Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band Kick Off North American Tour In New Jersey

The North American Summer leg of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band’s The River Tour began on Tuesday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Opening night marked the first of three concerts at Bruce’s home state stadium, though a performance the United Center in Chicago splits the second and third New Jersey gigs.

After three weeks off following a European tour, The Boss and his band treated the New Jersey faithful to a marathon performance that spanned nearly four hours and included 35 songs. Springsteen opened with “New York City Serenade” featuring a string section and had plenty of other surprises in store. One such surprise was a rare summertime rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” which was played by request. Another shocker came late in the main set, when Bruce dusted off “Jack Of All Trades” off Wrecking Ball for its tour debut complete with strings.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band brought the tour opener to a close with a eight-song encore chock full of beloved favorites. Up first was a double dose of Born To Run with both “Jungleland” and the title track. The Boss then led his band through “Dancing In The Dark” and “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” ahead of “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.” A rousing rendition of “Shout” followed and just when fans thought “Bobby Jean” would be the final song of the night, The Boss covered Tom Waits’ “Jersey Girl” by request. Just as the band was finishing the song fireworks went off behind the stage. The tour resumes tomorrow night in East Rutherford.

Videos

[My Hometown | Captured by Robert Granchio]

[Jack Of All Trades | Captured by Markinosteven]

[Santa Claus Is Coming Town | Captured by DblJerseyGirl]

[New York City Serenade | Captured by DblJerseyGirl]

[Jersey Girl | Captured by DblJerseyGirl]