Ask the Critic: Robert Hilburn

Question: I adore Bruce Springsteen and U2, but one reason I have seen more than 50 Springsteen shows and only eight U2 shows is that the Springsteen set lists vary so much and the U2 ones barely change. Do you think it’s best for artists to switch set lists or find one that works and stick with it?

Brendan McSherry

Berkeley

Hilburn: You’ve got great taste, Brendan, and you’ve also brought up a great question because there is no simple answer. I have seen some artists three or four times on the same tour and have been delighted that they stuck with the same set list because it worked perfectly. Then again, it’s very stimulating to see an artist change things from one night to the next.

The key is what makes the most powerful statement each night.

Springsteen is a master at shuffling things, whereas U2 tends to strive for the “perfect” set list. The band will usually change things a bit on the early dates of a tour. For instance, its set list order changed considerably between the opening of U2’s current tour in San Diego and the Staples Center show a few nights later. At some point, however, the band usually starts relying on a more regimented set list night after night. It’s the combination of songs that they feel brings out the best in them and the audience. If things grow stale, they’ll experiment again later in the tour.

But I believe Springsteen, too, has settled on a particular set list. If memory is right, I saw him three times on the “Tom Joad” tour, and the set list was pretty much the same because the songs really worked together to make a powerful statement.

With Springsteen and U2, I think they are aiming for something that works for both them and the audience. I think most artists try to figure out what is going to be most effective with the audience and stick with it after that, figuring the same tunes will work regardless of the city. That often leads to a static show. You want the show to reflect the artist’s passion, and that might change from time to time during a long tour.

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