mellencamp would have been better.
He seemed like he was trying too hard. Came off as over the top. Petty was much better last year.
I am sorry, but I cannot understand what people get out of his music. His voice is terrible. I think he is a nice guy, but man that voice is rough. Just listen to Santa Calus is coming to town by him. At least he cleans up the stage before he is done.
Not the worst oldies act, but I'm so tired of those old songs. Maybe it's time to quit before a graceless exit is unavoidable?
A great American artist, who I respect all the more for his gutsy poltical advocacy.
This guy needs to retire. He's just a big non-event.
Springsteen simply can't be touched. His energy, power and delivery is simply second to none. How many artists of his age can still deliver the same type of energy? Not many, if any. And honestly, his music fits
with these times and this event. Totally spot on delivery. All musicians should look at this man in awe and learn a thing or two about genuine
artistic expression and passion. As for previous Super Bowl half-time
shows.....let's just say that Lewis Black said it best "MTV has as much to do with music and KFC has to do with chicken."
Awesome as usual. Just gets better and better with age.
Fantastic. Born and raised in Central Jersey, I have been a fan forever, and last night showed how they are as tight as they have ever been. The smile on his face – loving his job – makes you want to sing along. This man loves what he does and it is infectious. It is nice to see some good ole' rock n roll the way it is meant to be. Tough to convey what he does for three hours on stage into a 12 minute show, but I think he nailed it. Thanks Bruce, for the many years of happiness you've brought into my life.
I thought he was great. Lots of energy – lots of fun. People would complain no matter what was played – you can never please everyone.
I'm not the biggest Bruce Springsteen fan but I thought he and the E Street band rocked and put on a great show and he looked like he was having a good time. The next time Bruce comes to the Boston area I will try to see his show, if I can get or afford a ticket.
I think the Boss did an excellent show. Others in the past have had alot of flashy stuff happening and who couldn't forget the "wardrobe malfunction"? Bruce gave us what we wanted. So what if the playlist is not what everyone wanted? What can you do? He had 12 minutes. It was very nice that he interacted with us on the TV in the beginning. It was also nice to see he was not done yet and didn't care about a "delay of the game" being called against him. Like they said, "it's Boss time!"
He makes up in polish for any energy that he has lost over the years. No once touch him now and he's 59.
Tenth Avenue Freezout was Tremendous. Bruce is a sublime maniac.
It was an awful show...couldn't understand a word of what he sang and a boring stage show..he was the only one who moved.
Bruce is almost 60 years old! He rocked it last night. Give the man some credit!
Agreed, I too am tied of the "has been's"...time for new life to generate the crowd at half time which I too think sucks, I would like to see cheerleaders, what ever happned to seeing them, is that taboo now or what?
I personally thought he sucked. He tried too hard, couldn't understand the words (I'm from his era) and I would have rather listened to anyone else. Thank goodness for his band, they were excellent.
Bruce is long past his prime. All of his new music and lyrics sound the same. He latches onto a catch phrase and then beats it to death droning on and on. His voice is shot and he can't (or won't) even completely sing the entire line. His band, on the other hand, is as fresh and accomplished as ever before. Since he threw his hat into the political arena, he's lost one fan. I'm only one, however, others may feel the same. Stick to the music, Boss and why don't you Work on Dreaming up some new lyrics, jump down from the politico bandwagon and frankly, just retire. How much fame and fortune does he really need? Time to put it to bed, Boss.
Not impressed. He came across as trying too hard. Petty looked natural up there. Guess it was ok, but I changed the channel half-way through.
Great!!! I don't know how anyone could think that Tom Petty was better. He just stood there. This was just like a Springsteen show just shorter.
The Boss was awesome. Tenth Ave Freeze Out was a pleasant suprise. The Miami Horns were awesome !!!! I am looking forward to the Tour.
Tramps Like Us
A good show for a change!
Great, but why no "Born in the USA"? Is he not allowed because its not PC?
I have not ever really been a fan of Springsteen's music. His lyrics are sometimes ok, but the band seems to only know 5 or 6 chords. For as many songs as they have, the melodical variation is very limited and down right boring. I can count on one hand all of the songs the e street band performs that I really enjoy. They try real hard. Gotta give them that much.
Thought Springsteen was terrific. Best halftime show in years... maybe next year, they'll give the players a longer break and more of the Boss for the rest of us! Congrats to the Steelers, but Fitzgerald is remarkable.
I almost fell asleep at half time. Why won't they get anyone at halftime that is actually still relivant.
