Bruce Springsteen: Cooler than all of us combined

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Jack Gray
AC360° Associate Producer

I’ve always thought that, as far as bona fide rock stars go, there isn’t anyone more incredible than Mick Jagger, strutting around like a peacock in leather pants and a red bathrobe, singing “Brown Sugar.” But Bruce Springsteen, last night at the Super Bowl, damn, if that wasn’t one of the greatest performances of all time I don’t know what was. He’s like one of the Seven Wonders of the World, right up there with The Great Wall of China and Fresca.

I’m assuming, of course, that you saw the Halftime Show. If not, I hope you have a good excuse. And no, “I was out in the front yard trying to break up a fight between my brother-in-law and the pizza delivery guy” doesn’t count. What do you think this is, Easter?

Anyway, Mr. Springsteen was sublime. Granted, he doesn’t have David Bowie’s panache, Stevie Nicks’ mysticism or Bono’s sunglasses, but The Boss is, well, The Boss. And last night he rocked the crowd in a way it hadn’t been rocked since John Madden bodysurfed the nosebleed seats.

As I watched his performance, I thought of how one of the great things about Springsteen is his versatility. He is simultaneously a rocker and a poet. Someone who can pump us up with his roaring anthems and turn us introspective with his somber ballads. The kind of guy whom you expect to belt out “Born in the USA” with the E Street Band but by whom you wouldn’t be totally surprised if he brought out the Von Trapp children for a chorus of “Edelveiss.”

And sure, he’s one of those celebrities who gets involved with politics. And maybe you don’t agree with his views. But come on, people. He’s Bruce Springsteen. Even John McCain was in the crowd for those Obama rallies.

I’ve actually never been to a Springsteen concert. It’s one of my big regrets. That and giving my dog elbow macaroni and meat sauce last night. I did, however, once see Mr. Springsteen here in the Time Warner Center. I was on an upward escalator, he was on the downward one next to me. It was one of those great New York Moments. That guy looks a lot like Bruce Springsteen. Wait a second, that IS Bruce Springsteen.

And yes, I played it cool. If by cool you mean shouting out “Bruuuuuuuce” and – oddly – doing that University of Texas “hook ‘em horns” thing with both of my hands. Apparently during moments of great excitement I turn into Matthew McConaughey.

Anyway, Bruce Springsteen – ever the coolest guy around – said hi and gave me a little wave.

It was the day for which I had long been waiting.

The day I could finally say, “Eat your heart out, Courteney Cox.”