2003-07-18 Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Scheduled: 19:30 Local Start Time 20:27 / End Time 23:32

Info & Setlist | Venue

Frank Sinatra's "Summer Wind" is played as the band comes onstage. A tour one-off "96 Tears" is performed with a guest appearance from Garland Jeffreys on lead vocals. "Who'll Stop The Rain" opens, and the set also includes "Racing In The Street" and the final tour performance of "Detroit Medley", which is a truncated version, just "Devil With The Blue Dress" and "Good Golly Miss Molly". "Mary's Place" includes "The Monkey Time" and "Baby I've Been Missing You".

Garland Jeffreys (Guest)

Intro to “Empty Sky”
´´Good evening, everybody….welcome….a rainy night in Jersey….this is nothing….I´m just cooling down a little bit, you know, the heat….thanks, need a little bit of quiet for this song ….”

Middle of “Mary´s Place”
´´Are you ready for a house party ? (cheers) are you ready to do a little singing in the rain now ? (cheers)….what do you think, C ?….are they ready ?….he says some are ready and some are not….to be ready to have a house party….are they ready over here ?….are they ready over there ?….are they ready way up there ?….are they ready right down here ?….are you ready over here ? (cheers) are you ready way back there ? (cheers) are you ready everywhere ? (cheers) that´s good because I wanna introduce to you right now the greatest little houseband in all the land….I want you to stand for on the piano, the (?) piano pounding Professor Roy Bittan….on the violin and vocals, out of New York City, Sister Soozie Tyrell ….from Middletown, New Jersey….on the guitar, keeper of all that is righteous on E Street, star of ´The Sopranos´-television show….Little Steven Van Zandt….on the bass guitar, out of Neptune, New Jersey….Mr.Garry W.Tallent….ladies and gentlemen, straight from South Orange, New Jersey….Minister of the big beat, Secretary of syncopation, the man that brings the power hour after hour all night long and star of ´Late Night (crowd : ´Television´) Mighty Max Weinberg….on the guitar, one of the greatest guitarists in rock and roll, all the way from Maryland which is very close to New Jersey….(?) Brother Nils Lofgren…..on the organ, out of Flemington, New Jersey, Phantom Dan Federici….to the far side of the stage, First Lady of love….very New Jersey….from Deal, New Jersey, Miss Patti Scialfa….can I get alright ? ….last but not least….do I have to say his name ?….do I have to say his name ?….do I have to say his name ?….do I have to say his name ?….on the saxophone, you wish you could be like him but I´m sorry, ladies and gentlemen, you cannot because under the sun there´s only one Clarence Big Man Clemons…..ladies and gentlemen, that´s the heart-stopping, pants-dropping, house-rocking, earthshaking, booty-quaking, Viagra-taking, lovemaking, legendary E Street Band….say you need somebody….”

Middle of “Glory Days”
´´Come on, Steve….we gotta keep rolling, baby….we gotta keep going, Kid….we´re going home now, Big Man (Steve : ´I don´t wanna go home´) what ? (Steve : ´I don´t wanna go home´) are you sure ? (Steve : ´I don´t wanna go home´) I´m telling you it´s quitting time (Steve : ´I don´t wanna go´) but it´s quitting time (Steve : ´Don´t make me go home´) I´m telling you it´s quitting time (Steve : ´Don´t make me go´) well, Mr.and Mrs.New Jersey, if it ain´t quitting time, what I wanna know is what time is it ?….”

Intro to “My City of Ruins”
´´Thank you….thank you, I wanna thank everybody for coming out to the show tonight…. thank you very much….we´ve been having a great time up here, a lot of fun….I wanna thank my buddy Garland Jeffreys, Garland tonight….we were signed way back….in the early 70´s to Columbia at the same time….and uh….I don´t know if you´re into his records but he has great, great records, Mr.Garland Jeffreys….getting us crazy (chuckles)….oh, gonna do this tonight for the Community Foodbank of New Jersey, they´re here with us….they….distribute food to 18 New Jersey counties….and 40 percent of the folks they help are kids, they´re out there helping struggling New Jersey citizens….very essential service….if you see ´em on the way out, I think they´re set up on the boardwalk tonight but they collect donations and they also sign up for volunteers for time and uh, that´s a good thing to do so this is for the folks from the Community Foodbank of New Jersey….and also a pitch for Asbury Park if you´re looking for some place to go on the weekend (chuckles)….there´s a lot of new shops and new clubs down there, the place is really coming together and worth your, it´s worth checking out and your support, check out downtown Asbury Park….so this is for Asbury also….”