Thought he was awesome. The entire E Street Band looked like they were having a blast.
Sam Ladd, Tampa, FL
Sam, are you serious? sir paul was the single worst performance since super bowl 3. Prince and Petty were good. The Boss had a lot of energy and sounded really good. Was one of the best they have had in a long time.
He was OK, he has sounded a lot better. As with all singers, their voice doesn't continue to sound as good as it used to be. I have no idea what the choir was there for, seemed unnecessary. I have to say too much energy and not enough on vocals and the song.
He didn't do a thing for me. I think there has been better half time shows. Gary
Not bad but not great either. Loved the Knee slide!
His voice wasn't "all there." I was surprised so many people thought it was so awesome.
Did you all see teh same show? It was awful. I was embarrassed to watch as he had to practically roll himself onto the piano and his out of breath panting just barely into the first song.
It was okay, It's a bit annoying to be hearing all these older acts at the halftime though. No offense but the superbowl has been alot more interesting with Janet & justin or even Aerosmith rocking out....
Hopefully next year they play something better!
It was typical fantastic Bruce. Full of energy and very fast.
He was great! I don't understand why he said at the end that he was going to Disneyland when he was performing in Florida, the home of Disney World. How have the talking heads let him get by with that?
Great choice of songs, presentation and performance. The best Super Bowl halftime show of all Super Bowls (I've seen them all).
The Boss showed how it's done.
Well, I went 2/4 on my predictions. You know Glory Days & Born to Run were gonna make it. I was surprised with 10th avenue Freeze Out only because it's so long (easily 20 minutes when played live). I also thought he'd play "my lucky day" instead of "working on a dream" though the latter is the title track to the new album. I agree with the Born in the Usa comment. Any springsteen fan would know that he wasn't going to play that- maybe if Obama had lost he'd still be mourning and it would have made an appearance. HAHAHAHA
I did expect though to hear The Rising as an opener.
All in all, I thought it was a solid performance, especially considering the time constraint. It reallly was a great rock concert in 12 minutes and for the people who've never been to a live Bruce show (14 times here), I hope they've caught the bug!
He looked winded and out of breath, I think he is old and lost the luster he once had but that's just me I guess
Loved the half-time show! Bruce sounded great and came up with a fantastic setlist. It was a real pleasure!!
He's known as "The Boss" for a reason. He is a true poet–not a great singer or guitarist–a unique songwriter whose compositions hit home almost every time. If you don't get it, who needs you?
The Half time show was better than any other I've seen. of course in my opinion, there is no one that compares with Springsteen, so I'm a little biased. It was the only reason I watched the Super Bowl.
He sucked! I almost fell asleep during his horrible performance. There are hundreds of other performers/bands that would have been a far greater choice.
Whomever picked Bruce to play at the Super Bowl should be fired, plain and simple.
Horrible half time show. It's time he retired and enjoy life. He looked like he was in pain up there.
I thought he must have injured himself on the knee slide. It looked like he slid further than he expected and slammed into the camera. His voice was clearly not as strong as usual after that, and it took several minutes for him to return to almost normal. I do think the fireworks were redundant and insulting to him and his fans, since he is quite capable of building excitement in the crowd without such theatrics.
For a 12 minute set, it was great! He rocked the Super Bowl like no one else could!
He was great. I was very glad that he didn't talk about his political views. I like him as a musician, not a politician.
Best 12 min. of half-time music ever for the super bowl. Song selection was excellant. I especially liked the addition of Max's horn section from his TV band. La Bamba rocks!
Boring....
I was in the kitchen, but I could have sworn I heard Steven Van Zandt say he was going to disney world. huh?
I understand if the Springsteen purists would be disappointed by this or that from the Halftime Show.
But for me, it came down to this............once the 3rd Quarter started, my 13 year old daughter came out of her room where she'd been watching TV with her sister. She said, "That Bruce Springsteen guy was pretty cool. Tell me about him."
In her world of Jonas Brothers and whatever else, she enjoyed some real rock and roll, and got acquainted with a bonafied icon. And wanted to learn more about him.
Not bad for a 12 minute piece of NFL fluff.
Best Super Bowl half time show ever! I've read some other reviews that said it was corny, but it was pure Bruce, mass appeal entertainment, energetic and memorable. That's why they call him "The Boss"!
Lisa
San Diego, CA
Obviously playing the Super Bowl requires an ego as big as all outdoors, so Springsteen was perfect: everything the blue collar boys and tailgaters could dream of and more all packed into 12 minutes. He did just what he was supposed to do and did it well. Not everyone's cup of tea but hey, it's not a James Taylor/John Mayer kind of gig.
