As reported earlier this week, Bruce made another comedic appearance on Jimmy Fallon last night. In it, Bruce answered the most troubling question know to man: would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses, or one horse-sized duck? Fortunately, Bruce has garnered much wisdom on his time on Earth, and provides a well thought out answer:
While there were no Ke$ha parodies, as implored by my fellow writer Steve, Bruce parodies his own song, using it to take some light-hearted jabs at the Chris Christie brouhaha. The parody shows Bruce's classic "dad humor", as he leans heavily on pee-pee jokes. But, as always, the highlight of these skits is Bruce's wigs and outfits. I'd love to see these costumes make a comeback on the tour; they definitely look better than the "man in black" routine we've seen for the last decade or so.
Check out this post for more "Born To Run" TV Moments!
Showing posts with label Chris Christie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Christie. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
Clarence Clemons Day is Next Saturday (1/11)
The 11th was Clarence's birthday, and in conjunction with the first ever Clarence Clemons day, Backstreets.com writer Shawn Poole launched a petition to get Clarence Clemons on a stamp. The petition ends on January 10, and they are looking to collect 50,000 signatures. If you would like to support the petition, head over to the following website to sign the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/469/114/550/petition-to-honor-clarence-big-man-clemons-with-a-us-postage-stamp/
Friday, November 8, 2013
Politics In The Age of Springsteen
Author's Note: As with the other posts on this blog, this entry is mine alone, and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the other contributors to this blog, or Legends Of Springsteen as a whole. Thank you.
I'm a conservative. Calm down, it's not that big a deal. I tend to vote for the Republican party (Although I am a registered independent, and identify as a Libertarian). And I am a huge Bruce Springsteen fanatic. I don't think the two should be mutually exclusive, but alas there are people who are shocked to hear that I am both.
To be honest, I don't feel Bruce is that political of a musician. I think he points out certain issues but, for the most part, he tends to just point out a problem, and it's up to the listener to decide how it should be fixed. Now, in concert, Bruce certainly tends to give more of his political opinions. But when compared to the number of times he encourages fans to just sing, dance, and enjoy themselves it's practically non-existent.
Take a song like "41 Shots (American Skin)". Most conservatives will tell you that this song is an "anti-police, anti-2nd Amendment, liberal, white guilt" anthem. I don't get that whatsoever. This song is simply about what happened to Amadou Diallo. Bruce doesn't say who's right or wrong, anything about gun control, or race. He simply states the fact that an unarmed man was shot 41 times by police. I don't care what side of the political spectrum you are on, that's not right. Some on the far left have called those cops murderers. Others on the far right have said those cops were just doing their job. But I think most people fall somewhere in the middle. I know I do. Yes, those cops (who have possibly the most difficult job in the world) killed someone, but it wasn't with any malicious intent. I doubt that makes it any easier for those cops to sleep at night, however.
Bruce brought this song back out early in the Wrecking Ball tour, in honor of Trayvon Martin. (Note: I started writing this entry prior to Zimmerman being found "Not Guilty") Again, Bruce didn't mention Trayvon, didn't wear a hoodie, didn't mention anything about guns. However, when he played the opening chords to this song every single person in the arena knew why. He simply wanted to create discussion. An unarmed young man was killed. It's tragic. I've debated the Trayvon Martin case several times among my friends (I don't think George Zimmerman is guilty of 2nd degree murder and I think the media portrayal of his has been disgraceful), but that doesn't take away from the fact that Trayvon is dead. And that is tragic. I remember seeing Bruce play this song in 2012 at Madison Square Garden. Many people in my section booed, heckled, sat down, some even went so far as to give Bruce the finger while he played it. I didn't get it then, and I don't get it now.
Earlier this week, Chris Christie was re-elected as Governor Of New Jersey. Christie, an avid Springsteen fan and conservative as well, probably isn't Springsteen's favorite politician but that hasn't stopped Christie from seeing Bruce in concert over 100 times. And I don't think Bruce's criticisms of the governor has diminished Christie's enjoyment of Bruce's music, as seen here.
