The lights dimmed, the crowd muffled excited squeals, and the stage looked ready to burst with activity. With no opening act, the anticipation continued to build. Just seconds later, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band brought the room to life as the song “Radio Nowhere” engulfed and animated the arena. Springsteen’s strong voice bounced off the walls, and the hundreds of people in attendance to see "The Boss" at the United Center in downtown Chicago sang the song word for word.

The “Magic” tour was my very first, and by far my favorite, concert experience. Needless to say, not many fifth graders would choose Bruce Springsteen as their first choice of concert, but my excitement was bubbling to the brim. A smile was plastered on my face as my dad, older sister, and I listened to Springsteen serenade the crowd for a whopping three and a half hours. His energy seemed tangible and most certainly contagious. The piano, guitar, and saxophone harmonized beautifully to accompany Springsteen's recognizable tunes.

He played the entirety of the “Magic” album and even a collection of hits. The stage was at the center of the arena and large television screens captured the action close-up to ensure that the whole room was immersed in the aura of Bruce. The stage decor was simple, placing all emphasis on the music and talent being displayed. I was utterly mesmerized by the stage presence that not only Springsteen, but his whole band held. Plus, his songs sounded even better live! It was a concert experience that would go unmatched, even to this day.

I prepared myself weeks in advance for the concert, shamelessly blasting classics such as “Dancing in the Dark” and “Rosalita” in my room for all to hear. By the time the night of the concert came around, I could confidently recite every lyric of his biggest hits, a skill I was eager to broadcast that night. My fellow 12-year-old friends thought it was odd that I had such a strong love for the music that most of their parents listened to, but my interest remained strong as ever.

Here I am, eight years later, and my favorite artist is still without question Bruce Springsteen. His up-beat Americana rock songs are timeless. Luckily, finding people to indulge in his music with me is no challenge, as my whole family shares my admiration. My parents introduced my sisters and me to his music at a young age, making his music one of the many things we can bond over as a family.

Despite playing lengthy and energy-packed concerts since the 1970’s, Springsteen is still touring and sharing his music with people around the globe. Even 36 years later, Bruce is bringing “The River” album back to life with his current tour. The album was originally produced in the '80s as a double album. Rolling Stone even ranked it number 253 on its list of the greatest albums of all time. Some of my favorites from this album are “The Ties that Bind,” “Out in the Street,” and “Fade Away” (to name just a few). Bruce is touring this album in places such as Chicago, Philadelphia, and Dallas.

He is even touring internationally in Dublin, Milan, Lisbon, the Hague and Rome. Excited to relive my Bruce experience, I will be attending his Milwaukee concert on March 3. I am already counting down the days until I can sing along with Bruce and his band. I have no doubt that it will be three and a half hours well spent.

So, Bruce, see you soon!