Concert Review

Springsteen warmed up Oslo

Afternposten

"News From Norway"
http://www.aftenposten.no/english/
First published: 08 Jul 2008, 11:09

The 40,000 fans who packed Oslo's Valle Hovin stadium Monday night didn't seem to care that it was cold and damp outdoors. The man they came to see, legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen, delivered a concert that was fabulous by most accounts, and warmed up everyone.

Some fans braved cold rain to start lining up outside the stadium early Monday morning, in the hopes of getting the best spots near the stage. The concert had sold out in a matter of minutes when tickets went on sales months ago, and a second concert was scheduled for Tuesday night. It was sold out as well.

"The Boss" was back in Oslo, and delivered a concert (here with Little Steven) that won top marks from critics and fans alike.
PHOTO: MAGNUS KNUTSEN BJØRKE

Diehard fans Terje Bergan and Roar Bakken had come straight from Springsteen's concert in Stockholm. They hadn't reckoned with all the early arrivals, so hopes of getting spots near the stage faded quickly.

It didn't seem to matter. Bakken, president of Springsteen's Norwegian fan club "Blood Brothers," looked forward to the concert anyway, since a new line-up of music was likely. "The thing that's so exciting with this concert tour is that he changes 16 or 17 of the songs from concert to concert," said Bakken, who figured out that Monday night's event was the 30th time he'd been in Springsteen's audience.

Roar Bakken (left), Øyvind Hagen and Terje Bergan on their way into the Springsteen concert in Oslo Monday evening.
PHOTO: MAGNUS KNUTSEN BJØRKE

Few were happier when it was all over than Lena Milde, age 47, and her daughter Mia, 18. They'd fitted themselves out with a sign asking for a kiss, and they both got one.

"It was just incredible, it went so fast," said Lena. Springsteen had spotted their sign, climbed down from the stage and kissed both of them.

"Suddenly he was just standing there," marveled Lena, who's been a Springsteen fan since the early 1980s. "It was unreal. Great fun."

The entire concert turned into what the Norwegians affectionately call a folkefest, literally a "peoples' party." From his opening hit "Two Hearts," through "Hungry Heart," "The River," "Born to Run" and "American Land" some 30 songs later, Springsteen absolutely thrilled the crowd.

Lena and Mia Milde got their request filled, much to their own amazement.
PHOTO: HANS O. TORGERSEN

As one critic wrote in Aftenposten, "In Bruce Springsteen's world, the term spilleglede (joy of playing) takes on a whole new meaning..." Springsteen was described as "a storyteller, a charmer, a comrade and the successful boy-next-door," all at once.

Commenting on the sheer energy of a man approaching 60, Springsteen was described as, "put simply, quite special."

Another 40,000 or so fans could look forward to Tuesday night's concert back at Valle Hovin. And the sun was even shining.

Aftenposten English Web Desk
Nina Berglund

Setlist- July 7 / Oslo, NOR / Valle Hovin Stadion

Two Hearts
Radio Nowhere
No Surrender
Lonesome Day
Hungry Heart
Cover Me
Cadillac Ranch
Gypsy Biker
The River
Atlantic City
Prove It All Night
Darlington County
The Promised Land
Because the Night
She's the One
Livin' in the Future
Mary's Place
Waitin' on a Sunny Day
Racing in the Street
The Rising
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands
* * *
Tenth Avenue Freeze-out
Born to Run
Bobby Jean
Glory Days
Seven Nights to Rock
Dancing in the Dark
American Land

photograph by Jan Lundahl

Setlist- July 8 / Oslo, NOR / Valle Hovin Stadion

Night
Out in the Street
Radio Nowhere
Adam Raised a Cain
Spirit in the Night
Growin' Up
You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch)
The Promised Land
If I Should Fall Behind
I’ll Work for Your Love
Roulette
Trapped
Murder Incorporated
Working on the Highway
Livin' in the Future
Mary's Place
Waitin' on a Sunny Day
From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)
The Rising
Born in the U.S.A.
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands
* * *
Girls in Their Summer Clothes
Hungry Heart
Thunder Road
Born to Run
Bobby Jean
American Land
Twist and Shout

Springsteen Concert

I don't know how many people can sell out two consecutive nights at 40,000 tickets each, but apparently the Boss can. I was not much of a fan of him-- until the show. It was excellent. I have never seen someone have so much fun performing. We were outdoors-- 100% general seating. We ended up about 10m from the stage. Great location, great show. We even found our friends from Minneapolis after the show.

