You can't keep a good man down.
Little Steven, the longtime sidekick, consigliere, and band leader of the heart‑stopping, pants‑dropping, house‑rocking, earth‑quaking, booty‑shaking, Viagra‑taking, love‑making legendary E Street Band was cleared to rock again after an appendix operation and rejoined his compadres in Milan, Italy.
The Boss adjusted the setlist accordingly which for the biggest fans may have brought a tear of joy and happiness to their eyes.
Van Zandt underwent emergency surgery for appendicitis on June 23, as he noted on his IG
"Got a sharp pain in my stomach, thought it was food poisoning, turned out to be appendicitis," he told his 147,000 followers.
"Got lucky with an exceptional hospital in San Sebastian. Operation was a complete success and I'm hoping to get back on stage for at least one of the shows in Milan," he continued. "Thank you all for all the good vibes. See you soon."
God must love Miami Steve because a little earlier than expected, the 74-year-old guitarist, was back at Bruce's left hand for the first of two dates in Milan.
As the band took the stage at the Stadio Guiseppe Meazza the crowd cheered excitedly. But when Bruce appeared, right next to him was his bestie. The Boss raised the hand of his best pal for 50+ years and the Italians welcomed them both, molto forte.
What difference does Steve make? On that stage for this Euro Leg of the Land of Hope And Dreams Tour are 18 people.
Along with Bruce (who often plays lead guitar) is Garry W. Tallent (bass), Roy Bittan (piano), Max Weinberg (drums), Nils Lofgren (guitar/vocals), Patti Scialfa (vocals/guitar), Soozie Tyrell (violin/guitar/vocals), Charles Giordano (organ/accordion), Jake Clemons (saxophone), Ed Manion (baritone saxophone), Curt Ramm (trumpet), Barry Danielian (trumpet), Ozzie Melendez (trombone), Curtis King (backing vocals), Lisa Lowell (backing vocals), Michelle Moore (backing vocals), Ada Dyer (backing vocals), and Anthony Almonte (percussion) along with Steven and his guitar.
Would it matter if one less axe-wielder wasn't up on that crowded stage?
To quote the Pope: si.
After the band took their places, Weinberg delivered the familiar drum into of "No Surrender" which the crowd sang along to.
Well, we busted out of class
Had to get away from those fools
We learned more from a three-minute record, baby
Than we ever learned in school
Tonight, I hear the neighborhood drummer sound
I can feel my heart begin to pound
You say you're tired and you just want to close your eyes
And follow your dreams down
Well, we made a promise we swore we'd always remember
No retreat, baby, no surrender
Even though "Bobby Jean" which is also from the 1984 15x platinum-selling Born in the USA is clearly about Bruce's feelings about Steven, "No Surrender" seems mighty on the nose as well.
It's impossible to believe that when Bruce was singing it during the encore in Veltins-Arena in Germany while Steve was recuperating in a hospital he wasn't thinking of him.
The Euro leg of the Land of Hopes and Dream Tour wraps tonight with their second night in Milan. If you are near it, grab your tickets off Bruce's website if there are any left.