Intro to “Land of Hope and Dreams”
´´Oh….thanks again for coming out….this is sort of, uh….I make my public service announcement here….we get all kinds of different people coming to our shows, people with all kinds of different political beliefs and I like that….we welcome all….there´s been a lot of questions raised recently about the fortrightness of our government and I think that playing with the truth has been a part of both Democratic and Republican administrations during the wartime in the past and it´s always wrong….never so (?) when there are real lives that are at stake….I think the question of whether we were misled to the war in Iraq isn´t a liberal or a conservative question or a Republican or a Democratic one, it´s an American question and uh, protecting of the democracy that we ask our sons and daughters to die for is our sacred trust as citizens and demanding accountability from our leaders is our job as Americans, that´s the American way….so may the truth will out….this is for my friend Bobby Muller, this is ´Land of Hope and Dreams´….”

^{Compiled by : Johanna Pirttijärvi.}

Tom Cantillon	Well, last night was by far the best of the three Giant Stadium shows. The falling rain really just added to the ambience and made the performance even more special as the crowd huddled together and sang and danced all night. Opening with Who'll Stop the Rain was not a surprise, but definitely nice to hear. Ties that Bind rocked and Something in the Night was hauntingly beautiful as the rain continued to fall. You Can Look was hard-rocking and She's the One was simply breathtaking — a nice switch from the standard Out in the Streets. She's the One, with that harmonic solo at the end adds to the Bo Diddley, blues riff going on. Hope to hear it more often. Racing in the Streets was amazing and the double hit of Worlds Apart and now, Into the Fire and No Surrender are just truly impressive: nice coupling of poetic, heartfelt lyrics and some intense rocking. The encores: Cadillac Ranch was fun and 96 Tears was a real surprise, as was the fact that Bruce kept rocking with Glory Days, Detroit Medley and Born to Run. I don't know how he does it, but I'm glad he does.
Charlton Bulkin	Last night's show at Giants Stadium was my 24th Springsteen concert. I've seen him with the ESB, with the anti-ESB, and by himself. Previously, the closest I ever got to the stage was the August 1, 1999 show in which I had 14th row seats on the floor. Last night I was three rows in at the front of the pit (in between Bruce and Nils). I apologize if I seem overexuberant but it is impossible for me to quell my excitement over that experience. Despite being in a stadium with 55,000 maniacs, from my vantage point, it genuinely felt like I was in a small club. My ears are still buzzing and my legs still ache (from the hours of standing without having an opportunity to sit down) but, man, what an experience! While this piece probably appeals to only the nerd quotient of our brethren, Bruce has unknowingly maintained a seemingly impossible streak during these 24 shows. At each show, he's managed to play at least one song I had not heard previously. Last night I received four such songs. I'm not sure if Who'll Stop the Rain was on the set list (it might have been as it had been threatening to rain all day) but it was a great concert opener. While the first string of songs probably wasn't as exhilarating as the 2nd night's show (Night, Candy's Room, Prove it all Night), it was probably more adventurous. Something in the Night is a rarity that I've seen only two other times so I'm always jazzed about seeing that one. I was surprised to see You're Missing dropped from the set and NOT replaced by The River. Even though it might be the best song on the album, I think it's removal probably helped the pacing of the show. You Can Look was outstanding and a great surprise. During the call and response segment during the latter part of the song (in which Bruce is bursting out "you can look" and Steve is replying with "don't touch"), Steve changed it up to "don't look." I don't know if he did that on purpose but Bruce, without missing a beat, replied with "can't even look?" Hilarious and classic E Street moment. In a rare moment, they missed the cue for Worlds Apart and had to restart it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of this song. While I've read some downright scathing reviews of it, personally, I think it sizzles. Lofgren's guitar heroics throughout are particularly impressive. Badlands is the only song from Darkness that has been played repeatedly so far but Bruce has managed to play most of the album over the course of the first three shows. I'm going to all ten, by the way, so he may actually get to the rest of it (although I'm not expecting Factory). Racing in the Street always makes the whole night worthwhile. Roy's lead on the last few minutes of the song is simply mesmerizing and stands as one of the true highlights of any Springsteen concert experience. I love the lyrics too. The whole Darkness album is remarkable but Racing is one-of-a-kind. My favorite line in all of Springsteen's work is in that song: "now some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece… some guys come home from work and wash up, and go racing in the street." That line speaks volumes to me. With all the things in life that can whittle you down, it's critical to find that one thing that defines you and makes you want to get up the next day. For those that can't, there's no point in carrying on. Definitely one of my favorite songs. Thunder Road was dropped completely as well but the truly phenomenal, ten-song, 75-minute encore made up for it. A jubilant Cadillac Ranch kicked things off