Bruce Springsteen and others rock the Hall’s 25
Posted on October 30th, 2009 by Austin
Last night, New York’s Madison Square Garden played host to a concert that came live and direct from most music fan’s dreams: Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, BB King, Crosby, Stills and Nash (seen here), Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel, Jeff Beck, James Taylor, Dion and Sting.
Created in celebration of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th Anniversary the star-sprinkled gig lasted more than five hours and dazzled the capacity crowd with combinations of artists no normal promoter could ever afford, plus spellbinding guitar work, plenty of high notes and even some tears.
“It’s been incredible being in a room with musicians who put music in your head,” the AP reports Bruce as saying during a set that lasted nearly two hours and featured the Boss in duets with piano man, Billy Joel.
This rare combination drove the crowd to a frenzy but the emotional highlight arrived when Stevie Wonder sang “The Way You Make Me Feel,” as a tribute to the late King of Pop. Mid-way through a chorus Stevie started to cry for the loss of his friend, but he soon regained his composure, finished the song and then lead the crowd in a chant of “We Love Michael Jackson.”
Stevie also performed “Living for the City,” and “Superstitious,” before introducing blues legend B.B. King, who sang “The Thrill Is Gone,” then Smokey Robinson performed “The Tracks of My Tears,” and Jeff Beck joined the trio on stage for a rendition of Stevie’s “Superstitious,” dazing the audience with flawless guitar work.
When Simon and Garfunkel appeared on the stage the crowd’s fervent welcome almost lifted the roof, and it grew close to a roar when the pair gave a poignant performance of “Bridge over Troubled Water,” their iconic duet from late ‘69.
The whole night was one endless jam session, featuring some of rock’s greatest names playing songs that are among the most well-loved creations in the history of song. It finally closed with Springsteen and guests in a rousing rendition of Jackie Wilson’s 1968 crowd-pleasing standard, “Higher and Higher.”
And tonight’s second chapter should be more of the same, with a cast list including U2, Metallica and the lady whose hats almost block out the sun – Aretha Franklin.
We’ll let you know how it goes…
No comments yet.