| Stan Goldstein |
Fun Saturday night at Monmouth University for the first American Music Honors as part of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music. As most know, for reasons they said were COVID, Bruce and Patti, who were supposed to be presenters, were not there. Bruce did introduce Darlene Love and Steve Van Zandt in heartfelt video speeches and even Jon Stewart, the emcee mentioned a couple times how great Bruce looked and sounded for someone who has COVID. Overall still an outstanding evening with great food, camaraderie, and great musical performances. The evening began with a reception in the Great Hall at Monmouth U with outstanding food and open bar. Sam Moore, Darlene Love, Steve Earle were there as well as Garry Tallent and Jon Landau. Everyone then moved over to the Pollak Theatre for the actual ceremony which started about 8:45 p.m. They did lock up our phones for this portion so you won't see any photos or videos. Although the event was filmed and a few photographers were taking pictures including Danny Clinch. Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie was sitting right in front of us and introduced me to his father. The Disciples of Soul were the house band and they came out and did a few songs (without Little Steven) to start the evening. Jon Stewart then came out and told some jokes. He then told those who did not know that Bruce and Patti would not be there. I had first heard about it about 5:30 p.m. when a friend messaged me. Bob Santelli, the executive director of the archives gave a short speech. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy spoke and shared a proclamation that from now on, Sept. 23 will be Bruce Springsteen day in New Jersey. Garry Tallent then introduced Steve Earle. They both gave nice speeches and Earle then sang "Copperhead Road" backed up by the Disciples of Soul. Next up was a video message from Bruce, who talked about how he was with Little Steven in Los Angeles in 1982 and Steve said he had a surprise for him that night and took him to the Roxy to see Darlene Love. Bruce then talked about her background, how she struggled and how she made this big comeback with help from Little Steven and others. Darlene gave a very heartfelt speech saying "it's a thrill to be in the midst of all you wonderful fans." She then performed "River Deep, Mountain High." Originally Patti Scialfa was supposed to present Darlene. Jon Stewart came back out and said "It's amazing how Bruce looks and sounds like that with COVID." Southside Johnny then presented Sam Moore. who at 87 still sounds great. He walked onstage with a cane and with the help of his daughter. He was funny in his speech. He performed "I Thank you." When he was done, Sam's grandson and granddaughter came onstage to help him off and the granddaughter was wearing a shirt that read "I heard Bruce might show up." Sam read that and laughed. Next up was Bruce, via video again, presenting Little Steven. He talked about when he first met Steven and the long journey they have been on together. When Steven came on the stage he said, "Bruce, he does look healthy, you son of a bitch!" Steven talked about TeachRock and how important that curriculum is for schools today. Steven then led the Disciples of Soul in a performance of "Bitter Fruit." Then Steve said, now the jam session, which was great. Darlene Love sang "Hungry Heart." Steve Earle, Southside and Steven did "It's Been a Long Time." Sam Moore came back to do "Soul Man." They also played "Tenth Avenue Freeze-out: and the finale was "I Don't Want to Go Home." I kept thinking how this was a great jam session but how much better it would be if Bruce was a part of it. And here's a Spring-nuts group shot from the evening. Howie said it was like we were at a wedding or a funeral, I felt like it was prom night.
Set list (as taken from BTX)
1. A Fine Fine Boy (Jessie Wagner and Tania Jones lead vocals)
2. Soul Sister, Brown Sugar (Jessie Wagner and Tania Jones lead vocals)
3. Hard-Core Troubadour (Marc Ribler lead vocals)
4. I Am A Patriot (Lowell "Banana" Levinger, Anthony Almonte, and Marc Ribler lead vocals)
5. Copperhead Road (Steve Earle)
6. River Deep, Mountain High (Darlene Love)
7. I Thank You (Sam Moore)
8. Bitter Fruit (Little Steven)
9. It's Been A Long Time (Little Steven, Southside Johnny, and Steve Earle)
10. Hungry Heart (Little Steven, Darlene Love, Southside Johnny, and Steve Earle)
11. Soul Man (Sam Moore, Little Steven, Darlene Love, Southside Johnny, and Steve Earle)
12. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out (Little Steven, Southside Johnny, Steve Earle, and Darlene Love)
13. I Don't Want To Go Home (Little Steven, Southside Johnny, and Steve Earle)
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