I remember seeing Bruce on the Magic tour in the summer of 2008, and several times throughout the night Bruce took a moment to criticize then President Bush, about the poor state the economy and the high number of Americans who were unemployed. One year later, on the Working On A Dream, when the economy was worse and unemployment was even higher, Bruce did not criticize President Obama once. At the time part of me did think "Nothing to say, Bruce?" But then I thought about it. Did it really matter? Would it improve the economy? Or create millions of jobs? Nope. So let Bruce have his opinion, I'll have mine, and let's just enjoy the music. And that's about the most pacifist thing I've ever said.
I'm a conservative. Calm down, it's not that big a deal. I tend to vote for the Republican party (Although I am a registered independent, and identify as a Libertarian). And I am a huge Bruce Springsteen fanatic. I don't think the two should be mutually exclusive, but alas there are people who are shocked to hear that I am both.
To be honest, I don't feel Bruce is that political of a musician. I think he points out certain issues but, for the most part, he tends to just point out a problem, and it's up to the listener to decide how it should be fixed. Now, in concert, Bruce certainly tends to give more of his political opinions. But when compared to the number of times he encourages fans to just sing, dance, and enjoy themselves it's practically non-existent.
Take a song like "41 Shots (American Skin)". Most conservatives will tell you that this song is an "anti-police, anti-2nd Amendment, liberal, white guilt" anthem. I don't get that whatsoever. This song is simply about what happened to Amadou Diallo. Bruce doesn't say who's right or wrong, anything about gun control, or race. He simply states the fact that an unarmed man was shot 41 times by police. I don't care what side of the political spectrum you are on, that's not right. Some on the far left have called those cops murderers. Others on the far right have said those cops were just doing their job. But I think most people fall somewhere in the middle. I know I do. Yes, those cops (who have possibly the most difficult job in the world) killed someone, but it wasn't with any malicious intent. I doubt that makes it any easier for those cops to sleep at night, however.
Bruce brought this song back out early in the Wrecking Ball tour, in honor of Trayvon Martin. (Note: I started writing this entry prior to Zimmerman being found "Not Guilty") Again, Bruce didn't mention Trayvon, didn't wear a hoodie, didn't mention anything about guns. However, when he played the opening chords to this song every single person in the arena knew why. He simply wanted to create discussion. An unarmed young man was killed. It's tragic. I've debated the Trayvon Martin case several times among my friends (I don't think George Zimmerman is guilty of 2nd degree murder and I think the media portrayal of his has been disgraceful), but that doesn't take away from the fact that Trayvon is dead. And that is tragic. I remember seeing Bruce play this song in 2012 at Madison Square Garden. Many people in my section booed, heckled, sat down, some even went so far as to give Bruce the finger while he played it. I didn't get it then, and I don't get it now.
Earlier this week, Chris Christie was re-elected as Governor Of New Jersey. Christie, an avid Springsteen fan and conservative as well, probably isn't Springsteen's favorite politician but that hasn't stopped Christie from seeing Bruce in concert over 100 times. And I don't think Bruce's criticisms of the governor has diminished Christie's enjoyment of Bruce's music, as seen here.
I remember seeing Bruce on the Magic tour in the summer of 2008, and several times throughout the night Bruce took a moment to criticize then President Bush, about the poor state the economy and the high number of Americans who were unemployed. One year later, on the Working On A Dream, when the economy was worse and unemployment was even higher, Bruce did not criticize President Obama once. At the time part of me did think "Nothing to say, Bruce?" But then I thought about it. Did it really matter? Would it improve the economy? Or create millions of jobs? Nope. So let Bruce have his opinion, I'll have mine, and let's just enjoy the music. And that's about the most pacifist thing I've ever said.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Guest Post - Getting Advice About Springsteen
This guest post was written by the incomparable Brad Bogner, host of the Brad Bogner Show. Take it away, Bradley!
I don’t know very much about Bruce Springsteen. When someone says they just attended his concert, I immediately ask, “Was Tom Morello there!?!?” So in an effort to better understand this man, I asked some people their thoughts.
