For the first 15 years of Light of Day’s history, a surprise appearance from Bruce Springsteen was virtually guaranteed. He played at the very first event in 2000 for the nonprofit organization that fights Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
And he returned almost every time in the years that followed, becoming one of the initiative’s biggest supporters.
In the past ten years, however, he has only appeared at two of the annual events – both large gala evenings on the occasion of the 20th and 25th anniversaries of “Light of Day”.
Return without notice
It was far from certain that he would appear at the 26th edition of “Light of Day” on January 17 at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey. As always, he was not on the official program. Still, a packed house packed the venue to see John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Dramarama, Willie Nile, Joe D’Urso & The Stone Caravan, the James Maddock Band, Williams Honor, Fantastic Cat and Low Cut Connie.
However, around 9 p.m., rumors started circulating around the theater that Springsteen was in the building. Shortly afterwards he took the stage and played the anthemic “One Guitar” with Willie Nile. Shouts of “Brooooce” echoed through the hall, fans pushed forward, and almost every cell phone was raised in the air.
John Rzeznik and clear words
Rzeznik then had the thankless task of following that moment. He kept the audience entertained with solo versions of Goo Goo Dolls classics like “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” “Broadway,” and of course “Iris,” which the entire room sang along to.
“You didn’t come here to listen to a damn TED talk,” he said. “But we live in interesting times. That doesn’t mean they’re good. But it does mean we have each other. This is a space full of love. You can feel it. I just want you to take that love and put it the fuck out on the streets… We’re all in this together. That’s what makes us strong. And what’s happening right now… I’m not saying anything else because I’m not rich enough to theoretically scare away half of my audience.”
Springsteen without restraint
Springsteen wasn’t worried about it. Shortly before he played “The Promised Land” with Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, he had clear words for the audience.
“I wrote this song as an ode to American possibilities,” he said. “Right now we are living through incredibly critical times. The United States, the ideals and values that this country has stood for over the past 250 years, are being tested like never before in modern history. These values and ideals have never been more threatened than they are now.”
Sharp criticism of ICE
He continued: “If you believe in the power of the law and that no one is above it, if you stand up to heavily armed, masked federal officers invading an American city and using Gestapo methods against our fellow citizens, if you believe that you should not be murdered for exercising your American right to protest, then send this president a message, as the city’s mayor said: ICE should get the hell out of Minneapolis. This song is for you and for that.” In memory of mother of three and American citizen Renee Good.”
The speech was accompanied by deafening cheers, interrupted only by occasional groans from the other political camp. These voices had little reason to complain, however, as Springsteen and the Houserockers then laid down a furious 14-song set that extended the show well past midnight.
Gary US Bonds and a marathon set
First, Gary US Bonds came on stage and sang his 1981 comeback hits, “This Little Girl” and “Jole Blon,” with them, showing amazing energy for his age. “Bonds is 86 fucking years old,” Springsteen told the audience. “He’s ten years older than me!”
Bonds’ departure was followed by “Darkness on the Edge of Town”, “Lucky Town”, “Johnny 99” and several songs Springsteen co-wrote with Grushecky, including “I’m Not Sleeping”, “Pumping Iron” and “Never Be Enough Time”. As always, it was a special experience to see Springsteen with his long-time friend and a down-to-earth, blue-collar bar band.
Spontaneous harmonica interludes
In between, Springsteen even brought photographer Danny Clinch to the microphone a few times to play improvised harmonica solos. Clinch had to hastily put his camera aside and find an instrument in the right key.
Before a soaring version of “Savin’ Up,” which first appeared on Clarence Clemons’ 1983 album “Rescue,” Springsteen told the audience a humorous anecdote.
Billions, Partners and Beyoncé
“I’m watching CNN and all of a sudden they say rock ‘n’ roll has its fifth billionaire, and it’s Beyoncé,” he said. “I’m like, okay, the fifth damn billionaire. Who the hell are the other four? The first one is Paul McCartney, and I happen to know that he actually has a billion dollars. Then I think it was Paul Simon. Maybe he has a billion too. And at some point they get to me. And what annoys me about that is that they say I have a billion dollars when I don’t have it. I wish I had it. And they keep saying it. What they don’t understand: I have Partners. Has anyone ever heard of the E Street Band? I have fucking partners. I don’t have a billion dollars!”
Finale with tradition
As tradition demands, the evening ended with all of the evening’s artists returning to the stage for “Light of Day.” A birthday cake was then rolled in for Light of Day founder Bob Benjamin, who has been battling Parkinson’s for 30 years. Finally, Springsteen played an acoustic version of “Thunder Road.”
Springsteen’s calendar is empty for the foreseeable future, although a solo album is due out later this year. His tour plans remain unclear. One thing is certain: “Light of Day” will return in January 2027. And Springsteen gave fans hope to be back when someone in the audience shouted for the deep cut “Frankie Fell In Love” from 2014 album “High Hopes.” “Next year,” he said. “We have to practice this shit first.”