Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Dancing Through Decades of Rock in Toronto

On a crisp November night in Toronto, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band transformed the Scotiabank Arena into a rock ‘n’ roll sanctuary, reviving timeless anthems and sharing stories from Bruce’s long and storied career. The rescheduled show, originally set for November 2023, brought fans of all ages together for a two-and-a-half-hour journey through Bruce’s vast songbook.

The energy was clear from the moment Bruce walked on stage. Without even strumming a chord, he received a standing ovation from an audience thrilled to see “The Boss” back in action. As he launched into “She’s the One” — an unexpected opener — it was clear he was setting the tone for a night packed with fan favorites and rarely-heard gems.

Throughout the night, fans erupted with chants of “BRUUUUCE!” — a sound that, if you didn’t know better, might’ve been mistaken for “boo.” But Bruce fans know that this roaring chant is just their unique way of showing admiration. During iconic tracks like “Born to Run,” these calls grew louder still, with everyone on their feet, united in the joy of seeing Springsteen back on stage. Bruce’s connection with his audience is something of legend, and in Toronto, he elevated it even further. During “Thunder Road,” after playing the opening notes on his harmonica, he handed it to a lucky fan in the front row, creating a moment that felt both personal and unforgettable.

In between songs, Bruce reminisced about his early days with The Castiles, his first band, and shared that the E Street Band has been rocking with him for over 50 years. He then brightened the mood, joking that he’s “only 45,” a playful nod to his youthful spirit despite the decades he’s spent on stage.

The evening included crowd-pleasers like “Hungry Heart,” during which Bruce led fans in a wave of hands, arms swinging to the rhythm as if the whole room were one. There were also song requests held high on fan-made signs. “Sherry Darling” and “If I Was the Priest” found their way into the setlist thanks to these dedicated fans. One particularly moving moment came during “Last Man Standing,” where Barry Danielian’s trumpet accompaniment brought an emotional depth, underscoring Bruce’s reflective lyrics about perseverance and resilience.

Bruce’s bandmates added their own flair, with longtime members like Steven Van Zandt (guitar, vocals) and Nils Lofgren (guitar, vocals) trading guitar licks that energized the crowd. Garry Tallent’s steady bass kept the foundation strong, while Max Weinberg’s dynamic drumming drove each song forward. Roy Bittan (keyboards) and Charlie Giordano (keyboards, accordion) provided the lush melodies that filled out the sound, with Soozie Tyrell (violin, vocals) adding her own distinctive touch. Jake Clemons (saxophone) played a powerful solo during “Jungleland,” plus other songs throughout the night, honoring his uncle Clarence’s legacy while bringing his own unique energy to the stage.

The encore brought even more magic. Just when it seemed like the night couldn’t get any better, Bruce returned solo for a heartwarming rendition of “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” his voice echoing through the arena like a gentle goodbye.

The “Dancing in the Dark Tour” lives up to its name, celebrating Bruce’s legacy while shining a light on the road he’s traveled — a journey of friendship, loss, resilience, and an unyielding love for rock ‘n’ roll. Each song, from the rousing opener to the tender closer, felt like a tribute to that journey, shared with an audience that has stood with him through it all. Toronto, on November 3, witnessed not just a concert but a heartfelt gathering, led by a man who, after all these years, remains forever young at heart.

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Drew Osborne

I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.