Dream Baby Dream

I watched this again, now, and I’m somewhat overwhelmed by how it hit me and how emotional it made me.

This video brought back with such stark clarity, a period in my life when I experienced some of my highest highs, and my lowest lows.

It debuted on YouTube in October 2013. I can remember, like it literally was yesterday, watching it on TV, the beautiful faces, close up, and all the emotions, Bruce and the band. And I remember saying, emphatically, Bruce is coming to South Africa. I had nothing to back that up, nothing about the video even suggested such a thing, but I just knew. Somehow, it was my time, finally, to see Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. And sure enough, a week or two later, Big Concerts announced that Bruce was coming to SA. I never dreamed I’d be able to see 3 of the 4 shows, nor that I would touch Bruce’s hand, or get to see him that close.

It was a near perfect experience for me. Part of me does wish that they would come back, one day, but, as with so many other artists, I knew it was very unlikely to happen. And I am perfectly at peace with that. Physically, financially and time-wise I know I would not be able to do again what I did last time.

I am excited for the new tour, excited for all of you who have tickets, I cannot wait to do setlist vision and hear the feedback and read the joy in your posts. I’m so pleased for the band that over half a million tickets have been sold already, (that just blows my mind!) that you will get to experience these shows in these amazing and iconic venues. Living in a third world country with a weak currency means going to a European or American show is not possible. Spending half a years income for one concert, well, I can’t justify that, not for anyone.

But Bruce allowed me to dream and the dream came true. And I will never forget that. 😊

Just for completeness...

Thank God someone else posts here while three or four sheets to the wind. I've sometimes woken on Saturday and Sunday morning and thought 'oh dear, what did I do'.

But as for the video. Utterly beautiful and perfect. Bruce says it's all a magic trick, per Broadway. And self depreciatingly made it clear to 'trust the art, not the artist' on Storytellers with that strip club story. But has anyone of his stature ever made a video clip full of their own fans as a tribute and thank you to those said fans?

It also doesn't hurt that I love that version of Dream Baby Dream. The way it keeps building, with more and more music and vocals filling in the sound as it progresses. Plus the final crowning moment... Clarence and Danny. There has never been a better musical and visual combined presentation of the community Bruce and his music have created.

I hadn't watched it for a while either, but it is the perfect video to watch to remind myself of how much he means to me.

I just watched it for the first time in a few years. That did it for me. I'm eager for the tour now. I need to be with my people, in front of my hero. One last time.

I can't watch this video without at least a lump in my throat... Most of the time, I just cry. That cleansing and cathartic cry...

I think this is the most moving video Bruce has ever made...