Bruce Springsteen blew through Boston this week, another leg of his 2012 Wrecking Ball Tour. And one of his biggest fans, Greater Media Boston programmer (WROR and WBOS), Ken West, was on hand and taking copious notes. This morning, Ken brings us six lessons that on-air talent and personality shows could glean from observing The Boss in action.
If Bruce is headed for your town, it is most definitely worth the price of admission to watch a master in action. Ken has seen Springsteen and the band perform many times, and is always amazed at how fresh these concerts look, sound, and feel. So attention, DJs, shows, and hosts. You’re about to be schooled by The Boss.
Thanks to Ken’s “Boss,” Buzz Knight for bringing this to our attention.
- He has a game plan. Springsteen creates a different set list every night, part of what makes him unique to most performers He (frequently!) does calls “audibles” based on the crowd and the moment, but he never wings it. There’s always a map.
- He always brings something fresh to the show. Bruce continuously creates new music and performs it. As tours go on, he assesses what works and what doesn’t, retaining the stronger material to further develop and dropping the weaker material that doesn’t resonate.
- He always looks like he loves what he does. It’s not a job, a shift, or a show. It’s his passion. Bruce loves performing. Every show feels like it could be his very first…or last ever.
- He allows his rabidly loyal audience to participate in the show. From playing requests off of signs held up in the crowd, to handing the mic to fans to sing, to letting them strum the strings of his guitar, Bruce makes everyone feel like they are part of the show.
- Every performance features elements of “Did you hear what he did?” Crowd surfing, venturing into the audience to sit and drink a beer, bringing an 8 year-old kid onstage to sing, dancing onstage with his mom… he always leaves you with something to talk about.
- He gets better with age and doesn’t rest on his laurels. This is not a cliché. As the years have gone on, Springsteen is committed to making his shows longer, more fun, and packed with more quality entertainment than ever.
Especially for those of you have been on the air for many years in the same market, how are you keeping your shows and your brand fresh and compelling?
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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Thanks for the space, Fred. And thanks for the daily dose of questions, thoughts, and ideas. It’s a great forum you provide here.
You made a great contribution, Ken. Much appreciated.
My timing with Bruce has been dismal. Back in the 70s, I read so many stories of how great of a rock’n roller this guy was, so I decided I’d listen to the very next album he released to get into the music. That album was “Nebraska” and I thought it thoroughly sucked! Then to the 80s, more stories of the legendary live marathon concerts, maybe that was the key to getting into Bruce’s music? Finally, in the 90s, I secure a highly-sought-after ticket for the 2nd of 3 nights in Denver. I was so ready to see this marathon rock show! Unfortunately for me, Bruce said “this show is for the fans” and promptly went on to play obscure, down-tempo, Nebraska-like songs… and I left the show early, disappointed beyond belief. I’ve given up.
Your timing does suck, and yes, it helps to have gotten on the Bruce Bandwagon even pre-“Born To Run.” Like Neil Young, Bruce isn’t afraid to “break format.” And he usually does a nice job of balancing cume and quarter-hour – that is, playing for both hard core fans but keeping the more causual concert-goers (the ones who bump and grind to “Dancin’ In The Dark”) happy, too. He IS an amazing performer, and it’s too bad you haven’t been able to tap into that. Hey, there’s always Coldplay. Tom, thanks for writing.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/allenstjohn/2012/05/03/five-leadership-tips-from-bruce-springsteen/
Great read
Dave, thanks as always, for being a loyal reader.
Shared this with our air staff here at the #1 station in Bruce’s New Jersey! Thanks!
ej
Thanks, Eric – hope it was helpful. Appreciate you reading/sharing our blog.