Springsteen Was the First Rocker to Play Boston’s Fenway Park
Boston's Fenway Park has seen its share of action in the 100-plus years it has been active. For my money, the 2004 American League Championship Series between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees that led to Boston's first World Series title in 86 years was about as exciting as it gets.
Since it opened on April 20, 1912, Fenway Park has hosted professional and collegiate baseball games, professional football and hockey games, political rallies, concerts and more.
Fenway Park was updated and upgraded many times, beginning in 1926 when fire destroyed the left field bleachers. That was long before the Green Monster seats or even the Green Monster.
Fenway Park has gained a reputation as a great place to see outdoor concerts. I saw Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band at Fenway Park in August 2018. I love outdoor shows
The legendary Ray Charles played Fenway Park in 1959 and returned in 1973 when the Newport Jazz Festival presented some concerts at Fenway.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band became the first rock band to perform at Fenway Park on September 6, 2003. Boston.com referred to the concert as a "Big Deal."
The site says, "Then-Mayor Tom Menino dubbed the Hub Boss-ton in advance of the shows."
Many other artists have performed at Fenway since Springsteen including, Pink, Zac Brown Band, Billy Joel and Lady Gaga.
Rock's first stadium show was in 1965 when the Beatles performed at New York's Shea Stadium to 55,000 screaming fans. My friend Deb Rich was there and previously shared her memories with us.
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Gallery Credit: Jon Rineman
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Gallery Credit: Jon Rineman