Almost 20 Years Ago Today...

 

For a short spell, 2002-2005, I was really plugged into the E Street Band camp. Little Steven's Underground Garage had been launched and NYCD was one of their main go-to places for music. The hook-up came through a friend. Then I became friends with the hook-up, and then the hook-up hooked me up with a few more hook-ups. Prior to 2002, I had seen Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band live about a dozen times, the first time in 1980. Between 2002-2005, I clocked in about 30 shows, including a few rehearsals. 

One particular show turned into a day long road trip with a friend, who I believe had never seen The Boss perform live. This was exciting for both of us. The show was in Atlantic City at Boardwalk Hall, 19 years ago today, March 7th, 2003. Almost 40 years ago that same night, The Beatles had played the very same stage.

 

 

The ride down to A.C. was uneventful. Just two friends yapping and listening to some music. We had seats in Little Steven's section, and passes to hang out in the E Street Lounge, but once we got near the Boardwalk, parking was non-existent, and any pre-show hang was going to be in the car, looking for a space. 

With showtime creeping up on us, we managed to find a spot about ten blocks away, on one of the less desirable Monopoly Avenues. In front of a strip joint. Next to a pawn shop. My friend is famous for what we call his "parking karma." On one of the busiest days in Coney Island's year, the New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim, he calmly pulls up right in front of the Cyclone, somehow finding the one and only legal spot. This happens everywhere we go. And so, he was confident.

I asked, "Do you think the car will be here when we get back?"

My friend got out and said, "We'll be fine here" just as one of the "dancers" was coming out of the strip joint. 

"You'll be fine here, baby. Ain't nobody gonna touch your car. I'll keep an eye on it."

"She'll keep an eye on it," my friend said to me, as we jogged to Boardwalk Hall. We got there with just enough time to grab a few beers and chat with a few of the gang from the Underground Garage. 

The show was typically amazing, with the band opening with "Atlantic City," of course, as well as the usual sprinkling of surprises, including "Does This Bus Stop At 82nd Street," "It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City," "Jersey Girl," (why not?) and finishing up with the rarely played "Roll Of The Dice." (Makes sense.)

But the real surprise was the first encore, the debut of The Beatles' "Tell Me Why" to commemorate the anniversary of The Fabs appearance. It was a blast, if a bit ragged. I'm pretty sure they worked it up in the dressing room just a few hours before showtime. The band was having fun and that joy was exploding into the crowd, especially when they (almost) nailed that falsetto part. Little Steven started laughing, then Bruce started laughing and then we all were laughing.

We hightailed it out of the hall, down the windy boardwalk, and as Miss Popsicle promised, the car was there. All was okay. We made it home in one piece.

2023 will be the 20th anniversary of that night, but  I was reminded of the trip today and felt like hearing "Tell Me Why."