About a 3 hour drive away from Buffalo is a little city called Cleveland. You could say it is Buffalo’s sister city. Many big music tours go through both cities. Bruce Springsteen took to the stage at Rocket Mortgage Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday April 5th, delivering a legendary performance that left the crowd spellbound. With a setlist of 27 songs, Springsteen kept the energy high for over three hours, delivering a tour de force that showcased his immense talent and musical prowess.
The night started with a rousing rendition of “No Surrender,” and the crowd was on its feet, ready for a night to remember. Springsteen moved smoothly into “Ghosts,” and the audience was swept up in the electrifying energy of the night. The entire band was on fire, with every member delivering an incredible performance.
Springsteen is known for his connection to his audience, and that connection was evident from the very start. He bantered with the crowd throughout the night, telling stories and anecdotes, and encouraging everyone to sing along. He made sure to introduce each member of his band, giving them each their moment in the spotlight.
The setlist was a perfect mix of old and new, with some surprise covers thrown in for good measure. Some of the highlights included “The Promised Land,” “Atlantic City,” and “Backstreets,” with Springsteen’s powerful voice and emotive guitar work filling the arena with sound.
One of the standout moments of the night came with a stunning performance of “Last Man Standing,” with Barry Danielian on trumpet. The song, which Springsteen wrote for a close friend who had passed away, was a poignant moment that left the crowd silent and reflective.
Springsteen’s energy never faltered, and the crowd was right there with him, singing along to every word. From the opening chords of “Born to Run” to the final notes of “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” the arena was alive with music, joy, and camaraderie.
The encore was a fitting end to a fantastic night, with Springsteen and his band delivering a medley of hits, including “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight),” “Dancing in the Dark,” and “Thunder Road.” The crowd was singing and dancing along, and it was clear that Springsteen’s music had touched everyone in the room.
As the night drew to a close, Springsteen thanked the crowd for their energy and enthusiasm, saying that Cleveland was one of his favorite places to play. The crowd cheered back, showing their appreciation for a night that will go down in history.
In the end, Bruce Springsteen’s concert in Cleveland was a triumph, a showcase of a true musical icon at the top of his game. Springsteen’s ability to connect with his audience and deliver an unforgettable performance is unparalleled, and the crowd left the arena feeling uplifted and inspired. It was a night to remember, and one that will be talked about for years to come.
Setlist:
* No Surrender
* Ghosts
* Prove It All Night
* Letter to You
* The Promised Land
* Out in the Street
* Candy’s Room
* Kitty’s Back
* Nightshift
(Commodores cover)
* Atlantic City
(tour debut)
* The E Street Shuffle
* Pay Me My Money Down
(The Weavers cover)
* Last Man Standing
(acoustic, with Barry Danielian on trumpet)
* Backstreets
* Because the Night
(Patti Smith Group cover)
* She’s the One
* Wrecking Ball
* The Rising
* Badlands
* Encore: * Bobby Jean
* Thunder Road
* Born to Run
* Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
* Glory Days
* Dancing in the Dark
(followed by band introductions)
* Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
* I’ll See You in My Dreams
