Greetings From Syracuse: Bruce Springsteen Breaks Out ‘Growin’ Up’ At JWA Wireless Dome

Bruce Springsteen finally made it back to the JWA Wireless Dome in Syracuse last night for the first time since 1992 when the venue was known as the Carrier Dome. Springsteen’s visit came six months after it was originally scheduled due to The Boss’ bout of peptic ulcer disease, but he made up for the delay with a 28-song concert that included the return of “Growin’ Up,” last played with the E Street Band in 2017.

Springsteen and the E Street Band chose “Lonesome Day,” an emotional cut from 2002’s The Rising, as the opener in Syracuse. The Boss then looked to three of his most beloved albums — 1975’s Born To Run, 1984’s Born In The U.S.A. and 1980’s The River — for a run of “Night,” “No Surrender” and “Two Hearts.” The latter incorporated a bit of Marvin Gaye’s “It Takes Too” as usual and was followed by the third “Darlington County” of 2024.

The Boss continues to dig deep into his repertoire this tour and in Syracuse dusted off “Growin’ Up.” The song off his 1973 debut studio album Greetings From Asbury Park hadn’t been performed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in over six years. However, the tale of the New Jersey native’s teenage years was a staple and emotional high point of his Springsteen On Broadway shows in 2017, 2018 and 2021.

“Growin’ Up” came in the six-slot at the JWA Wireless Dome on Thursday after Springsteen ackowledged a fan with a sign requesting the song for their 15th birthday. “From 1973!” The Boss exclaimed just before he strummed the opening lick. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band powered through “Growin’ Up” as if it was 50 years prior. “Syracuse! We ain’t ever growing up,” the 74-old musician told the crowd.

Watch audience-captured video of Springsteen and his band performing “Growin’ Up” in Syracuse below:

Bruce Springsteen mix material from throughout his career to form the rest of the show. Beloved favorites played in last night’s main set included “Hungry Heart,” “Atlantic City,” “Backstreets” and a version of “The Promised Land” that saw The Boss go into the crowd to duet on harmonica with a young fan.

Thursday’s encore was a seven-song affair that began with a run of classics “Born To Run,” “Glory Days,” “Dancing In The Dark” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.” Springsteen then led the E Street Band through their recently revived cover of “Twist & Shout” in response to a sign request before the “Detroit Medley” and a solo acoustic “I’ll See You In My Dreams” brought the show to a close.

Check out more fan-shot footage from last night’s show: