By JOSE MARTINEZ

Seeing a stadium rock show in Dublin is like no other concert-going experience. Sure, we all know the stories of how the Irish love to drink, but upon arriving at RDS Arena, an outdoor stadium in Ireland, you are immediately besieged by a bevy of Irish people lining hundreds strong to get into a pub, or lined up at makeshift mobile bars selling beer. Believe me, the stories are true. The party at a Dublin show starts long before the headliner ever takes the stage.

Playing the first of three sold out concerts in Dublin, Springsteen and his famed E Street Band took to the stage very nonchalantly, one-by-one, with the sun still shining. The crowd cheered louder as each member walked out. On this night, The Boss’ wife, Patti Scialfa, was back home in New Jersey, but the roar became deafening as Nils Lofgren appeared, then louder for Max Weinberg and Steven Van Zandt, and finally over-the-top for the Big Man Clarence Clemons, and absolutely bonkers for Springsteen.

Playing with a series of clouds as his backdrop on the giant-sized video screens behind the band, most of the Irish fans, singing along as loudly as possible, acted like they were in Heaven watching their favorite artist. Threatening to rain all night long, the weather stayed perfect for the Boss, as if it would dare to otherwise.

This being my first Springsteen show, it’s funny how everyone was so quick to assure me that I was “going to love Springsteen!” Adding “nobody is better than the Boss.”

So, with countless concert classics under my belt I almost had that “I’ll be the judge of that” outlook. But the Irish are in infectious bunch, and I mean that in a friendly, non-sexually transmitted generalization, so right away you can’t help but lose your cool and get with the program. And hell, if Bruce isn’t ashamed at making those goofy expressions then why should I be standing there with a show-me-what-you-got stick up my ass?

No, from the first notes of the opening “The Promised Land” we all lost our collective shit. It definitely made me wonder what it would have been like to see U2 in their hometown of Dublin.

Touring in support of a first-rate new record, Magic, I was glad that he played numerous new songs instead of just opting for the safe greatest hits show. Ever the consummate showman, Bruce played up to the Dublin crowd, speaking with an Irish accent about how he loved a good pint of Guinness. And we all ate it up.

Introducing the title track from his new release, Springsteen talked about living back home in “eight years of bad magic.” Later he explained to the audience before playing “Livin’ In The Future” that he never would have imagined losing so many basic rights in the good ol’ U.S. of A. But quickly added that was all going to change very soon.

On this night, the 58-year-old Springsteen joked, laughed, slid a good 20 feet on his knees and delved into the rabid Irish audience delivering a crowd-pleasing performance. He even showed some impressive stripper-pole moves with his mic stand.

He also thanked his fans for their thoughts and prayers for former E Street musician Danny Federici who passed away April 17, 2008 from melanoma. Everyone was happy to have the Boss and Friends back on stage.

Amidst all the classics performed this night, including a brilliant performance of “The River,” one definite standout worth mentioning was “Devil’s Arcade,” a new song from Magic that featured a very passionate and intimate moment with Springsteen. Another favorite, on the opposite end of the music spectrum, was Nils Lofgren’s manic guitar solo on “Because the Night.” Wow! That solo was bigger than his entire 5’3” frame.

After the knockout punch of “Thunder Road” and “Born to Run” in the encore, Springsteen capped the night with the perfect number, “American Land” – which he described as “an immigrant song” much to the delight of all the Irish fans. A little Irish ditty, what better way to stomp the night away with a round or two of Guinness and Jameson waiting?

Although not the best concert I’ve ever witnessed let me just say that all the stories of Springsteen in concert are true. He was amazing and did not disappoint. Chalk up another for Old School. I can’t wait for second Springsteen. I know there will now be many more to come.

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SET LIST:

The Promised Land

Radio Nowhere

Lonesome Day

Out In the Street

Gypsy Biker

Magic

Reason To Believe

Candy's Room

Prove It All Night

Darkness On The Edge Of Town

Because The Night

She's The One

Livin' In The Future

Mary's Place

Waitin' On A Sunny Day

The River

Devil's Arcade

The Rising

Last To Die

Long Walk Home

Badlands

(encores)

Thunder Road

Bobby Jean

Born To Run

Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out

American Land

[Photos by Jose Martinez]