A big yawn. After watching him almost fall up the stairs, I was bored to tears watching an old 80's performer. It was a good time to go to the john, get another plate, and open another beer.
I thought he and the rest of his band looked and sounded like old, out of breath, has-beens. When will bands like his, look in the mirror and see how foolish they look at their age, trying to act like they are still in their twenties! It was sad and funny at the same time.
He was ok. Good to hear him in fine voice, but I just didnt get the same energy or vibe as previous performances from Petty, Prince or Sir Paul.
I found his performance to be lacking in many areas. He STILL cannot carry a tune; he seemed tired and, quite frankly, OLD; and every one of his songs sounds the SAME. They could have picked a better artist but maybe they were going for the "unite in the American spirit" thing...which failed miserably. I was also underimpressed with Faith Hill, but Jennifer Hudson knocked it out of the park. Now THERE's REAL TALENT!
What an outstanding show with energy that was over the top. Does it get any better than an outstanding game with an incredable halftime show by The Boss? It should have been 24 minutes!!
I thought the Boss was fine, and got everyone excited and involved. But as someone who sings on a regular basis, I was much more impressed by Faith Hill, and even more so by Jennifer Hudson. She touched me deeply with her beautiful voice, and her bravery.
I thought they were great! I know these songs are old, but they brought back great memories of better times, no financial crisis, no high unemployment and my neighbors went loosing their homes.
Bill
Yeah, Born to Run was a given, even if, as you say, no one ever analyzed the lyrics. I wondered if he would do Glory Days, given the (irony of the) lyrics, and laughed out loud when he did. He picked a wide range from all different albums, but I'll tell you the truth:
I would have been very happy with a 12-minute version of Thunder Road.
Maybe next time?
he sucked as usual.
Considering the 12 minute rule, I thought it was exceptional.
What an outstanding show with energy that was over the top. Does it get any better than an outstanding game with an incredable halftime show by The Boss? It should have been 24 mintues!!
The usual Bruce. He was fantastic and totally rocked!!
My husband & I were on our feet rockin out!! And we're 45! It was EXCELLENT!!
LOVED it. If you look at the halftime shows the past few years, Bruce blew them all out of the water. I didn't really like the inclusion of "Glory Days", but I loved "10th Avenue Freeze-Out" (one of his best live songs) and "Born to Run." Come on, he ROCKED it. Everyone in the room where I was watching was inspired.
LOVED the Boss! It's about time they brought in a legend like Bruce Springsteen to rock the crowd!
Outstanding, fun and spirited 12 minute show.. Great choices of songs, and a nice abbreviated version of the 4 hour concert.. Best halftime show ever..
It was ok. I also thought for sure he would sing "Born in the USA". No it didn't make me get to my feet and dance but it was ok. Did he hit the camerman when he was doing his slide or not? I thought that was pretty hilarious even if it was staged.
Who ever told Bruce Sprinsteen he could sing? Oh maybe back in his "Glory Days",but the voice is going.Did not enjoy the halftime show at all. Faith Hill & Jennifer Hudson were fab.
I really couldn't hear his singing clearly...it was drowned out by the band. they all looked like they were working hard and enjoying themselves
He is a bed-wetting liberal
I didn't think he gave it all his best. I think it was ok. Not that great. I was a little disappointed with his performance.
Could have been much better!
The Boss is still the Best.. Best halftime show ever..
Bruce is the "MAN." Has always been, will always be! Fabulous job for BS and the E-Street...would expect nothing less of course.
Hard working, dedication.
He gave a nice, clean show and moved just like he did in the 80's. Way to go Bruce! Hopefully nobody was offended or injured or getting sued this time.
Still The BOSS!
Springsteen did not disappoint. What a great use of 12 minutes. And how cool that he had the choir that backed him up on The Rising at the We Are One concert back him up on Waiting on a Dream. Can't wait for the tour to commence!
AWESOME...........Best in a while........Springsteen yet again truly shows America what music is all about......
Give him a gold watch and a big bottle of Geritol, if he promises to not come back again.
Best ever. Didn't want it to end. Bruce gave his all and some.
Bruce has always been the most overated entertainer/musician. His songs are well written with a sincere message but his voice is terrible.
I was embarrassed for Springsteen. He seemed way past his prime, trying to run around, and sliding into the camera. He's got talent, and great songs. He could have done without the theatrics, it seemed very awkward.