Posted on 05/28/2006 7:04:44 AM PDT by Sir_Humphrey
By Scott Malone
MANSFIELD, Massachusetts (Reuters) - Branching off from his rock'n' roll roots, Bruce Springsteen kicked off his summer U.S. tour on Saturday with songs made famous by folk musician and activist Pete Seeger and strong political overtones.
Backed by a raucous 18-piece band, Springsteen played folk tunes including "We Shall Overcome," an anthem of the U.S. civil rights movement and "Bring Them Home," an anti-war song dating to the Vietnam War era.
During a break between songs, he offered harsh words for the administration of President George W. Bush and its handling of last year's devastating Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, which killed more than 1,500 people in Louisiana alone.
"I've never seen anything like it in any American city," Springsteen said of the flooding and destruction. Referring to Bush, whom he called "President Bystander" in a performance in New Orleans last month, Springsteen added, "He managed to gut the only agency, through political cronyism, that could help people at a time like this."
Many of the fans at an arena in Mansfield, about 30 miles
south of Boston, said they were happy to hear his thoughts on politics, although they were not sure if he had changed many minds.
"If it gets people informed about the issues, I think that's good," said Julie Tambascio, 39, of Boston.
Several said they were more interested in hearing the lineup of folk songs, as well as Springsteen tunes including "Cadillac Ranch" and "Ramrod" that were jazzed up with fiddle and tuba solos -- a break from the rock sound the singer called "The Boss" is best known for.
(Excerpt) Read more at today.reuters.com ...
Bruce Springsteen: Irrelevant Since 1987™
If people become informed it won't be because of Springsteen, but in spite of him.
I'm ashamed to admit how many times I went to Asbury Park in the early 80s, just hoping to catch of one his "surprise" appearances at the Stone Pony.
I feel like such a sap, now.
I've never understood why BS is considered a rock'n'roll icon. I've never liked his music, never thought it was any good at all. Now that his personality is shining through I guess I understand why I never liked him.
I loved his music before too and he was a rebel kind of guy and for the blue collar guys....don't feel bad. People changed...and he is one who changed lacking wisdom that comes with experience. Perhaps he was just too insulated in his whole world of music icons.
And in between sets SaDan Rather can entertain by demonstrating how many times you have to photocopy a document to make it look old and official.
Screw 'em.
I was a fan years ago.
No more.
Took all the CD's I had and put a lightshow on in the microwave with 'em!
He's a moonbat now and joined all the other left wing wacks. Clueless in the USA! Clueless in the USA!
Or maybe he was just an un-American jerk all along. Using the flag imagery only to sell himself. OH , did I say that. oops.
What an aging jerk. And to think at one time I bought his albums. Now I turn him off when he comes on the radio. Him and all the other 'celebrities' that do this crap instead of entertain. Morons like him actually think they are being patriotic with this mindset,they even passionately argue that they are patriotic. So this is love for their country? To always blame it first, to scream those sentiments out from their American funded platforms for our enemies to hear? I guess if this is what they call love and loyalty then I'd hate to be one of their children or a part of their lives.
You know what I'm the most sick of...I'm so sick of liberals with their freaking "WE CARE MORE ABOUT PEOPLE" attitude. They think they are so superior...they think they care more, they feel more ... I truly want to bash their faces in...how's that for caring?
He opens up a big mouth but never goes anywhere without his bodyguards.
Take Sid Vicious anyday over this pathetic freak.
"...I truly want to bash their faces in...how's that for caring?..."
Works for me.
The album isn't particularly political. It's a joyous celebration of great American music.
Far from jumping the shark, Bruce has found a new direction that's terrific.
And whatever you think of the politics, the concerts are astoundingly good.
Pete Seeger isn't dead.
I have always referred to him as a Big Old Sack of S*&%.
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