If any further evidence was required to confirm the sheer commitment to worshipping at the church of The Boss, then look no further than the Playhouse on Saturday night...
https://sospringsteen.co.uk/gallery/
On perhaps the hottest day of the year so far, a smattering of acolytes who, judging by the tour dates on the back of their T-shirts, have already caught the real New Jersey superstar in the flesh in recent weeks, sit eagerly awaiting to hear the choice cuts from his back catalogue again.
It’s completely understandable of course – after catching Springsteen for the first time in Old Trafford in 2008, I was so blown away I would have happily snaffled up tickets to hear those songs again within days too.
This time, there’s no stadium filled with thousands of Bruce fans from around the globe or placard-totting followers hoping to have their requests fulfilled – Sound Of Springsteen are a British tribute act who bring some of rock and roll’s best-loved anthems to life in intimate surroundings.
the septet are incredibly tight and breathe new life into American standards
In the lead role is Brighton’s Sam Confrey, a qualified plumber who possesses all the gruff, blue-collar credentials to bring Springsteen’s back-catalogue to the stage. Backed by a sextet of instrumentalists, in trademark white T-shirt, jeans and boots, his low-slung guitar spends most of the set swung behind his back as he commandeers the stage. Entering to the evocative strains of Streets Of Philadelphia, Glory Days, The River and Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out are all given authentic treatment, with Mark Porch in the role of Stevie Van Zandt expertly providing the underlying riffs.
Surfing on the top of Stuart Walker’s keyboard licks, the septet are incredibly tight and breathe new life into American standards like Badlands, Hungry Heart and Because The Night. A fabulous stripped back version of Thunder Road is a highlight while Jungleland and Dancing In The Dark elicit strong vocal support. When an orchestrated audience selfie demands everyone get to their feet, the crowd stay there as Born To Run and Born In The USA are raucously delivered.
Confrey closes by requesting for photos and reviews to be posted on the band’s socials so tours like this can keep happening in venues like this which need supporting. Hopefully word will spread and the sound will continue to be heard.
The Sound of Springsteen played at Nottingham Playhouse on Saturday June 21st 2025.
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