The concert was attended by Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor among other celebrities.
- Mar 12, 2012
AceShowbiz - Bruce Springsteen gave his fans a preview of what's to come when he hits the road later this month. The Boss held a rare, intimate show at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, rocking the venue along with his E Street Band. It marked the first time ever they did a live show without Clarence Clemons who passed away last summer.
"We're missing a few people tonight," Springsteen said. "But the only thing I can guarantee tonight is that if you're here, and we are here, they are here." The vacant slot left by the late saxophonist was filled by his nephew Jake Clemons. Jake took the center stage when "Badlands" was played, and he launched into the song's sax solo in memory of his uncle.
The crowd gave enthusiastic response to Jake's sax solo performance. Spotted among the concertgoers at the Friday night, March 9 concert were celebrity couples such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor, and Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan.
Springsteen filled his setlist by alternating between familiar songs from his old catalog and new tracks from his newly-released album "Wrecking Ball". Among the songs he performed at the gig were "Death to My Hometown", "My City of Ruins", "We Take Care of Our Own", "The E Street Shuffle" "Shackled and Drawn", and "The Way You Do The Things You Do".
In addition to celebrating the release of "Wrecking Balls", the concert was also to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of SiriusXM. "10th Avenue Freeze Out" was played to send the crowd home, and Clarence's name was yelled during the closing number. "People are going to be talking about this concert for many, many years to come," said SiriusXM CEO Mel Karmazin.
After the show, some of the celebrity audience shared their thoughts on Springsteen's performance. Stiller gushed to E! News, "I didn't expect that. He was incredible. Really just amazing." Hanks also had nothing but good words. The "Larry Crowne" actor was particularly fond of "Jungleland", saying, "It was note perfect. Pretty hard to beat that!"
