A Boss-Spirited Adventure: ‘PJRC Blog No.12’ Aug 16th 2023
(It’s not solely about coloring-in at PJR Creative, we also indulge in some enjoyable activities. That’s why I wanted to share the story of my boys’ excursion to Edinburgh.)
There’s something about the anticipation of a live concert that electrifies the air, sparks conversations, and brings friends together. On May 30th, 2023, Stu, Kev, Keith, and myself (Pete - PJR Creative), embarked on an unforgettable two-day jaunt from Newcastle to Edinburgh to catch the legendary Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band in action.
Little did we know that this trip would be a rollercoaster of music, laughter, and unexpected escapades.
The Mile Castle Pub - Newcastle upon Tyne.
Our adventure began at the Mile Castle Pub, nestled in the heart of Newcastle city centre. We gathered for breakfast, filling our bellies full of cheap full English breakfasts and fueling our spirits for the exciting journey ahead. With our energy levels soaring, we made the short skip and jump over to Central Station to catch a train that would carry us towards the enchanting city of Edinburgh.
As we chugged along, our conversation revolved around our cherished Springsteen albums. Excitement filled the air as we eagerly anticipated the tunes Bruce would grace us with during his performance at Murrayfield.
Our discussions flowed from one gig experience to another, sharing anecdotes from recent shows such as the electrifying performances by the Manic Street Preachers at Newcastle City Hall (the gig experience underwent a remarkable transformation with the decision to remove all seating from the lower level which brought a significant enhancement to the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the show). The madness of Martin Stephenson at the Cluny was - well mad?
Manics (City Hall), Fender (The Arena) Martin Stephenson (The Cluny) Newcastle upon Tyne.
Sam Fender’s arena concert in his hometown, amplified by the magnificent ‘wor flags,’ elevated the Geordie ambiance to new heights. The standing-room-only audience witnessed the local lad culminate his tour with an electrifying ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ finale. This performance served as a prelude to his envisioned dream shows at the iconic St. James’ Park, home of his beloved Newcastle United with legendary guests.
Paul Weller had also graced the City Hall with a timeless exhibition of his musical legacy, spanning hits from The Jam, The Style Council, and his solo repertoire. It was a true embodiment of his classic artistry and let’s not overlook the exhilarating performance by Brett Anderson and his band Suede, transporting us back in time with a riveting show that spanned their iconic classics from the ‘80s to the present day. The charismatic energy of Anderson, dripping with sweat and the rutting Mr Osman with his wobbly bass (who also happens to be the sibling of the TV personality from ‘Pointless), filled the Geordie air as they rocked the city with their unforgettable tunes.
Weller (City Hall), Suede (City Hall), Fender (St James Park) Newcastle upon Tyne.
After reminiscing our thoughts quickly returned to the ‘Boss’. Curiously, we pondered over Springsteen’s decision to forgo a support act for this leg of his tour, wondering about the motivations behind such a choice especially after Mr Fender had opened up for him on the previous leg in Italy. The anticipation grew with every passing mile. Finally, we disembarked at Waverley Station, greeted by bright sunshine and unusually warm temperatures for Scotland. The weather seemed to mirror our excitement, and we eagerly made our way onto the iconic Royal Mile. Sweating in the unexpected heat, we negotiated the bustling High Street past the ear-phoned hoards and their excited tour guides before descending onto Victoria Street.
The Royal Mile and Victoria Street heading to the Bow Bar in Edinburgh.
Our first stop was a favourite of my real ale buddies at the Bow Bar, where we indulged in a couple of ice-cold beverages - don’t ask me though with titles like ‘Cromarty Helles’ and ‘The Bow Bar ANZAC Biscuit Ale’ they could’ve been pouring anything down my neck. However the refreshing drinks provided a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat. Afterward, we navigated our bags through the charming streets to our apartment on Torphichen Street.
The Bow Bar and our first beverages before heading to our digs in Edinburgh.
Checking in was a breeze, and with our temporary abode secured, we set out to explore and savor Edinburgh’s delights.
The square on Lothian Road beckoned us to enter the realm of craft beer nirvana at BrewDog, where a reserved table and an array of IPAs, pales, stouts, and sours await. As for me, I savoured the crisp taste of Lost Lager, while my companions indulged in their own brew choices. Grateful when my round at the bar arrived that I didn’t have to decipher and order a pint of Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, I raised my glass to the diverse and tantalizing offerings.
Our reservation at BrewDog in the baking sun, not big Keith's 'inside-out' hat!
Following a full-house order of ‘Patriot’s 7oz beef patties’, adorned with smoked bacon, cheddar, pickles, green stuff and a generous drizzle of ‘BDog’ sauce, all enjoyed in the afternoon sun. Our meal had been perfectly complemented by more of the intriguingly named beverages, leaving us content and prepared for the main feature.
We managed to summon the energy to rise from our seats and with an additional wipe to clear away any residual sauce from our chins and beards, rejuvenated and in high spirits we searched for the nearest taxi, to make our way to Murrayfield. With our Uber successfully summoned, we made our way to the stadium, joining the bustling throngs of fans forming queues that seemed to stretch as far as the eye could see, rivaling the procession for a newly crowned monarch.
That sauce gets everywhere doesn't it Stu?
Keith, the master of insatiable appetite, managed to squeeze in some spicy fries before we ventured beneath the expanse of Murrayfield and onto the sheltered pitch. There, we found ourselves queuing once more, this time for a ‘wet’ pint of Scottish Tennents, albeit at a princely cost.