and it's always a thrill to hear that one. Ramrod is outstanding and probably is the best song for that purpose but it would nice if he would alternate it with Cadillac Ranch more often. Garland Jeffreys did a great version of 96 Tears and he genuinely seemed to be having a blast up there. A nice surprise. For all the slamming of Clarence that I've read, he's been magnificent these past couple of nights. His solo during Jungleland a couple of nights ago was dead on and his solo during Bobby Jean last night was note perfect. All hail the Big Man! Detroit Medley was a great surprise too (particularly preceding Born to Run). In fact, by the time they got to Detroit Medley, it was already the fifth song in the first encore. I was wondering if they were going to scrap Born to Run just as they did with Thunder Road. I guess Born to Run is one of those songs he just can't get away without playing. And why would anyone want to miss that one? I believe it was Pete Townsend of The Who that exclaimed, "fucking triumph." Right you are, Pete! Prior to the Giants Stadium gigs, the only other time I saw Rosalita was the final night of the 11 night stand in New Jersey in '92. I was thrilled to hear it then but it's not the same as hearing the ultimate rave up with the E Street Band. He can play that one every night on this run and I would not complain. He's never written a better song for that purpose. I don't think anyone has. Absolutely tremendous. By the way, I did not offer reviews of the previous two nights (I see that many fans have) but I just wanted to take a second to comment about Prove it All Night from the 2nd night. While I've seen that song well over a dozen times, I have never seen the song played with the ferocity that was displayed on Thursday night. That was far and away the most fiery, ass kicking version of the song I've ever heard. At the climax, Springsteen was crouching to the floor polishing off the last few notes of a blistering solo while Max was literally standing erect at the drum kit smashing the hell out of it. They could have walked off the stage at that moment and I would have gone home happy. Say what you will about other cities but there is absolutely nothing in the world like seeing Bruce in Jersey.
Scooter	My Second Bruce Show. I was blown away from the versions of Mary's Place and No Surrender. Best Show I've see so far I Was 12 years old. I'll never Forget it.
Iceman	What A Great Show. People say that he didn't Play a lot of favorites, but it doesn't matter it was still a great set. The whole concert started great with "whole stop the rain" under the pouring rain was genius. And with "Mary's Place" he was all over the place. "Detroit Medley" was a big surprise I'm only sixteen I don't have a big story to tell when I saw this when I was 12. But this was probably one of the best shows of the tour. I'm just pissed I was born at the wrong time. I would do anything to see a "Darkness Show" or a "River Show" or a "USA" Set. All I Have is tons of bootlegs.
Tim Schiltz	This was a pilgramage for me. I toured the Jersey shore on Thursday prior to attending the Friday evening show, just to add ambiance to my trip. You see, I came from Minneapolis to see the show. Muslims go to Mecca. I go to Jersey to see the Pope of Rock and Roll. This show was just phenomenal. The rain added to the ambiance. The setlist was awesome. I felt like a little kid. The enthusiasm standing outside the stadium was overwhelming. From the very first note, till he left the stage I was just overwhelmed. To be surrounded by 55,000 fans like myself was just crazy. I wish the night would never had ended. I apologize for not talking about the show and all the great songs, but I'm guessing those who read these postings realize that no matter what is played you can only be excited. I've read people complaining that he didn't play their favorite songs, but for someone who came a thousand miles to see the "man", he could have played the opening to Sesame Street and I would have stood and cheered like a 15 year old girl at an N'Sync show. This show was my sixth show from solo shows to the full band and there is nothing like seeing Bruce in the "Promised Land". I only wish every true fan had the opportunity to see him in Jersey. There is nothing like it and no matter what is played the experience is unforgettable. I walked away from the show with a re-energized feeling and can only wait eagerly for my next trip to the "Promised Land". To all those who will be seeing him over the next few months: Savor the moment and enjoy as much as I did.
CrazyWolf	WOW! WOW! I had my doubts about attending the stadium shows, but Bruce immediately dispelled any reservations I had about seeing a mediocre performance. Singing, "left us running burned and blind, chasing something in the night" amidst the falling rain was a beautiful and chilling moment. She's the One was heart-stopping and intense — love that song. Racing in the Street was sheer poetry. Love the Rising material more and more. Lonesome Day is great to sing along to and Worlds Apart, Into the Fire and City of Ruins are gorgeous songs. What can I say? He's great! He's playing his heart out and giving all of us some of the best rock 'n' roll shows we'll ever see. Bruce and the E Street Band are without a doubt the best performance out there. Giant Stadium feels as intimate as a backyard party. Wish he'd play a month in Jersey.
Ling Timer	In a single word I would sum up the show as disappointing. Keep in mind I've been seeing his shows for more than 20 years so my criticism is not from a Johnny come lately. Poor sound, a bad set list, no Thunder Road, Promised Land or Prove it all Night, made it a disappointing night. Add the rain, bad transitions between songs and you have a performance that was well below par. I would suggest to Bruce that he needs to remember he is playing in Jersey and needs to keep songs like Backstreets, 10th Ave, Fever, Fire, Because the Night, Incident on 57th, Kitty's Back etc. in the mix.