Oslo Photos

Back from Oslo

Before posting photos and getting into the concert, I have one oddity to point out: Agnostic Front was on our plane to Stavanger. I am not sure how I recognized them, since my tastes lean more toward Springsteen. We were flying Norwegian Air-- a budget carrier where the taxi ride to the airport usually costs more than the airfare. Then again, I would expect nothing more from a bunch of overgrown punks.

Switchbacks

IMG_2849, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Old street

IMG_2845, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

The bike route

IMG_2847, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

We took the alternate route rather than the tunnel--- it was actually marked as a bike route.

Lunch

lunch, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Lunch stop

IMG_2821, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

View of the coast

IMG_2816, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

We rented a car one day and drove around the west coast.

Old Monastary

IMG_2786, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

I believe it is from the 13th century.

Breakfast in our hotel room

IMG_2773, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

(Although we usually ate at the breakfast buffet).

Our Hotel

IMG_2699, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

The hotel had five swimming pools-- something for everyone.

Sand and Water

IMG_2638, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

What more could he ask for?

Belated Mallorca Photos

IMG_2624, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Our hotel was about two blocks from the beach.

Turned 40 Today

The subject line says it all. I had a wonderful birthday. It was our quiet day home before heading to Oslo for the Springsteen concert tomorrow. I won't wax philosophical about turning 40, other than to say life just keeps getting better and better. In my life, my 20s were rather lost years, 30s were about meeting my wife and getting married, and 40s look to be all about kids. Anyway, I am in good shape, and 40 is the new 20, or something like that.

Nap duty

Julian is napping, so I am stuck on a sunny terrace. Everyone at this hotel has either young children or is retired. Of course Julian sets the agenda around here.

European vacation

We arrived at our hotel around midnight, which is way beyond Julian's bedtime. We settled in and Julian slept well. This morning we awoke to a beautiful cloudless day. At breakfast I realized there were only foreigners here. By lunch I realized half the people working here were Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish. I took Julian down to the kid pool. The view off in the distance was a bit disorienting. The scrubby hills or mountains looked like the view back home. Of course we don't have quite as many palm trees. In a way i feel like I am living a clichè. On the other hand, there is good reason clichès are what they are. This is a good life. Last comment: this is posted from my phone. True to my word, i did not bring my laptop.

Heading to Mallorca

We leave for Spain today. Somehow I envision that the hotel will be overrun by Norwegians and Swedes, since it is something of a cliche to vacation there. I will be without a laptop--- which is a bit scary, but I really need to unplug for the week. I have been working late with remote meetings almost all week. I deserve a break.

Classy bonfire

06232008129, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

There is all sorts of wet wood beneath the classy looking pallets. We were nearly smoked out of the park, until they dumped several liters of gasoline on the mess. Julian had a very fun time. Somehow, it managed not to rain. The sun even made an appearance.

Lucky kid

06232008128, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Lise purchased four lottery tickets from the Lion's Club and won two prizes. This is simply amazing luck. On May 17th I believe we had a hundred losing tickets. Julian picked out a European Championship "football" that was picked up in Austria last week. Lise grabbed a backpack.

Up at the farm

06232008126, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

We stopped up at the farm for the midsummer's night activities. "The farm" is a city-run park for kids featuring all sorts of animals, including this rather gaudy peacock.

Crushing mass of humanity

06192008124, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

A leftover London photo from my phone. There were people everywhere. The air was as polluted as it is in India.

