First of all, he’s got a cool name (the “Bruce” part, I mean).  And he’s been my musical hero for a very long time.

Many moons ago, I fell in love with Bruce’s music.  I was taken with the Dancing in the Dark concert video where he invited a young woman onto the stage.  And they danced!  There was such joy in the space.

I finally got to see Bruce and the E Street Band live at the now-demolished Exhibition Stadium in Toronto.  Thousands of us danced to his songs.

Years later, my wife Jody and I heard “The Boss” sing in the Air Canada Centre just before Christmas, again in Toronto.  He wore a red hat and thrilled the faithful with his rendition of Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town.  I was especially enthralled with his saxophone player – Clarence Clemons.  This guy was a big black fellow who made love to his instrument.  Oh, he rocked his solos!

Fast forward to my life in Belgium.  Last summer I tripped over to Amsterdam in the Netherlands to get another dose of Bruce.  Two-and-a-half hours of uninterrupted classic rock.  Sadly, Clarence had died years before.  But (wonder of wonders) his nephew joined the band, and he channelled uncle on the sax.  Magnificent.

Once I got back to Gent, I had a thought: “I’ve just seen Bruce for the last time.  And that’s okay.  I had a blast last night!”

***

And then there was yesterday.  My phone told the story:

2025 Tour

Springsteen & E Street Band

He’s coming to Lille, France on May 24, 2025.  That’s 75 kilometres from Gent!

I stared at the screen

I didn’t think

I bought

…

Perhaps “last time” is highly overrated