Springsteen's still 'Born to Run'
By: Nancy Dunham
Special to The Examiner
October 29, 2009
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No, the band isn't trying different arrangements but will spice up the sound as they recreate the band's 1975 album, long considered a musical masterpiece.
"Somebody out there hasn't heard it," said saxophonist Clarence Clemons, known as the "Big Man" and arguably Springsteen's secret musical weapon, as he discusses keeping decades-old songs vibrant. "They are hearing it for the first time. Most people wouldn't notice the changes, but I know I play the same song differently."
The enthusiasm for the songs and the stage shows hasn't waned, even as Springsteen and his band head into their fourth decade together. The sudden death this week of Lenny Sullivan, Springsteen's 36-year old cousin and a band roadie, has set the group back emotionally but the shows continue as major jam fests.
"We are holding it together," said Clemons, whose new book "Big Man -- Real Life & Tall Tales" co-authored with friend and fan Don Reo, will be available for sale at the concert. "We are entertainers and we do this not just for ourselves but for our fans."
That attitude is what sets Springsteen and the band apart, said Reo who serves as a fan's backstage guide in the book "Big Man."
"I think it's more than the music. I think it is a contract between this band and these artists and the audience," said Reo of how the music and shows remain relevant. "It is the closest thing to religion I have seen. It is an experience based on faith that induces rapture and joy and a communal experience and Bruce is a preacher and God is the music."
Steve Baltin, editor of AOL Music, said the energy and enthusiasm of the band is unsurpassed which is why Springsteen songs consistently debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
"The shows are incredible. There is so much energy," he said. "To hear 'Born to Run' in its entirety -- which is my favorite album of all time -- is amazing. You won't get to see [the Beatles perform the band's classic album] "Sgt. Pepper's.' You won't get to see [the Who perform] "Who's Next." This is a rare chance to hear a classic album performed live. It's a celebration."
And since Springsteen is now 60 and Clemons 67, questions swirl about how many more chances fans will have to see these celebrations.
Despite the recent death in the Springsteen family, Clemons pushes those concerns aside.
"Everybody is feeling great and we are playing better than we ever played," said Clemons, who has had a host of knee and hip replacement surgeries and even suffered a minor heart attack in recent years. "We have been together so long and it just gets better and better. I don't see it ending anytime soon."