Gatwick Ordeal

OK, ordeal might be a bit strongly worded, but our return flight from London was delayed by more than two hours last night. As scheduled, we were to arrive back in Stavanger shortly before midnight. As it was, it was after 2am. With such a late arrival, there were no taxis, which resulted in a 40 minute wait. I made it home around 3am. There was a big hole in the clouds, showing a brightly lit sky. I did not sleep well, and what little sleep I managed was interrupted by the garbage truck. I ended up rolling into work around 11am. All in all, I have been lucky with my travels. Still, it is quite bothersome when a one and a half hour flight is delayed by two hours-- and at Gatwich, no less. There was so much construction noise that my ears are still ringing.

View from hotel

17062008119, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

BMW Police Car

17062008118, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

London Photos

06182008121, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

In London

I am back in London for the week. I hate to admit it, but this is a pretty cool city. The hotel I am staying in is over-run by Norwegians and a bus load of Swedes. I found it odd that some of the same passengers (total strangers) on my flight from Stavanger ended up staying at the same hotel. Weird coincidence.

I am amazed at all the commuters on bikes--- and how crazy things are with all the buses and taxis. I will try to take a few photos, but with this work thing, who knows.

Shopping

12.06.2008, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

It was quite surreal watching Julian's grocery selection today. Random does not even begin to describe it. Grapes were OK--- he likes grapes. But four bags of mashed potatoes? A pre-mixed salad? Endless bags of peanuts? And worst of all, he kept pulling my beer out of his basket.

They Start Young

Julian has to take a ball with him wherever he goes.

Back In Norway

I arrived home mid-day on Saturday--- just in time for our block party. We have very cool neighbors--- most of them, at least. The weather has been excellent; sunny and in the 80s. I am still quite jet-lagged. Traveling east, this means that I am up very late, and have grave difficulties waking at a normal time. I took the day off today and hung out with Julian most of the day. It is very clear that he understands what I say- even if it is in English. When I ask him to do something, he usually does it. We have been living life outdoors this summer. I love it.

Next week I work in London. I am not thrilled about that, but it could be worse. At least I am close to home. The first time I visited, I thought London was one of the coolest cities I have been to. After several trips, my attitude is "not again." I should have a good time, though. We will be with a Argentinian colleague. By default, English will be the primary language.

I have been biking daily, trying to get back in the swing of things. Yesterday I encountered an odd situation. I was biking along the E39 on the way to Figgjo. I believe it may be illegal to bike on the highway there, but I am not sure. I was on a multi-use path when I saw all sorts of mountain bikers. I then noticed they had race numbers on their jerseys. I thought they may have been carried over from the North Sea race which is around this time of the year. These bikers were riding like maniacs-- on a path shared with children, pedestrians, etc. I was caught up in a bunch of them, and as I had to slow due to heavy bike traffic, some bozo passes and almost takes me wheel out. I was a bit angry, so I passed the entire lot of them after we cleared an underpass. It was smooth sailing, biking alone. It wasn't until I hit Figgjo that I noticed it was the Jadarhusrittet. It must be a semi-serious race if it is that easy for me, a non-participant, to pass everyone in sight. I headed the opposite direction of the race course toward Klepp. Had I known there was a race, I would have chosen a different route. It is a wonder someone doesn't get seriously injured on an open course like this.

Tourettes

Please don't judge me as being sensational. I really couldn't make this stuff up if I tried, and I was on the phone with an old friend who overheard a portion of the following events. I was waiting at the gate of the Minneapolis airport when I heard a dog barking. I looked around, and noticed it was a man, reading a book, with his head down--- absorbed by the book--- barking. It was a highly realistic bark of a small to midsized dog. I was a bit taken aback. A young girl and her mother were seated directly opposite this character, observing him closely.

The barking occurred several times, although considerable time elapsed between episodes. When it occurred, there was no self-consciousness to it whatsoever. The man acted like it had not even happened.

So here is where the story gets truly bizarre: the man started barking. Immediately behind me, I hear more barking--- this time from a real dog in a carry-on doggy/kennel suitcase. The barking man looked around--- almost offended, as if someone were mocking him. Indeed, it was the real thing this time. Very strange.