My Dad: I don’t know when you were born, but I can tell you exactly what Springsteen was wearing on the TIME magazine cover in 1975.
Rory Toohey (Legends of Springsteen): "Dancing in the Dark" is too 80’s.*
Ronald Reagan (U.S. President): “Born in the USA” truly shows that Mr. Springsteen understands that Vietnam was a war worth fighting and dying for.
Conan O’Brien (Late Night Talk Show Host): I hope you can give Max Weinberg health insurance, because TBS sure as hell can’t.
Bill Simmons (ESPN’s Sports Guy): Bruce Springsteen is the greatest musician of all time. He just always finds a way to produce the best music possible no matter the circumstances. It reminds me exactly of Bill Russell and the Celtics. No matter how many times it looked like the team was down and out, tired, old...they just always found a way to come through and deliver for the fans. And in Boston, we wouldn't have tolerated anything else. Are we sure this guy is from New Jersey?
Taylor Swift (Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter): Does he have any interest in a short term romance?
Chris Christie (Governor of New Jersey): That karaoke video of “Born to Run” that was supposedly me, could’ve been a lot of fat white guys in town.
Chuck Klosterman (Author): Springsteen has to be the most boring artist of all time. Aside from his predictable lyrics and listless energy on stage, he has ridiculous sideburns. I’m pretty sure he’s the reason why Steve Van Zandt is so ugly. “I’m goin’ down, down, down” onto the next musician on my iPod. Also, can I get some pot?
Gengis Khan (Mongol Empire): Sure, I conquered in 25 years what it took the Romans 400 to do. But what really excites me is that there’s a 2.3% chance Bruce Springsteen and I are related!
Slate Editorial Staff: Chris Brown is a better person than Bruce Springsteen...and that’s a good thing.
Anyone who’s ever lived: We’re all in agreement that he says "douche" in “Blinded by the Light”, right?
*This is an actual quote. I still don’t get it.
I don’t know very much about Bruce Springsteen. When someone says they just attended his concert, I immediately ask, “Was Tom Morello there!?!?” So in an effort to better understand this man, I asked some people their thoughts.
My Dad: I don’t know when you were born, but I can tell you exactly what Springsteen was wearing on the TIME magazine cover in 1975.
Rory Toohey (Legends of Springsteen): "Dancing in the Dark" is too 80’s.*
Ronald Reagan (U.S. President): “Born in the USA” truly shows that Mr. Springsteen understands that Vietnam was a war worth fighting and dying for.
Conan O’Brien (Late Night Talk Show Host): I hope you can give Max Weinberg health insurance, because TBS sure as hell can’t.
Bill Simmons (ESPN’s Sports Guy): Bruce Springsteen is the greatest musician of all time. He just always finds a way to produce the best music possible no matter the circumstances. It reminds me exactly of Bill Russell and the Celtics. No matter how many times it looked like the team was down and out, tired, old...they just always found a way to come through and deliver for the fans. And in Boston, we wouldn't have tolerated anything else. Are we sure this guy is from New Jersey?
Taylor Swift (Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter): Does he have any interest in a short term romance?
Chris Christie (Governor of New Jersey): That karaoke video of “Born to Run” that was supposedly me, could’ve been a lot of fat white guys in town.
Chuck Klosterman (Author): Springsteen has to be the most boring artist of all time. Aside from his predictable lyrics and listless energy on stage, he has ridiculous sideburns. I’m pretty sure he’s the reason why Steve Van Zandt is so ugly. “I’m goin’ down, down, down” onto the next musician on my iPod. Also, can I get some pot?
Gengis Khan (Mongol Empire): Sure, I conquered in 25 years what it took the Romans 400 to do. But what really excites me is that there’s a 2.3% chance Bruce Springsteen and I are related!
Slate Editorial Staff: Chris Brown is a better person than Bruce Springsteen...and that’s a good thing.
Anyone who’s ever lived: We’re all in agreement that he says "douche" in “Blinded by the Light”, right?
*This is an actual quote. I still don’t get it.
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