Bruce Springsteen - Gypsy Biker

Bruce Springsteen is the final honourable mention for the 5 greatest solo artists of all time. He was definitely the closest to making the top 5 and I really wanted to put him in but just could not deny the popularity and pop culture status of Madonna. I fucking love The Boss! I was fortunate enough to see him and the E Street Band the last time they stormed through Vancouver. And boy oh boy did they ever storm! Playing for over 3 hours, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band are a tour de force of epic rock and roll. They mixed old classics ("Born to Run", Dancing In The Dark") with newer tracks ("Radio Nowhere", "The Rising" and today's chosen song) and didn't miss a beat. It was incredibly special to get to see Clarence "Big Man" Clemons in action. The saxophone player, who passed away recently, didn't do much when he wasn't playing. He just sat on a stool and played the tambourine. But then when it came time for one of his huge solos he slowly made his way to the front of the stage before belting it out, giving everything he had. Just insane!

"Gypsy Biker" is my favourite Bruce Springsteen song. The harmonica is brilliant and it sent chills up my spine the first time I ever heard it. Then the electric guitar kicks in and it's really rockin'. It was definitely a highlight of the first half of the show and the best of the new material. Guitarist Little Steven went nuts during the solo. As usual, the lyrics are great as Bruce tells about a dead soldier returning from Iraq and his family and friends polishing his bike for the funeral as he's "comin' home". Make sure you give this one a listen, as well as the whole 2008 album, Magic, an often overlooked masterpiece imo.

Bruce Springsteen - Spirit In The Night (Live 1975)

I just had to include this incredible performance in London in 1975. Bruce and the band are about to take over planet erf and they proved why during this amazing show. This is just one brilliant example of why they are so fucking good live!