In the midst of all of this, I was upgraded to first class. Free.

Rochester

My father is fine, as expected. I flew into Minneapolis yesterday evening. The flight was uneventful, other than that someone either shat their pants, or had a bad medical condition involving flatulence. It was an effective appetite suppressant, but it was possibly the most unpleasant environment I have ever flown in. My brother was awesome-- and picked me up at the airport. I made it to Rochester before shuttle would have shown up. Big thanks!

I really don't understand the "Mayo Clinic," since there really isn't much of a Mayo. Rather there are all sorts of medical buildings with different names, different hospitals, etc. I think somehow they are mostly related, and the whole economy seems to be tied to the medical industry. This place is sort of like a tourist trap for sick people.

The hotel I am staying in is like a flashback to India. The proprietors appear to be Indian or Sri Lankan, and the decor is rather Indian. I also feel the heat and humidity of the midwest, which reinforces the effect. I have no complaints. The bed is comfortable, the room is big, and I have payed more for parking in city hotels than the nightly rate here.

I awoke at 4 am and watched TV. There is nothing like jet lag to start the day.

Updates

I have been a bit lazy about posting lately. I attribute it to a few factors. For some reason, my postings drop off before I take a trip. Next week I had back to the US for seven days.

US Trip
My father is receiving a kidney transplant-- from a donor cousin. It is a truly generous gift. From my perspective, it is a pleasant departure from some of the other medical procedures my parents have been through. This is a quality of life improvement, rather than a life-saving operation. In other words, people generally "want" to have a new kidney (more than they want bypass surgery, for example).

Other Travels
I am somewhat apprehensive about my return from the US--- as my visa expires this weekend and there is a huge backlog at UDI. A year ago they very nearly didn't let me board my return flight, since I had no return ticket TO the US. This hiccup was created by the NWA ticketing agent--- not some government official. I believe NWA uses advanced psychological testing to screen for only the meanest, most stubborn individuals.

On a different note, I have heaps of frequent flier miles. I looked paying for an economy ticket, and using my miles for a business class upgrade. The trouble is, this only works for full-fare ticketing-- and full fare costs nearly as much as a cheap business class ticket to begin with (and the flight selection was severely limited for being able to upgrade).

I don't see any way I will make it to India before summer. I have been asked to go to London for the better part of a week in mid-June. A week later we will vacation in Spain, and then it is off to the Bruce Springsteen concert in Oslo, where nearly everyone we know will be (including a few American friends). Julian will stay with his grandparents on Kvitsøy during that trip.

Biking
I cannot remember the last time it rained. Lise informs me that it has been over a month. I have been biking to work daily-- on my fixed gear. I remember when I resurrected it, after nearly abandoning it due to all the hills here. I even tried out a 17T cog to make things easier. After the winter when I was forced to ride fixed while the mountain bike was on the disabled list, I believe I have adapted to the hills quite well. Not only have I been riding the 16T, but I am contemplating using the 15T. I believe the 14T is safe--- I could barely use that in Minnesota.

I took Julian out for a ride in the trailer over the weekend. I am a more confident in the trailer, and went on a longer off-road ride (on gravel--- not single track). Julian slept through the entire ride, which offered quite a workout (1300 feet of elevation, pulling a kid). He didn't look comfortable, but I assume he wouldn't be able to sleep otherwise. The following morning he tried to crawl into the trailer as I was preparing to bike for work. He must enjoy it at least somewhat.

Graduate School
I believe spouses of graduate students should receive an honorary degree. Lise pointed out that I will statistically live longer (since she is smarter). Regardless, she is doing exceptionally well, although we will all be happier when finals are finished. She will be working as a researcher for a summer job.

Julian
One of the perks about graduate school is that I am "forced" to spend more one-on-one time with Julian. He is not yet a year and a half old, and only speaks a few words, and yet is the funnest person to be around. He now takes my hand and tries to lead me wherever he wants to go. He picks out the food he wants. I spend as much time with him outdoors as possible, and am fascinated as I watch him explore the world. It is amazing how interactive someone who is pre-verbal can be. I really hate the thought of leaving him for work travel.

