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The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

The Editorially Independent Voice of The University of Akron

The Buchtelite

Springsteen rallies voters at OSU

“It’s not every day that you get to see The Astronaut introduce The Boss. John Glenn introduced Bruce Springsteen to the crowd of around 10,000 at the Barack Obama voter registration rally on Ohio State’s campus Sunday afternoon. Fittingly enough, Springsteen played an impromptu version of Mr.”

It’s not every day that you get to see The Astronaut introduce The Boss.

John Glenn introduced Bruce Springsteen to the crowd of around 10,000 at the Barack Obama voter registration rally on Ohio State’s campus Sunday afternoon.

Fittingly enough, Springsteen played an impromptu version of Mr. Spaceman as Glenn walked off the stage.

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There were hundreds of people of all ages and races in attendance to see Springsteen perform and he didn’t disappoint. He played a solo acoustic show and needed little other than his guitar and harmonica to wow the crowd.

I had heard and read that Springsteen puts on one of the best live performances, but I didn’t think he would do it solo.

I was wrong.

It’s amazing to see how much intensity one man can bring with his voice and two instruments.

The majority of the crowd didn’t even sing along with Springsteen. They stared, and, more importantly, they listened. Of course when called upon to participate they were more than willing to chime in.

Springsteen played a seven-song set with hits from throughout his career including Thunder Road, Promised Land, and The Rising.

Springsteen took a break to address the crowd in the middle of his set.

I’ve spent 35 years writing about America, it’s people and the meaning of the American promise that was handed down to us by the founing dathers with just one instruction, Springsteen said. That was to do your best to make this country great.

Springsteen also spoke of the tough times our country is facing.

Most of my life I’ve spent measuring the distance between the American promise and the American reality, Springsteen said. Many Americans are losing their jobs and homes and they’re seeing their funds disappear. The distance between the American promise and American reality have never been greater. I don’t know about you, but I want that dream back. I want my America back. I want my country back.

Springsteen closed the show by leading the crowd in a sing along cover of Woody Guthrie’s This Land Is Your Land.

It was the first time I had seen Springsteen perform live, but it will not be the last.

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