There are only a few hours left for Bruce Springsteen to take to the stage of the Estadi Olímpic to renew his commitment to Barcelona after seven years without performing in the city. Since he landed on Wednesday morning, his presence has altered the rhythms of his staunchest followers, some of whom have taken refuge in front of the La Florida hotel, in Tibidabo, to get an autograph or a photograph with their idol, as They made the handful of lucky ones who ran into The Boss on Wednesday when they left the hotel and on their subsequent return, already at night.
"Yesterday he said he would come out to say hello," said Laura hopefully, who this Thursday morning was stationed in front of the hotel with her daughter, María, who at 22 declares herself unconditional of The Boss. “She has taken all her studies listening to Bruce”, her mother explains proudly during one of the gatherings that are organized to kill the tedium among those who hope to meet the artist. Along with them there is a group of followers, mostly over 40 years old, which has grown as the hours have passed. Many of them already know what it's like to stand guard for photos and autographs, a ritual that some have repeated several times after decades.
With the illusion of a teenager and the rigor of a bald middle-class accountant, they exchange anecdotes, alert each other when there is movement at the hotel door and try to maintain order, knowing that Bruce will only leave if he doesn't feel overwhelmed by people. . That is why Joan, one of the earliest followers, does not hesitate to demand that some newcomers turn off the loud music that comes from her mobile to avoid inconvenience to hotel guests.
The jackpot jumps at three in the afternoon: Springsteen leaves the hotel to sign a few autographs for the fifty people who at that time stand guard in front of the hotel, a fleeting encounter interrupted when most of the fans pounce on the artist, who immediately returns to the hotel to leave minutes later, get into a taxi and leave the place.
The destination was the Estadi Lluís Companys, where he did the general rehearsal for the concert with the E-Street Band, with the exception of Patti Scialfa, his wife, who for personal reasons was not present, although she will be at the concerts. His arrival was scheduled for this past dawn.
The group tested the sound of the Estadi and recalled some songs they know well, since they have just toured the United States for two months with a set list that, although it includes several songs from the new album, is mainly dedicated to reviewing the great hits of the long-lived career of the New Jersey. The rehearsal lasted about an hour during which they rehearsed songs such as Prove it all night, Letter to you or Ghosts and it was perfectly heard from various areas of Barcelona and around the Estadi to overflowing with onlookers who joined the fans registered for the ready to enter the center court, which yesterday already had 442 registered.
Springsteen is very jealous of his image, and that includes not being seen with any politician. This is confirmed by Neo Sala, the promoter responsible for bringing The Boss to Spain for three decades, recalling how many politicians, mayors, presidents and even some prominent member of the royal house have sought the photo with Springsteen, without none of them have so far gotten away with it. Only Barack Obama has had this privilege.
This is the third time that Bruce Springsteen has stayed at the La Florida Hotel, a luxurious establishment founded in 1924, discreet by location and by vocation, and especially under the protection of large congregations of fans. The New Jersey artist will share the accommodation with his exceptional guests, the Obamas and the Spielbergs, as well as Tom Hanks, who will attend the concert on Friday to wrap up his friend at the start of the European tour. The rest of the band is staying at the Mandarin Hotel, on Paseo de Gracia, while Steve van Zandt would have opted for the W Hotel, where he already stayed overnight during his last visit to the city.
