Springsteen show with Becky

Last night Becky and I went and saw Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in San Jose. I counted last night while we were having dinner before the show, and realized this was the 9th time I have seen him play live. I grew up in New Jersey and Springsteen music through the years formed  a Jersey-roots soundtrack for various times of my life. I didn't connect at all with Bon Jovi, who is the other main Jersey band.

 

Outside the HP Pavillion were of course (as they always are out there for concerts) our super-evangelist friends. They stand out in front with a bunch of different sized signs which are lists of sins, or about hell etc. To round it off, they also do use megaphones and preach (I should say shout) to the 20,000 who go into concerts. They are the cartoon caricature of Christians holding signs and literally using megaphones to preach. I stopped and talked to one of them and asked what church he was from, but he wouldn't tell me. The last time I saw this group and asked them what church they were from, they didn't tell me either. He just said there were several churches who come out to evangelize (what they consider evangelism). It was interesting watching them for a few minutes as no one was paying any attention to them. They were visibly loud with very large signs. They were very loud shouting with their megaphones. But I would watch people walk by them and most weren't even turning their heads to look at them. Maybe they are used to them being out there and they just don't even bother looking at them anymore and just ignore them. I know they have good motives and desire to serve Jesus. But it just reinforces the whole image of Christians I so try to see change. Not that hell or sin isn't a reality - but how you go about talking about it and telling people about it. 

The concert was quite good. Out of the 9 times I have seen Springsteen I can't remember a time when it wasn't. One year it felt like he was going off a bit too much on politics which I didn't quite feel was necessary. But it is his show, so I guess he can do what he wants. I have been following the setlists of this tour and last night he played a different diversity of songs from usual.   

When I see Springsteen, I end up staring at Max Weinberg half the time. As a drummer, I had 2 primary drummers I would emulate as I learned to play. One was Max Weinberg (who also played on Meat Loaf's first album) and the other drummer was Danny Seraphine (the original drummer for Chicago). I would play their records down in my basement growing up, and play them over and over and over again listening through headsets and playing drums along with them learning every little thing they did and copying them as closely as possible. Drummers can make or break a band and Max is an exceptional drummer, so I thoroughly enjoy watching him play and have spent dozens and dozens of hours imitating his playing.

The concert last night was quite emotional for me at times. The reason was that I had tickets for Bruce playing in the Bay Area in October but couldn't go because I went back to New Jersey when my dad had the accident at Yankee Stadium and then died. So this was sort of the make-up concert. Some of the songs played last night were from Springsteen's earlier albums. So when he played those, it would take me immediately back to certain times growing up in New Jersey and all these flashbacks and wonderful memories of my dad associated with various Springsteen songs.

Music is such a powerful thing. Martin Luther was correct when he spoke of the power of music.  “I have no pleasure in any man who despises music. It is no invention of ours: it is a gift of God. I place it next to theology." 

I have a several hour planning meeting tomorrow for Vintage Faith Church worship gatherings and then on Tuesday I am heading to Chicago. I am a main session speaker and also a workshop leader at the Shift Conference there at Willow Creek Community Church. Greatly looking forward to being back at Willow and hanging out with my friend Scot McKnight and some others I shall be meeting with while there.

Comments

[Chad Myhre]

I saw my first Bruce concert last night. I've never been a big fan, and didn't know a lot of the songs... but man, was it a good show. Bruce fans are pretty unique. Apparently that show was really special because he played "Jungle Land". I was hoping for the "Blinded By The Light" version that he did on Live From Dublin. Didn't get it though.

[brian]

springsteen was one of the best concerts i have been to. i saw him a few years ago at pac bell park. it was his first show in sf in over 15 years i remember him saying. nice set list at your show though.

[Scott Childress]

dan,

YOU are the boss.

;)

scott

[Dan]

Jon,

You saw the new Chicago. They turned into more of an older adult pop band and Danny Seraphine was in the older Chicago. Their original guitarist Terry Kath died and from then on, they really became an entirely different band. And Danny Seraphine didn't stay too long in the new band. So... I don't blame you for wanting to trade that one in.

[jon]

i wish i could trade you for one of the nine times that you saw springsteen and the only time i saw chicago. i wasn't impressed. that's probably because i went to see earth, wind and fire.

leave it up to shannon to find that picture.

[Brian Jones]

Dan,

We border the NJ line, so we're not as glued to Bruce as my garden state friends. But he does hang out in our area a lot (horse shows with his kids and all) and my friends all really enjoy hanging with him. He's a really cool guy. Glad you had a good time.

Brian Jones
www.brianjones.com

[Dan C.]

For the past month we've had a protester standing outside our church with signs saying things like "despite mass stupidity Christ is not coming back", and as I smile at him while pulling into the parking lot I can't help but think that Christian Sign-holders are stooping to worldly methodology. Open air preaching (if it's preaching God's Word and not railing against people)has its place, and a silent prayer meeting in front of an abortion clinic could have a positive effect...but cleverly worded signs shouting out a message just seems to be too much a part of this world's culture to be used "effectively" by Christians. (Understanding that God can use even evil for good)

[Marcus Pittman]

Hello, I just want to say as someone who has done Open Air Preaching for a while that this simply boils down to a methodology statement.

It implies that God's abundant Grace is restricted by something I would do. How puny would grace be if it was limited to the actions of a Fallible man. If that was true, that man limits Grace then Early Martyrdom would have eliminated Christianity.

Now I would say that true evangelism does come from 1on1 discussions. Yet people underestimate the number of One on One discussions that open Air Preachers have during preaching, and after.

