The River Tour (2016) by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band was not only a commercial success but also featured some distinct characteristics in its band lineup and attracted a notable array of celebrity attendees. Unlike some of Springsteen's previous tours, this particular series of concerts saw a more streamlined version of the E Street Band, a deliberate choice that aimed to evoke a specific sound and feel. This tour also marked a unique
approach to performing an entire album, setting it apart from earlier endeavors.
A Tighter E Street Band Lineup
One of the notable aspects of The River Tour (2016) was the downsized touring lineup of the E Street Band. In contrast to previous tours, this iteration did not include a full horn section or additional backing vocalists. Bruce Springsteen himself commented on this decision, stating, "I knew the basis of the show was going to be The River, and that was a small rock group. The tighter lineup feels much more like the old days." This choice aimed to capture the essence of the original album's sound, which was rooted in a more compact rock band configuration.
The absence of a full choir also meant that certain vocal responsibilities shifted. Patti Scialfa, a long-standing member of the E Street Band, was not present at every show. Her absences were due to her responsibilities as a mother, particularly in supporting her daughter's equestrian career. In her stead, bassist Garry Tallent frequently took on the role of singing backup vocals from the front line of the stage. This adjustment meant that the background vocals, often handled by Tallent, became more prominent in the overall sound of the performances.
The Album in Its Entirety and Marathon Shows
A significant feature of The River Tour (2016) was that it marked the first time a Springsteen tour consistently featured the same album performed in its entirety at all dates. The album "The River" was played chronologically during the first North American leg and at some subsequent concerts. Even when not played in exact album order, a large portion of the album was still included in the setlist, providing a comprehensive experience for fans of the 1980 record.
Springsteen's reputation for delivering exceptionally long shows was upheld throughout this tour. Many concerts extended beyond three and a half hours, typically encompassing around 33 songs. A particularly memorable performance took place on September 7, 2016, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, lasting 4 hours and 4 minutes. This show became Springsteen's longest in the United States and his second-longest ever, just two minutes shy of a 2012 concert in Helsinki. These marathon performances, combined with the focus on a specific album, created a unique and immersive concert experience.
Celebrity Attendees and Tour Logistics
The River Tour (2016) attracted a variety of well-known personalities to its shows. Among the celebrities spotted in the audience were Snoop Dogg at the Los Angeles concert, Aimee Soller at the KFC Yum! Centre, and Matt Damon at the Albany show. The presence of these figures further highlighted the tour's cultural impact and broad appeal, drawing attention from various sectors of entertainment and public life.
The tour's announcement on December 4, 2015, came as a surprise, as Springsteen had initially planned to tour in support of a new solo album. However, with two years having passed since his last tour with the E Street Band, he decided to prioritize a band tour. The idea for the tour evolved from a suggestion by manager Jon Landau in November 2015 to perform "The River" at a few small shows. Springsteen, however, opted for a more extensive series of twenty concerts, leading to the full-scale global tour that captivated audiences and critics alike.
