The stage is in the background, a packed house surrounds us.

The virus took the stage away from all of us.

On Saturday night, the Boss took it back.

Springsteen on Broadway

Rob DeMartin

The hour leading up to the show was its own performance.

“Broadway is back, baby,” one gentleman said repeatedly to anyone within earshot.

“Gotta be a special guest or two,” added his date.

Springsteen on Broadway

Rob DeMartin

Little Steven’scapo di tutti capihadn’t even taken the stage yet and the room was vibrating.

They love me there.")

And after their “Tougher Than the Rest,” Springsteen admitted to having forgotten the last verse.

Springsteen on Broadway

Rob DeMartin

Luckily, “she loves me, even when I’m f—in' it up.”

Next year, shoulder to shoulder, we’re gonna rock.

Can’t wait to bring the kid.