I'm new to this thread and I did not attend the Pete Seeger celebration in Madison Square Garden. I've attended at least half-a-dozen Bruce Springsteen performances over the last 30 years and own most of his records. I've also seen Pete several times and own some of his recordings. I think I'm reasonably knowledgeable about their careers.

I'm thoroughly mystified by the statement that Bruce represents "loudness and anger." If that remark is supposedly a summary of his career or persona, it's very ill-informed. If it's based solely on the "outlasted the bastards" comment at the Seeger tribute, I hope you watched the totality of Bruce's remarks on youtube.

Bruce is a rock star. His concerts are loud, but always in the service of great joy and humanity. If you haven't seen one, plug your ears and watch the communion in the arena at one of Bruce's shows. He's very wealthy (and I suspect Pete has a few dollars, as well). But Bruce has always used his platform to remind us to think of the less fortunate. I don't know another star anywhere near his level of popularity who has been so consistent in talking about the needs of the downtrodden. At every concert, we hear of the homeless, the hungry, etc. Bruce often insists that local service organizations be given a chance to hand out literature and collect funds at concerts. And Bruce has backed this up with free shows and public statements.

As far as I can tell, Bruce does this with humility and an appeal to our better angels. I doubt Bruce has reached Pete's level of activism, but I'm not comparing them. I'm simply addressing the misguided "loudness and anger" remark. It's way off base.

--Michael Scully
--Austin