Watch Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Live In Barcelona
- 2012
- 2 hr 56 min
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Live In Barcelona is a 2003 music documentary that captures the legendary musician and his backing band in all their live glory. Directed by Chris Hilson and filmed at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain, the film showcases Springsteen and his iconic band performing 24 songs from various points in their storied career.
The film opens with an intro from Springsteen himself, who sets the tone for what is to come by stating that "when you play rock and roll, the audience is your partner." From there, the band launches into a rousing rendition of "The Rising," the title track from Springsteen's 2002 album. The song sets the stage for the rest of the concert, which mixes new material with classic hits.
The energy of the band is tangible from the very first song, with Springsteen leading the charge as he strums his guitar and croons into the mic. Throughout the concert, he engages with the audience, urging them to sing along and pumping his fist in the air. Meanwhile, the E Street Band provides a powerful backdrop, with Max Weinberg on drums, Roy Bittan on piano, and Steve Van Zandt on guitar and vocals, among other talented musicians.
The concert runs the gamut of Springsteen's career, from the early hits like "Badlands" and "Born to Run" to newer material like "Mary's Place" and "You're Missing," both from The Rising. Despite the range in song selection, the mood is consistently electric, with the audience responding enthusiastically to each number. Springsteen's dynamic stage presence offers a window into why he has remained one of rock's most enduring figures; even after all these decades, he still brings a boundless energy to his live performances.
In addition to the music itself, the film also captures the camaraderie between Springsteen and his bandmates. In one particularly memorable moment, Springsteen interacts with Clarence Clemons, the band's saxophonist, during a soulful rendition of "Jungleland." The two musicians lock eyes, and it's clear they share a deep connection that goes beyond just playing music together.
The concert is also notable for the sheer length of the setlist. Clocking in at just over three hours, it's a marathon performance that showcases the band's musical stamina. Throughout the show, Springsteen and company rarely pause for more than a few moments, segueing seamlessly from one song to the next.
One of the standout moments of the concert is the rendition of "The River," a track that Springsteen once described as "the record where I left my youth behind." The song begins with a solo acoustic performance from Springsteen, but soon the rest of the band kicks in and the track becomes a stirring anthem. As the song wraps up, Springsteen shares a tender moment with his backing vocalist and wife, Patti Scialfa.
Overall, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Live In Barcelona is a riveting concert film that captures one of rock and roll's most iconic acts at the peak of their powers. The stunning musicianship, dynamic performances, and palpable camaraderie make it a must-see for fans of the Boss and fans of live music in general.