The air was electric with anticipation, and our enthusiasm was shared by a multitude of friends who had also gathered for the concert. Amidst the excitement, we had elaborate plans for rendezvous and gatherings, adding an extra layer of camaraderie to the already exhilarating atmosphere.
However, fate had other ideas. Despite our efforts – including Keith’s improvised multi-coloured homing beacon (his hat turned inside out and perched upon his 6”6’ frame) – we missed connecting with our friends in the massive crowd as the moment we had eagerly awaited arrived (ahead of schedule). There he was – the legendary Boss himself. Springsteen and his E Street Band stormed onto the stage and launched into an explosive set that left us breathless. Hits like “No Surrender,” “Ghosts,” and “Prove It All Night” had us on our toes, fully immersed in the music.
For three and a half hours, Bruce Springsteen treated us to an unforgettable vocal showcase, pouring his heart and soul into each note. The setlist was a journey through his musical legacy, touching on classics like “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” “Kitty’s Back,” and a captivating cover of The Commodores’ “Nightshift.”
The energy was relentless as Bruce and the band delved into hit after hit. “Mary’s Place,” “The E Street Shuffle,” “Johnny 99,” and more had the entire stadium swaying and singing along. Then Kev and Stu's personal karaoke favourite “Thunder Road” fired up and unfortunately they both knew all the words (ouch) before “Born to Run,” ignited a chorus of voices, creating a bond between fans that transcended time and space.
Just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, the encore came roaring to life. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band gifted us with another round of musical magic. “Born in the U.S.A.,” “Bobby Jean,” and “Glory Days” fueled the frenzy, and “Dancing in the Dark” had us dancing like nobody was watching. The encore took an emotional turn, with images of departed friends displayed during “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.” It was a poignant moment that celebrated not only the music but also the memories we had created over the years.
The night eventually came to a close, but not before Bruce Springsteen left us with a heartfelt acoustic rendition of “I’ll See You in My Dreams.” As he wandered offstage, the crowd erupted into applause, a symphony of appreciation for the musical journey we had just experienced. With hearts full of music and memories, we joined the stream of concert goers flooding the streets of Edinburgh.
After a quick hissyfit - Stu rebelling against the hearding of concert goers like cattle into neat little lines to appease the local ‘Rozzers’.
Our laughter and camaraderie swifly filled the air as we stumbled upon the Jolly Botanist on Morrison Street. Amid the revelry, we crossed paths with two spirited lads from Manchester (after initial worries), spent the next hour sharing tales of ‘cricket watching’ from Caribbean pools, their wandering eyes and work life in Sweden while they swiftly supped many an Espresso Martini. Our fellow Springsteen enthusiasts from Manchester added a delightful twist to our post-concert celebration before’ stumbling off into the night looking for more fair maidens to conquer.
Our adventure continued along Morrison Street where Malones, with its three different screens broadcasting various Springsteen gigs and tunes, became our late-night haven. It was an after-party of epic proportions, where Bruce’s melodies blended with the joyous echoes of fans belting out “Born to Run” and “Glory Days.” As the night grew older, our spirits remained high, bolstered by another array of beverages.
Finally, as the early hours of the morning crept in, we reluctantly retired to our apartment. The hunt for food proved fruitless, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. Following a night of slumber, which proved restful for some lucky souls but not as tranquil for Kevin, who sought refuge in the kitchen to escape the symphony of my thunderous snoring (oops). As the new day dawned, it stood ready to embrace and challenge us with whatever obstacles lay ahead. However, on this particular occasion, it was the widespread train strikes that had plunged our nation into a state of tumultuous disarray.
Depleted of our last reserves of instant coffee, we headed out along the sprawling streets of Edinburgh, our steps heavy with overnight bags in tow, we trudged through the vibrant landscape, passing by the Grassmarket and making our way down the iconic Royal Mile. Our destination was set: we aimed for breakfast at the ever-popular haven of sustenance, the Station ‘Wetherspoons’. Amidst our stacked high bags, we placed orders for another round of hearty ‘Full English’ filled plates, complemented by a diverse selection of coffee offerings. Meanwhile, Kev took it upon himself to venture downstairs to the station, ensuring that our journey back home remained intact and hadn’t fallen victim to sudden scheduling changes.
Our plates, laden with ‘Spoons’ standard breakfast offerings, arrived promptly and were soon devoured, granting us the strength needed to face the next challenge. Fortunately, our dependable Doctor, Kev, managed to secure an alternative train for our journey back to Newcastle, (the railway’s original offering had succumbed to the strike disruptions). As we embarked on our journey, we couldn’t help but sympathise with fellow travellers who clung to the hope of finding a seat home, their fate left to the mercy of chance.
Despite the hurdles, we were filled with a sense of joy – after all, not everyone could say they embarked on such a trip to witness possibly the last ever offering from a musical legend on our shores.
As we left Edinburgh behind, the memories of the previous day remained etched in our hearts. The music, the laughter, and the shared moments created a tapestry of experiences that would forever connect us. Our journey from Newcastle to Edinburgh to watch Bruce Springsteen on May 30th, 2023, was more than a concert – it was an adventure, a testament to the power of music and friendship.
Oh, and let’s not forget the intriguing discovery of a pair of underpants that Stu found amongst his luggage and washed upon his return – a puzzling item that had no apparent connection to any of the fellow Bruce trip attendees...
What a trip!
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