Early on in a show that tops out close to three hours, Bruce Springsteen does a guitar solo. He is joined at the front of the stage by saxophonist Jake Clemons, the nephew of Springsteen’s late stage foil Clarence Clemons. Jake stares at Springsteen’s fingers, apparently gawping in amazement at the dexterity of his playing. Then he closes his eyes and rests his head on Springsteen’s shoulder as he continues playing.
It’s a small moment that seems to sum up the continued appeal of Springsteen when in the company of his most celebrated backing band. It’s simultaneously hokey – could it be rehearsed? – and, with its echo of the pose struck by Springsteen and Jake’s uncle on the cover of 1975’s Born to Run, oddly moving.
