From E Street to the Guild Hall

With 47 years as a touring performer under his belt, Nils Lofgren is certainly not short of material with which to entertain his fans.

A two hour set saw Nils accompanied by the multi-talented Greg Varlotta on guitar, keyboards and trumpet, and even demonstrating amazing tap dancing skills.

Between them they strummed and sang their way through an array of material from Walkin’ Never to Girl in Motion and Keith Richard tribute Keith Don’t Go.

The sound swung from rock to ballad, showcasing the talent of Nils who many will know chiefly as a member of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary E Street Band.

During his career, Nils has worked with the likes of Ringo Starr and Neil Young, and he regaled us with tales of meeting other stars such as Sly Stallone.

The set gave a nod to many of these, with Carole King classic Goin’ Back, and a snippet of Southern Man
on keyboard (the song he contributed to Neil Young’s After the Goldrush album). There was also a treat for fans of former group Grin, a rendition of Like Rain.

While for those who like fancy footwork, I Came To Dance and Mud In Your Eye, saw both Nils and Greg test out their tap-dancing skills.

The years might have halted the on-stage acrobatics Nils was once famous for, but time has not diluted his humour or his sheer joy at being on stage.

Shelagh Parkinson