WASHINGTON – In just a few weeks, Bruce Springsteen will celebrate his 75th birthday.

While his hair may be graying and health concerns have increased, none of that diminishes his infectious passion as he takes the stage, gripping his iconic butterscotch guitar and kicking off the show with “One, two, three, fah!”

This month also marks a celebration for the “legendary E Street Band,” characterized by their boss with terms like “heart-stopping, pants-dropping, house-rocking, earthquaking, booty-shaking, Viagra-taking, lovemaking” – a tribute to their undeniable energy.

Only bassist Garry Tallent remains from the original group formed in 1972; however, a strong lineup still includes drummer Max Weinberg, guitarist Nils Lofgren, pianist Roy Bittan, and spirited guitarist Steven Van Zandt, all of whom have been with Springsteen since they took on their E Street identity in Belmar, New Jersey, 50 years ago this month.

It was fitting that about a dozen songs into Springsteen’s usual marathon show, which lasted three hours and took place at Nationals Park (rescheduled from a postponed concert last summer), the powerful brass of “The E Street Shuffle” filled the stadium.

Springsteen brought back the lively track that originally introduced the 1973 album “The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle” at the start of his current world tour in February 2023, paying homage to the band’s rich history and showcasing Weinberg’s impressive drumming skills.

A Collective Energy Shines at a Springsteen Concert

However, here’s the key point: even if Springsteen has a difficult night (which he didn’t), or the E Street Band misses a cue (which they also didn’t), or if the playlist lacks some fan favorites (perhaps debatable)  it really doesn’t matter.

The overwhelming sense of community at a Springsteen concert is unparalleled.

From the opening number “Seeds” – a rarely performed song from Springsteen’s 1986 live collection – to the encore performance of “Born to Run,” the over 40,000 fans present sang together as if they were a unified congregation at the “Springsteen Chapel.”

The sense of unity felt at a Springsteen concert is unique and powerful, both among the fans and on the stage.

Seeing saxophonist Jake Clemons – who took over for his late uncle Clarence after his passing in 2011 – leaning on Springsteen’s shoulder and smiling while they performed “Prove It All Night,” or Springsteen and Van Zandt making playful expressions for the camera during “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight),” illustrates the close bond within the E Street Band.

Additionally, witnessing the audience throughout the concert – from some enthusiastic fans taking selfies to mothers and teenagers singing along to “Hungry Heart” as Springsteen moved through the crowd, as well as die-hard fans singing along to a refreshed “Atlantic City” – is just as uplifting as hearing the beloved songs themselves.

Why Bruce Springsteen Will Never Retire

Conversely, the second half becomes a vibrant celebration filled with exuberant hits – “Badlands,” “Thunder Road,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.” These tracks continue to resonate, whether capturing the feelings of mid-life reflection through “Dancing in the Dark” or providing a hopeful anthem born after 9/11 with “The Rising,” both underscored by a stronger beat and a tighter grip on the choruses.

The spotlight remains on the humble musician and his guitar, who this evening is dressed sharply in a stylish tie and vest, possibly rivaling his drummer – they could easily pass as the legal team of Springsteen and Weinberg – belting out raw vocals and powerful shouts.

Every time we see legendary performers like him, there’s an underlying thought that this may be the final tour, the last show in your town, perhaps the last time altogether.

However, witnessing Springsteen sweat, glare, and beam as he performs nearly 30 songs gives the impression that he will need to be forcibly removed from the stage rather than choose to retire.

Let the celebration continue.