Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium was transformed into a rock ‘n’ roll cathedral as Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band delivered their first-ever performance in the city, a monumental event on their Land of Hope and Dreams tour. The Boss, at 75, proved that age is just a number, commanding the stage for nearly three hours with a fiery, soul-stirring set that left the 60,000-strong crowd roaring with joy.
From the moment Springsteen strode onto the stage the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Kicking off with the gospel-tinged anthem “Land of Hope and Dreams,” the 18-piece E Street Band—a “booty-shaking, lovemaking, Viagra-taking, history-making” outfit, as Springsteen called them—set the tone for a night of raw energy and emotional depth. The setlist was a masterclass in balancing timeless classics with poignant newer tracks, weaving a narrative of hope, loss, and defiance that resonated deeply with the Liverpool faithful.
Highlights included a blistering “Born in the U.S.A.,” its synth-driven pulse and Springsteen’s gravelly roar igniting the crowd, and a tender “The River,” which hushed the stadium into a sea of swaying phone lights. The band’s chemistry was palpable, with Stevie Van Zandt’s gritty guitar riffs and Jake Clemons’ soaring saxophone paying homage to his late uncle, Clarence. A surprise inclusion of “Rainmaker,” a stark portrait of a conman dedicated to “our leader,” drew cheers for its biting relevance, while “Darkness on the Edge of Town” grooved with an almost funky looseness. The set also featured soundcheck gems like “Lonesome Day” and “My Love Will Not Let You Down,” adding a special touch for diehard fans.
Springsteen’s connection with the audience was electric. He roamed the front rows during “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” swigging a fan’s pint and sharing grins, treating the massive stadium like an intimate club. His political fire was on full display, yet, the night wasn’t all heavy—Springsteen’s infectious joy and marathon stamina turned anthems like “Dancing in the Dark” and “The Promised Land” into euphoric singalongs, with the crowd’s voices echoing through Anfield’s hallowed stands.
Anfield, no stranger to hosting icons like Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones, proved the perfect backdrop, its acoustics and electric energy elevating the show to mythic status.
If there was a quibble, it’s that the tightly scripted set lacked the loose spontaneity of some of Springsteen’s 2024 UK shows, perhaps a nod to the tour’s opening leg. But this was a minor note in a night that felt like a rite of passage for Liverpool’s rock fans. As Springsteen sang “hard times come and hard times go” in “Wrecking Ball” with seething intensity, it was clear: The Boss and The E Street Band didn’t just play Anfield—they owned it, delivering a performance that will linger in Merseyside’s memory for years to come.
For those who missed out, Bruce Springsteen returns to Anfield on June 7. Grab tickets fast—they’re selling like hotcakes.
Photo Copyright © Gary Mather
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