REVIEW: The news reports before Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rolled into AAMI Park in Melbourne on Wednesday were ridiculous.
The U.S/Australia relationship was being rocked by reports of Trump's angry call with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Enter Springsteen - who’s made no secret of his distain for Trump since kicking off the Australian tour in Perth last week.
The Boss wasted no time in addressing the situation saying “We stand before you as embarrassed American’s tonight” before opening with a tongue in cheek rendition of the Orlon’s 1962 hit “Don’t Hang Up”.
With the politics out of the way the Boss launched into an epic 3-hour set of non-stop, heart-pounding stadium rock.
Every one of Springsteen’s shows is a testament to a lifetime of brilliant songwriting and this show was no-exception.
The 29-song set list included E-street classics Badlands, Glory Days, The River and a ripping crowd-led performance of Hungry Heart.
As if by magic, the unbelievable power of Springsteen’s stage presence seems completely untouched by age or time.
The Boss didn’t even bother leaving the stage before launching into the encore which included Born To Run, Dancing in the Dark and Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out - which doubled as a tribute to the “Big Man” Clarence Clemons.
Guitarist Steve Van Zandt remains the Boss’ perfect sidekick - musically and comedically. On the sax, Jake Clemons continues to make his late uncle Clarence proud.
Springsteen once again proved to his faithful followers that no matter what - Nobody’s alone in his church of rock and roll.
The crowd left last night knowing they had seen something special. You should have been there.
Michael James Twitter: @MJ20
SET LIST
Don’t Hang Up
American Land
The Ties That Bind
No Surrender
Two Hearts
The Promised Land
Glory Days
Hungry Heart
Wrecking Ball
New York City Serenade
Atlantic City
Johnny 99
Murder Incorporated
Death to My Hometown
The River
Mary’s Place
Darlington County
Working on the Highway
I’m On Fire
Because the Night
The Rising
Badlands
Land of Hope and Dreams
ENCORE
Long Walk Home
Born to Run
Dancing in the Dark
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
Shout
Twist And Shout