#springsteenconfessions

[springsteenconfessions]

Confessions of a Springsteen fan turned 4 today!

[springsteenconfessions]

Bruce and the first show of the Wrecking Ball Tour (from the perspective of Jake Clemons)

It takes almost a motorcade of cars to transport everyone from the hotel to the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, where our first show on Bruce’s Wrecking Ball Tour will be held. For Bruce, Patti, Steve, and the rest of the gang, this isn’t anything new. It’s just another show in the illustrious career of Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.  

But for me, this show has a whole new meaning. It’s the first show where I will be taking the place of my Uncle Clarence Clemons. Uncle Clarence died just last year and this will be Bruce’s first show without the “Big Man” by his side. I didn’t sleep at all last night. I kept playing Born to Run over and over in my head, hoping that I wouldn’t mess up the iconic solo. 

I hop into a black Cadillac Escalade towards the back of the row of cars. The more established musicians slowly crawl into the cars in the front. You can tell that they are excited to start this long journey of a tour. Stevie can barely hid his own excitement. 

“The boys are back,” Steve keeps shouting as he gets in his car. 

For the majority of the 15 minute car ride I think about Uncle Clarence and all he taught me. I’m hoping he will be watching down on me tonight, and I hope I’ll make him proud. 

As we roll up to the arena and as I get out of my car, Bruce makes his way over to me. 

“You’re one hell of a saxophonist,” Bruce starts off, “I wouldn’t have you as part of my band if I didn’t think you’d bring the house down every single night. 

Tears come to my eyes as I try to formulate a response. 

“Bruce,” I say choking back tears, “the opportunity you’re giving me with this tour and this band, I can’t even begin…”

“Jake,” Bruce interrupts me before I can finish, “let’s go play the best damn show hot’lanta’s ever seen. 

Before we make our way to the stage Bruce calls everyone in the band together. It’s clear who is in charge. It’s Bruce, then the original members of the E Street Band, then the veterans who have been on multiple tours, and then the new guys like me. While those guys are clearly in charge, the vibe is that we are all one band. Bruce has invited us to be part of something special. I’m ready to get this started, but Bruce continues to talk. 

“Clarence,” Bruce mumbles as if he was in the room, “I miss ya buddy, I know you are listening to me tonight. This one’s for you.” 

As I hear the shouts of the crowd members screaming in the background, Bruce looks to us and nods, telling us its time to head out. 

“Bruuuuuuuuce! Bruuuuuuuuuuuuce!” 

Bruce brushes his head towards the stage, silently telling everyone to walk on stage before him. All of a sudden he’s quiet and alone in his thoughts. The genius at work. 

Soozie is the first one to step up onto the stage. The crowd goes crazy. Max right behind her, and Steve right behind him. Finally its my turn. I reach the top step and push my sax up into the air. It’s showtime. 

Finally Bruce reaches the top step, and the crowd goes crazy. The smile on Bruce’s face is one of a kind. You can tell how excited he is to be back on the stage. 

“1,2,1,2,3,” Bruce shouts right as we lead in with the rousing song We Take Care of Our Own.” As soon as the first note comes off of my lips and into the sax, I feel comfortable. I feel like I’ve prepared for this my entire life. 

The show goes through faster than any show I’ve ever played in my entire life. Finally it’s time for Born to Run. I can tell some fans are skeptical at how I’ll play the solo. But when it comes time I play as loud as I possibly can, electrifying the crowd. As soon as my last note is played, the tears come back into my eyes. I can’t believe I played that solo and not Uncle Clarence. 

Tenth Avenue Freeze Out is the last song of the show. Midway through the song there is a tribute to Clarence. The entire arena gave a standing ovation and I could tell there weren’t just tears in Bruce’s eyes, but tears in many of the audience members. Clarence meant so much to everyone and his presence was certainly missed at this show, as well as any other shows that will be played in the future. He was a part of growing up for a lot of these fans. His booming solos were what made Bruce and the E Street band different. I hope to be able to continue the legacy that he started. 

[springsteenconfessions]

I love Springsteen so much, like omfg, but my friends don't really get Bruce and his music and it makes me sad. He puts so much work into his songs and lyrics and I think everyone should understand it.

We feel you, anon.

[springsteenconfessions]

Confessions of a Springsteen fan turned 3 today! Thanks for supporting this blog!

[springsteenconfessions]

I choose not to submit anonymously because I want anyone and everyone to know how much I love Bruce. I'm part of the generation that has had the joy of his music passed on from a parent (my mom). People don't really understand why I love him over all the newer music that exists today. They are always surprised when I don't hesitate to say "Bruce Springsteen is my favorite singer" or "Thunder Road is my favorite song". Here's why I love him so much, peers. When words fail, Bruce speaks.

Thank you, Shingeki.

[springsteenconfessions]

I have a hidden Springsteen tattoo my family doesn’t know about :x

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Bruce and the E Street Band have brought to my life more than music. When I go on a show to see them I don’t only wanna see a music show, I see friends, I see passion, I see company, I can feel better, I feel like if I had finally arrived home. They bring happiness, joy and everything I need!!! I will love you forever Bruce & ESB :)

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About a month ago, I saw my first Springsteen concert. I was close enough to touch him- and when the chance came, I reached out with everything. As he was walking away, he saw me reaching and came back to grab my hand. It means so much - he came back.