House Painting
It needs to be done this summer. I am dreading it. Enough said.

May 17th

We spent the holiday on Kvitsøy, all dressed up. Julian did reasonably well keeping himself clean. He is completely obsessed with balls--- has to sleep with one or two, and won't go anywhere without one. He is not even a year and a half, but I believe he is a budding soccer player.

The weather was relatively clear. We saw a few flurries on TV during the Oslo broadcast. We can still see snow in the mountains off in the distance.


Kvitsøy is a bit more family friendly for the seventeenth. A year ago my parents were visiting, and we watched a seemingly unending parade downtown Stavanger. Here, everyone was actually in the parade-- including us. Julian was not bored in the least.

Julian had a fun time. We changed him into his PJs for the ferry ride home so we could put him to bed as soon as we arrived home. He was practically bouncing off the walls--- too much cake and ice cream. He is finally asleep.

Strange Morning

I woke up to some strange fog Friday morning. It was quite a surreal vision across the fjord. For the most part, we have had nothing but dry weather for well over a week. It has been great for biking. Around Stavanger, May is considered one of the best months.

Out in the Yard

IMG_1777, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Eating Outdoors

IMG_1786, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

We have to be careful-- Julian imitates our every move.

Growing Up...

IMG_1806, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

...too fast. He is looking more like a little boy every day.

Eating Ice Cream

IMG_1832, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Dinner on the Terrace

IMG_1845, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Playing at Soma Gård

IMG_1947, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

A Real Snowblower

(Image swiped from the local paper). As the crow flies, this isn't far from here. This machine with a 400+ hp blower shoots snow 80 meters.

OK Shape

Most of my riding has consisted of commuting, but I dug out the Look and have taken a few road rides. Over the past few years I set up a baseline time trial-- almost exactly 20 miles with over 1000 feet of elevation gain. Of course wind and traffic can come into play, but for the most part, it ends up being man against gravity. As a former flatlander, I initially reconsidered using a double chain ring, but having ridden fixed so much in these hills, it is now tolerable. The other night I went out and kept my informal TT under 1:15. Not feeling particularly inspired I rode it even faster last night. I might be a few kilos heavier than I want to be, but family definitely comes first. And besides, I am not that far out of shape. A few hill intervals and I could be riding crits---- if we had them around here.

Bike Ride with Julian

05/03/2008, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

The seat is a problem: it is completely unstructured. Julian keeps slumping down. I really don't understand how this is intended to work.

Dugnad

There is a term in Norwegian called "dugnad." I have no idea if I spelled it correctly, but regardless, it means "neighborhood clean-up." It is an annual "event" where a roll-off dumpster magically appears at the end of the street, and several tons of sand are delivered to refill the sandbox/playground area. A neighborhood committee delegates who does what. This year was scheduled the two days preceding Labor Day (a four day weekend for me, this year).

The coolest thing about dugnad is that it is a great way to meet and interact with neighbors we otherwise wouldn't. We are rather plugged in to all the neighbors with young kids--- or young grandkids. Our next door neighbor has a three year old, Guro, who frequently drops by to see Julian. We have adjacent terraces, and she joined Julian for lunch outdoors today. Thinking back, we probably begun our friendship with our next door neighbors during last year's dugnad. Back in Minneapolis, the closest thing we had was following a massive snowfall, when everyone was out in the street digging their cars out. I much prefer meeting people in the spring, under less miserable circumstances.

Cool Video

Oslo Photos

04222008061, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Phone camera goodness--- so photo quality is a bit questionable. These are taken at Frogner Park. For those who do not know, he is the most famous sculptor from Norway. Gustav Vigeland was exceptionally prolific, having designed hundreds of sculptures--- the vast majority depressing studies of the human condition. Since the advent of Prozac, I highly doubt we will see another Vigeland.

Very Famous Statue

04222008066, originally uploaded by filtersweep.

Very New Opera House

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Very old house

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Very Old Stave Church

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The Hotel

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