As long as it doesn't negatively impact his performance, I am not sure why anyone would care if Springsteen occasionally glanced at a teleprompter to remind himself of certain song lyrics. It's not like he's standing in front of a music stand, glued to cheat sheets all night. And he's certainly not the first aging performer to use a teleprompter.
Do you think any of these critics could memorize the words to 50 or more songs from a catalogue of hundreds of tunes, then perform flawlessly on a stage in front of 30,000 fans, and do it at 60 years old with a million things swirling around them? I know I couldn't. I've been modestly playing and singing the same songs for over 35 years and still forget a chord change or one of the lines on a verse from time to time. Memorizing new songs has become nearly impossible. Heck, I can't remember where I placed the laundry basket on some days. That doesn't mean I am ready for the glue factory.
Few have ever accused Springsteen of mailing it in at a live performance. The E. Street Band plays extremely long sets with a high degree of energy and passion. That is the band's trademark. A teleprompter on stage isn't going to change that.
So why all the sour notes from some purists who think performers shouldn't use certain technologies on stage?
Maybe it has to do with our desire for authenticity in a world where using technology to cut corners or fool the audience is becoming the norm. Or maybe it's because we don't want to accept that the aging process does limit us in some ways. Sort of hits a nerve related to our own diminished abilities.
Classical musicians perform with sheet music in front of them. TV anchors certainly don't memorize their scripts. President Obama uses a teleprompter to deliver some powerful, thoughtful speeches. In my mind, the use of a teleprompter is not a deal-breaker. In fact, if used correctly, it can enhance a performance or a message. It's a communications tool, nothing more or less.
As long as Springsteen is actually singing the songs and not lip-syncing or relying on over-the-top digital effects, I have no problem if he utilizes a prompter. In a day and age of processed vocals and "musicians" who can't really play an instrument, I think implying that Springsteen is short-changing the audience is ridiculous. Even with a teleprompter, the integrity of his performances far exceeds that of many entertainers half his age. Springsteen is fit, still near the top of his game, and certainly not embarrassing himself on stage.
Until the day comes when he can no longer strum his Telecaster or he begins falling off stages, the "boss" is still the boss. He still connects with the audience and makes people feel very good.
I'll see The Boss for the first time later this month at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, and I'm stoked about that. He's slated to play a two and a half hour set there, and I can't remember the last time a single artist was given that much time at the fest.
ReplyDeleteThe teleprompter is news to me and I think it's unfortunate. Never seen one used in a rock show before, but I've seen plenty of acts screw up their own music on stage, and it always works out.