Article 2012-09-19 Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Bruce Springsteen Reunites With Original E Street Band Drummer

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band kicked off a three-night stand at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium last night with a blazing three hour and 45 minute show that featured rarities like “Mansion On The Hill” and “Human Touch” mixed in with classics and new songs from Wrecking Ball.

For older fans, the highlight was likely the surprise return of original E Street Band drummer Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez on “E Street Shuffle.” It began when Max Weinberg stepped away from his kit during the songs horn intro. “Where did Max go?” Springsteen said. “What happened to the drummer? He got sick – we need an M.D.!”

With that, Lopez took the stool to perform the song he originally cut with Springsteen back in 1973. The drummer, who parted ways with the band in 1974, was grinning from ear to ear the whole time, and he nailed his parts. Lopez came back onto the stage near the end to play tambourine on “10th Avenue Freeze-Out” and “Twist and Shout.”

The stadium leg of the Wrecking Ball tour wraps up on Saturday night at MetLife Stadium. Fans are expecting a wild show, particularly because Springsteen’s 63rd birthday celebration begins at midnight. Odds are high they’ll breach the four-hour barrier.

By Andy Greene via Rolling Stone.
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