Why you need to see Bruce Springsteen live

By Julia Barth, Editor-in-Chief

Last Thursday, I attended the Bruce Springsteen concert in Buffalo with my family. It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to, and I’ve been to a lot of concerts.

Bruce Springsteen has been a huge part of my life ever since I was a kid. My mom has always been a huge fan, going to upwards of 25 concerts with her friends throughout her life. So of course I became a Springsteen fan by association. Road trips and parties had the soundtrack of Springsteen in the background, and I went to my first concert of his when I was 15.

But this concert was different. Our seats were close with a great view of the stage, and I was prepared for a three-hour long show. And boy, he delivered. The concert, which started around 8 p.m. and ended around 11 p.m., had the mostly older crowd on their feet the entire time. The arena was completely full, and everyone from the pit to the nosebleeds was dancing the whole night.

Not only is Springsteen an incredible singer and musician, but his band — the E Street Band — actually blew my mind. Every member was so talented, and the combination of instruments made for an electric show. My personal favorite was the horns section, with multiple people on the saxophone, trumpet and trombone.

Springsteen (who is now 73!) had the energy of an artist in their heyday. Truly, he was in incredible shape, being able to sing, play the guitar, play the harmonica and interact with fans for three hours straight without any breaks in between.

The fan favorites, which came at the encore, included his more popular songs like “Born to Run,” “Rosalita,” “Glory Days” and “Dancing in the Dark.” But my favorite was “Thunder Road” with his incredible vocals as well as the soulful performance of Jake Clemmons on saxophone — who was joined by the rest of the horn section.

From the Springsteen concerts I’ve been to, they are all an extremely fun and thrilling experience, with everyone in the crowd bringing the same energy that Bruce is bringing on stage. Just by being there, you can tell he and his band are extremely passionate about what they do, and I can see him continuing to tour for years down the road.

If you ever have a chance, get to a Bruce Springsteen concert. The live music is incredible, and you will sit there in awe as you watch these mega-talented musicians take you to another world for three short hours.

I always encourage people to go to concerts and support live music, but this is one that if I could force people to go to, I would. He might not be touring much longer, so now’s the time to go (but who knows? In the shape this guy’s in, he could go until he’s 90).

There are shows coming up in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Syracuse, and they are a great way to spend time with family and family and listen to some classic songs by “The Boss” before his time on stage officially comes to an end. The concert I went to in Buffalo with my mom, aunt and sister is an experience I will never forget.