No Nukes

Today I dusted off a copy of this fantastic concert film that I had on VHS recorded from VH-1 way back when they used to play music! It includes so many once-in-a-lifetime performances from that amazing era of music, including Bruce. I can't believe the rights are still tied up with everyone and their brother selling their catalogue. I really wish we could stream it or (better yet) buy it!

Since this review has to be longer I will just say that my favorite performance in the film is Carly Simon and James Taylor doing Mockingbird. That jumpsuit that Carly has on is seared forever in my memory!

A lost treasure. Yeah, the Boss is great but so is everyone else at this show, which featured a fantastic lineup. Everyone plays their ass off and the combinations are really fun, too. Not to be overlooked is the haunting theme song to the event, Power, written and sung by John Hall, who was recently elected to Congress from New York in a largely Republican district! How about that. Other great performances are by the Doobie Brothers, with and without Carly Simon, and Poco. Paul Cotton delivers a great version of Heart Of The Night, which in light of all the tragedy in New Orleans, seems all the more poignant. Why is there no DVD of this event. What a shame.

This is a really engaging concert film. The reason for the concert is socially conscious and worthwhile and there are several good performances by the likes of James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Jacksone Browne and Tom Petty. To top it all of though is the robust, exhilarating and show-stopping performance by Bruce Springsteen and the E-street band. Fans of him and the band should check it out if just for that.

Granted, Bruce is amazing and is the audience hit of the show. But the shining stars for me are James Taylor, Carly Simon, John Hall & Graham Nash singing "The Times They Are A-Changin" and "Power" (adding Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Brown, David Crosby & Stephen Stills).

The music is top-notch, the message is still relevant, and the backstage footage adds great depth to the experience.

This is a must-see for the world debut of Springsteen's "The River" alone. Throughout the show as others take the stage you hear the crowd calling out for Bruuuuce! He does not let down. Petty and others are great, but Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band make this worth watching.