My report from Chicago: Show #1

I've had a day to come down after the two Chicago shows and thought I'd pen my report.

Our seats were in section 203 for the first show and, from the moment I sat down I could feel the difference from the previous show I'd seen in Ottawa -- there was energy and excitement in the building and it was packed. The pit was full -- 500 people and GA was completely packed (see the setlist here).

The show started with the now standard "Is there anyone alive out there" and he launched into Radio Nowhere. The sound was a little off for the song but, as I said about the Ottawa show, what a great song to get things going.

He was into it. It didn't take long to realize Springsteen was rested and ready to blow our socks off. There was an intense, religious thunder coming from him and we knew we were in for a great show -- He wasn't warming up, He was ready from the get-go.

No Surrender was amazing and Cadillac Ranch in for Darlington County was welcomed and the crowd responded. Thundercrack was spot on -- like it was lifted from Tracks. He played it like he was 23 and the crowd ate it up.

He finished off with American Land and I still feel that is the best song to end a concert on. 23 songs, just over 2 hours and we were out on a high.

Far better vibe, sound and performance than what we saw in Ottawa. Sad to say but I don't think he'll be back up to Ottawa for some time.