Bruce Springsteen started off his concert in Toronto by addressing an emotional message saying something against the current social climate in the United States. “This one’s for my country,” Springsteen said as he confronted the huge masses which filled every available space in Scotiabank Arena with an iron will in his voice. With poetic lyrics that spread the struggles and successes of ordinary Americans, Springsteen set a somber yet hopeful tone before launching into an electrifying performance that spanned his legendary four-decade career.
The concert started with the song “American Skin (41 Shots), dedicated to social justice themes, which resonated very much with today’s issues. Great opening words combined with the lyrics allowed the crowd to be kept mesmerized throughout. Springsteen then starts rolling into his classics by mixing hits and deeper cuts from Born to Run, The River, and Darkness on the Edge of Town. He still had an energy so mixed with great anthemic rock numbers in with poignant ballads that this guy will remind the fans once again of why he’s known as “The Boss.”
The entire production evolved into electrifying harmony with the supporting band of Springsteen, E Street Band. Long-time member Jake Clemons, playing saxophone, paid a tribute to his uncle, Clarence Clemons, going down in history as a spellbinding performance on solos in “Jungleland.” The chemistry between every member of the band was unmistakable, feeding off the energy that Springsteen brought, one song now building into something new.
A special moment: The most emetic moment of the night came in “The Rising,” which Springsteen dedicated to “those who keep fighting for what’s right.” The crowd went absolutely crazy and he joined them in a spontaneously seared chorus that seemed to resound long after the hall would normally be empty. He closed things out with a galvanizing performance of “Land of Hope and Dreams,” turning the arena into a sea of voices united in hope and resilience.
Springsteen ended the night on high, giving an encore of crowd favorites including “Dancing in the Dark” and “Born to Run,” leaving fans in absolute awe over his stamina and passion, being at 74 and still going strong, not just delivering music but also an unequivocal message to people of all ages. In Toronto, Springsteen delivers yet again where he proves he’s more than a rock icon but indeed a voice for the times with that combined defiant optimism, patriotic energy, and marvelous blend of unity on stage.
