Fresh from an American and Australian tour, The Boss is abandoning the terra-firma of traveling across the lands in preference for performing on an exclusive round-the-world sea cruise.   Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will soon be announced as the sole performers on a 3 week, world-wide, vacation cruise.  Most intriguing to fans of The Boss is that Bruce and the E Street Band are slated to perform Bruce’s entire back catalogue of albums… from the beginning to end, in chronological order.

Of special note is the confirmation that the 66 song TRACKS compilation album set is included, as well as all cover songs from his released live albums (as well as the ‘Essential Hits’ and ‘The Promise’ albums).

“We always get a high appreciation from the fans when we do a complete album… this way, everyone knows they will get to hear what they want.”

Public Domain Photo

“In 2016, we had the most satisfaction during a full tour in which we performed ‘The River’ double-album in its entirety” said a spokesman for the band.   This was followed up with their longest ever shows, held at the end of the tour.

The as-yet-untitled tour cruise will depart from New York City over the summer. It is believed that the cruise ticket prices will include a VIP level which will include an all-concert access within its price.  Yet, for a very few select fans will receive  tour-length backstage passes.  Never before has such an opportunity been available to fans of any artist.

Last Fall, Bruce met many fans at book readings and signings of his recent autobiography, Born to Run.  Yes, he will also read sections of his book during the cruise.

What would be left after this?  “Well, two places… I have not played at the South Pole, and I haven’t played outside Graceland.  I know the South Pole would be limited to those who are already there… and Graceland would require some additional logistics to ensure fans there can have fun… They’d probably have to occur in that order.  ‘Stone Cold Rock ‘N Roll’ sounds like a great album to me… and yeah, ‘Iceman’ would have to be part of that set.  I’ve always thought that a Graceland concert would be a great ‘bookend,’ overall, location for the band.”

“We’re so impressed, on each tour, when we see many of the same faces in the audience every night.  We know that those folks have re-arranged their life, travel, housing arrangements just to spend that time with us.  Last year, on ‘The River’ tour, there was one guy there every night, rocking out for each entire show. He wore a black and white flannel shirt, similar to the one I wore on that album’s cover.  I mean..for fans like that…. hopefully, this is a way they can still be present during our shows, without all that airport and hotel travel overhead: they can really get to spend time with the band members.”

“On a cruise, the services and meals just continue non-stop.  I can perform with no time restrictions… and I can take a longer break when I wish.   If I feel the urge to take the stage in mid-afternoon to perform a few acoustic numbers solo, I can do that, and then visit the Lido deck for some shuffleboard. Fans can really get up close and personal on this tour… Its the culmination of my career and my, my band’s , relationship with our fans. ”

“Well, people noticed on our latest Australia shows, although the pace was must faster, each concert was under 3 hours.”  (Although anything over 2 hours is virtually unheard of, Bruce is known for 3+ hour shows.) “I gotta admit, the travel, the packing up and then the unpacking…it is starting to take a toll.  With all the concerts being on this cruise, I’ll have the same home base each night. That, and the fresh sea air, should really help keep my voice fresh.”

Added benefits are rumored music training to be offered by individual band members.  Vacationers can sign up for violin lessons from Soozie Tyrell, and piano lessons by Roy Bittan. Those who are not providing lessons, will share anecdotes about times with the E-Street Band in smaller, hosted, talk-show-like sessions. (Paul Schaffer, a known cruise-fanatic, will lead many of the discussions).   The discussions will likely feature drummer Max Weinberg, Saxophonist Jake Clemens, and guitarists Nils Lofgren and Little Steven Van Zandt.  “What we wanted to avoid.. given that folks may be inspired by being in such close contact with the band members.. is fans bringing their own instruments onto the cruise, and then practice up in their cabins…  So, drums, saxophone, and guitar lessons were discouraged.. the violin was felt to be acceptable ”

Finally, the HRC cruise ship will contain many decorations with rock and roll associations.   Fans will be happy to know that the condemned Asbury Park Amusement  ‘Tilly’ decorated wall, will have been placed onto the HRC cruise ship, on Asbury deck.

Tickets will be raffled off over a 6 month period.  Proceeds of the raffle will go to a number of charities selected by Bruce and Patti.  Who would be the target audience of such a cruise?  Security is tight-lipped regarding the possible attendance by ex-president Barack and Michelle Obama – potentially with the ex-first daughters. Will the Clinton’s also be in attendance?