In fact many of the people who we talk to would never set foot inside of a church no mater how culturally relevant it was, or seeker friendly. They Hate God. The people that argue with us, really hate God and have already come to the conclusion that GOd is non-existant. The questions and slanders that they speak encourage people that are watching to ask more thoughtful heqart felt questions, at this time there are normally three or four people standing around just waiting to have one on one discussions and answer peoples questions.

It is easy to throw out Open Air Preaching with the bathwater when compared to cult's like Westboro Baptist Church and

I will admit, Open Air Preaching is not for Everybody, but Everybody should try it once. I encourage Doug Humble to go out and hang out with the guys I preach with, see their passion and conviction, the prayer before each preaching. The people that come and thank us afterwards, the people who sit and listen to the Gospel for an hour or two hours!

We give it all to God...

[Ed K.]

I'll be at Willow Creek for the Shift Conference. Springsteen is an icon and made it through the years.

[preacherman]

I love Dancing in the Dark and Born in The U.S.A.

[donsands]

"I know for myself when I walk or drive by a church building with a steeple, stained glass, pews and pulpit, I cringe because I know this in no way resembles what Christ designed for his body to build itself up and reach all nations."

It all depends why these people built such a place. What does the pulpit represent, and why did these people put it there.

I can attest that some of God's children humbly build these places to honor and worship the Father, in Spirit and truth. And to gather and fellowship in the Holy Spirit to honor their Lord Jesus Christ, to hear the Word, and so be built up, and raise their families in Christ, and keep Jesus' commands.

It's all about God.

Like the woman who came to put fine fragrant oil upon the Lord, but the disciples said, don't do that, lets use this for the poor. Jesus, however, rebuked them.

This life is all about Jesus Christ. Our lives need to be sacrifices for Him. Many have given sacrificially to serve the Lord in have places of worship, that exalt His name.

Now I agree there are many false buildings, and the Joel Osteen's and such have a human-centered, and what's in it for me way of building things.

[preacherman]

Did he pulll a hot girl on stage while singing dancing in the dark?

[Tim]

I remember the preacher at my previous church railing about how stupid it was to do street preaching. It didn't set well with me. It seemed arrogant as if he knew the exact limits of God's ability to use our human efforts to accomplish His divine purposes. With his mouth he would preach grace and mercy, but he certainly looked down on these believers as stupid, regardless of how sincere they might be.
I know for myself when I walk or drive by a church building with a steeple, stained glass, pews and pulpit, I cringe because I know this in no way resembles what Christ designed for his body to build itself up and reach all nations. It's all so sincere yet misguided and distorted from God's design. But the Spirit tells me to cool it and pray for them. God is the one who makes things grow, not me. I am only a planter or waterer in desperate need myself of further transformation to live out the fullness of Christ before a watching world. Paul taught us to rejoice when Christ is preached, even when done from selfish ambition.

[matt]

I saw him in vancouver. incredible. loved him all my life; first time live. badlands was crazy good; and the river was pheneomenal.

[Sam Sutter]

Oh my word.. as a Jersey boy, that would be a dream come true.

[Dan]

I know that Springsteen still plays great today and I don't want to say the older shows were better - but the ones I remember the most were during Darkness on the Edge of Town and The River tours. In those days he would play 3-4 hours and take an intermission. He seemed to have a bit more dialogue and storytelling than he does now. So my favorite shows are the older ones. If you didn't see him back then, it does feel different now. But he is still great now too. I phased out of Springsteen during the Born in the USA tour and time period. And then got back into him again after that.

[Robert Pooley]

I only got to see him once, it was in Greensboro NC during "The River" tour... Amazing night... He played almost 4 hours... with a small intermission. The cool thing was we got a chance to meet and talk to him... Great guy... I wish he would make it down this way to NW Florida... that would be excellent... Glad you had a great time at the show.

[Shannon Marie]

I got to see my favourite band nine times before they broke up. You can even hear my old roommate and our friends on their live album that they recorded, and their drummer was very good (especially considering he is about 5'3" and probably weighed about as much as his floor tom). But yeah, they broke up in 2005 and I don't get to see them anymore. Maybe in ten years, when they really need money and all their old fans are earning lots of money in their careers, they'll reunite and I can see them nine more times.

I found this book at work today and thought it looked very similar to one of yours: http://www.amazon.com/Faithful-History-Catholics-America-Monographs/dp/067402818X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207616309&sr=1-2

[donsands]

That's excellent; 6 times to see Springsteen.

The Boss is an exceptional artist. I admire his talent, and his low-key way, along with his giving his all.

'Born to Run' is my favorite LP, though I very moved by his 'The Rising' album.
I like some of 'Devils & Dust'.

I do pray for Bruce at times. I truly believe he needs Christ's mercy to capture His heart so he can repent, and turn to the Lord, and receive Jesus' forgiveness to cleanse him.

Funny, I really enjoy Chicago's drummer a lot. Especially the second LP: Make Me Smile may be my favorite portion.
Nice to hear you play the drums. Cool.

Blessings and all for the Lord Jesus Christ.

[Traci]

Guess we scared the Boss in Oakland. He didn't come back here again. Personally I prefer drug dealers to certain varieties of Xians any day of the week.

[Alicia]

We have some sign holders in our town too. I pray when I see them.

[Mustoe]

the "bullhorn" nooma describes the exact same scene, I found it hard to imagine anybody actually getting out and doing that!

[Marianna]

Seeing Springsteen in 2 weeks. Looking forward to it!

[preacherman]

The Boss is awesome!
I am so glad you had a great time.
I want you to know that I remember you in my quiet time with God everyday. I want to lift you to God in pray and encourage you the way you have encouraged my ministry brother.
I pray that you and your family have a blessed day!
In Him,
Kinney Mabry
"Priase God, everyone!
Applaud God, all people!
His love has taken over our lives; God's faithfu ways are eternal. Hallelujah!" Ps. 117 The Message