Trev Jones	Well what is there left for me or anyone else to say about a Bruce Springsteen and the E. Street Band gig? Well here goes… It was my wife's 50th birthday so what other way to celebrate then to take her to see the Boss on his home turf in New Jersey as we live in England it was a little difficult in getting tickets but we managed and boy can I tell you all the hard work was without doubt worthwhile. We had done a couple of show's in the UK and they had been outstanding but what we got in Jersey was unbelievable. The atmosphere on the "Boardwalk" outside the stadium just set the concert up properly it was great to see the car park's full of people with Bar-B-Q's going and the having a great time with a few beers and some rock -n-roll music playing (this never happens outside a concert in England). Concert time arrived and the rain started to get heavier(now this does happen in England) when the Boss arrived on stage and started to sing Who'll Stop the Rain that was it I knew it was going to be one of the great nights the pace of the show once again was terrific (how he does it I will never know ) everyone was having a great time dancing and singing along from the word go. How can one man have so many show stopping songs under his belt it is unreal and probably breaks the hearts of other so called rock stars. There were many stand out songs on the night Badlands, Into the Fire, Mary's Place this ones turning into a real gem, No Surrender, Racing in the Street, Rosalita and to see him do Born To Run with the house lights on in the Giants stadium it was just amazing and something I will remember forever. If it were at all possible I would love to be there for the rest of the nights but unfortunately it is not going to happen so anyone reading this review and hesitating about catching a Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band gig don't!! just go and you will see the last great Rock band performing and if ever a man was born to Rock then his name is Bruce Springsteen. He Always thanks us for coming to the show well Bruce, Steve, Clarence, Roy, Danny, Nils, Garry, Max, Patti and Suzie I and 55,000 other in East Rutherford on that wet but very special Friday night thank you a million times for the opportunity to see you enjoying yourselves and letting us have the chance to hear your music as it should be heard. See You Further on Up The Road!
Kyle Pucciarello	Sitting in the parking lot prior to the show was not exactly one of the most comfortable experiences ever, but the die-hards knew that it would be worth it for one thing - the song Bruce would open the show with. And after strolling out to Old Blue Eyes again, the band ripped into Creedence Clearwater's "Who'll Stop the Rain," well worth getting soaked. After the standard "Rising" "Lonesome Day" combo, the band kicked into an incredible version of "The Ties that Bind," followed by "My Love Will Not Let You Down." Bruce was certainly in top form tonight! But the biggest surprise thus far had to be the incredible "Something in the Night," a true rarity from the Boss. "You're Missing" was dropped after "Empty Sky," and "Waitin' on a Sunny Day" moved right in - this actually worked a little better for the rainy, stadium atmosphere. The next four songs back to back had to be one of the best rock moments of the stand to that point, with an incredible quadruple shot of "You Can Look," "World's Apart," "Badlands," and the show stopping "She's the One." Although "Out in the Street" works incredible well as a stadium sing-a-long, there may not be a song Bruce does live that tops the hard-pounding rendition of "She's the One." "Mary's Place" was followed by yet another highlight, the rare yet beautiful "Racing in the Street." The song's three minute closing instrumental is one of the more touching moments in rock 'n' roll, as the whole band unites for an incredible sound and effect. The main set ending similarly to the first two shows, but did not include "Thunder Road." And then, it got even better! In what was possibly the greatest encore of the stand, Bruce whipped out "Cadillac Ranch" to start, followed by the ? and the Mysterians hit "96 Tears" with special guest Garland Jeffreys. "Bobby Jean" followed, and then "Glory Days" made it's first appearance of the stand to audience satisfaction. "Born to Run" time? Not yet. Bruce and the band cut into a short but great "Detroit Medley," followed by the rock anthem. The second encore proved to be the same as the first two nights, but was not a let down. "Rosie" and "Dancing" still brought the house down, and "My City of Ruins" continued to be a tear jerker. The one real problem has to "Land of Hope and Dreams," a song that Bruce has played every night since the Reunion Tour. Although some may real like the song, it tends to drag quite a bit and just isn't the type of song that can be played night after night. If Bruce wants to make his public service announcement, that's perfectly fine, but follow it up with a rocking "Born in the USA" or something to that fashion. That would certainly add an extra jolt to the final encore. Otherwise, Friday night's show was undoubtedly the best of the opening trio. What would Monday bring?
Mark	All I can say is WOW!!! the rarities just kept comin!!! When they opened with who'll stop the rain, I knew it would be a great show. The encores were out of control… a great show!!!

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