Bruce Springsteen in Hyde Park; an absolute triumph
Bruce Springsteen took Hyde Park by storm on Thursday evening, delivering an electrifying performance that will surely be etched in the memories of those fortunate enough to be in attendance. The first of two gigs as part of the British Summer Time Festival, the show attracted a star-studded audience, with the likes of Roger Federer, Bon Jovi, Peter Gabriel, Kate Hudson, Stella McCartney, Bob Geldof, Gary Neville, and Dermot O’Leary all present to witness Springsteen’s rock ‘n’ roll spectacle.
The British Summer Time Festival showcased a diverse lineup this Thursday, with other notable acts gracing the stage before Springsteen’s headline performance. American country-rock band The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) charmed the audience with their energetic set, featuring crowd-pleasers like “Gaslighter” and a breathtaking rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” Meanwhile, British punk-turned-folk singer-songwriter Frank Turner captivated the early afternoon crowd with his heartfelt and introspective tunes, touching on themes of mental health and resilience. The opening acts set the stage perfectly for Springsteen’s epic performance, which was further enhanced by the lively performances of up-and-coming bands Picture Parlour, STONE, and The Coronas. Each group brought their unique flair to the event, ensuring that the audience was engaged and primed for an unforgettable night of music.
The iconic rock legend greeted the London crowd with his trademark charm, exclaiming, ‘Hello, London!’ before launching into the anthemic “No Surrender.” From that moment onward, hit after hit cascaded from the stage, bridging the gaps between generations. Springsteen’s setlist was a meticulously crafted journey through his extensive catalogue, blending old favourites and newer tracks seamlessly. Highlights from the performance included powerful renditions of “Ghosts,” “The Promised Land,” and “Kitty’s Back,” all delivered with the energy and passion that Springsteen is renowned for. The 73-year-old rock icon even went the extra mile by venturing off the stage to take selfies with adoring fans, creating unforgettable moments of connection and camaraderie.
Springsteen’s 18-strong band, including legendary guitarist Steven Van Zandt and saxophone player Jake Clemons (son of the late Clarence Clemons), provided a tight and dynamic musical backdrop throughout the evening. The ensemble also delighted the crowd with their stellar cover performances of The Commodores’ “Nightshift” and the Patti Smith collaboration “Because The Night,” showcasing their versatility and musicianship. While the show was a celebration of Springsteen’s iconic career, he took a poignant moment to pay tribute to his late friend and original bandmate from The Castiles, George Theiss. With heartfelt dedication, Springsteen performed the moving “Last Man Standing” and “Backstreets,” the latter accompanied by a spoken ode. The artist’s advice to the crowd to “be good to yourself and those around you” resonated in the silence, creating a profound and introspective atmosphere.
As the concert drew to a close, Springsteen delivered an unforgettable encore that solidified the night as a rock ‘n’ roll spectacle for the ages. The crowd erupted with joy as the opening notes of “Born in the USA” filled the air, followed by classics like “Dancing in the Dark” and “Born to Run.” Additional crowd favourites such as “Bobby Jean,” “Glory Days,” and “10th Avenue Freeze-Out” further elevated the energetic atmosphere. The hauntingly beautiful acoustic rendition of “I’ll See You in My Dreams” brought the evening to a mesmerizing and poignant conclusion. The rock icon proved that age is just a number as he delivered a three-hour extravaganza of classic hits, heartfelt tributes, and moments of genuine connection with his fans. The star-studded audience and the enthusiastic response from the crowd only served to amplify the magic of the night.
