The Rebirth...and the Birth

"Birth announcement/tour announcement,” “horn section/c-section,” “set-lists/pregnancy lists” – just a few of the buzzwords roaming around my head these days.

Under what used to be ‘normal’ circumstances, the rebirth of the Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and tour would qualify as the most exciting news of the month. After all, the band will never be the same without it’s primary anchor – the force of nature we referred to as “The Big Man.” 

Many questions remain unanswered to the faithful: songs on new album? ticket drops? horn section? The list goes on and on - which in turn creates a sense of anticipation, excitement and a certain level of anxiety to some folks. 

The rumor mills swirl vigorously prompting conversation that is welcomed, and over-analyzed, to the E Street nation. The more the years go by, the more precious and in some cases, important, this impending news gets.

This month, however, that news will not be my agenda’s headline. For as a devout E Street fan base awaits new material and live performances, my wife Jen and I await a new addition – our first child.  A new life, a new existence and a new hope that will provide, well, a reason to believe.

Bruce’s music (us Jerseyans commonly refer to Bruce Springsteen as ‘Bruce’) has played a major role in my life – it’s made the good moments a little sweeter, times of despair more bearable and everything in between more meaningful. 

I have formed friendships that are beyond description and brotherhoods that are unbreakable. Bonds have been formed that have no price tags and certainly have no boundaries. Road trips to see E Street Band performances have entailed hours discussing thoughts and theories on life – all over a simple cheeseburger and fries. 

In fact, at our wedding, my wife and I even waltzed our “first dance” to a Bruce song (the epic “If I Should Fall Behind.”) The music has been both the launch pad and resting place for many special life moments of mine. They have not written the life textbook that could match the lessons learned and experiences had while finding that hope or comfort in Bruce’s music.

As the forecasted “due date” of Feb. 14 approaches, I expect that same music to find it’s way into a new phase of life. Jersey Shore Medical Center will be the first stop of the tour of life for my child.  A tour that will have no end date. One that will bring tears of joy and plenty of ‘holy sh-t’ moments (a catchphrase that tour companions know that about says it all) to our family and friends.

Two weeks ago I was fortunate enough to attend the annual Light of Day Foundation (raises money and awareness for the cruel Parkinson's Disease) concert in Asbury Park - Jersey's holy land of music. 

Literally at the top row of the Paramount Theater I sat with my 37-week pregnant wife to my right and to the left my father - whose appreciation for music in general really sparked my feelings for music and the meaning it plays in my life.  Two of my longtime wingmen - Jeremy Neuer and Michael Solomon - were also in attendance, sitting together in the orchestra.  

As always, a show is only as special as the people you share the experience with. The night included a special performance by Jersey icon Southside Johnny Lyon and a guest appearance by Bruce...who concluded the show with the people's anthem "Thunder Road" at 2:15 in the morning. Nights like that are VERY few and far between, so it will always keep a permanent place etched in my mind. 

I am confident when I say that Bruce’s music has helped prepare me for the next phase of my life – fatherhood. The lyrics that have described failure and redemption.  Struggle and hope. Dancing. Driving. Relationships. Desires. And Glory Days.

While I fully hope and expect to join my fellow congregants at the House of The E Street Band again this upcoming year, it will be with different a mindset but with the same expectations. The music is an education that I will gradually pass down to my next generation. After all, it’s an eternal curriculum with no timeline or expiration date. 

I see life’s paths crossing right in front of my eyes, and it feels pretty damn good.  This February brings living proof that a miracle awaits in the form of life.  There is nothing like the anticipation of a tour, especially one that takes shape of a lifelong journey.