Fans brave chilly temps to see 'The Boss' heat up stage

Saturday, February 13, 2016
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform during the Wrecking Ball tour at the Wells Fargo Center Wednesday, March 28, 2012 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
AP-AP

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed Friday night before a near sold-out crowd at the Wells Fargo Center.

Before the concert, bundled-up fans waited for hours to score some of the last remaining tickets.

The cold and snow forced most tailgating inside.

But some die-hard fans came prepared.

"They got a tent from a friend of ours at work and put sides on it. The heat, beer, how can you beat it?" said Mark Asinski of Carbondale, Pennsylvania.

"We are hardcore Bruce Springsteen fans even though we can't talk our mouths are frozen," said Rose Baker of Clarksboro, New Jersey.

Springsteen has performed in Philadelphia more than 50 times, including his World Tour stop at The Spectrum in December 1992.

A group of ladies tell us they first saw The Boss in concert as college roommates 30 years ago.

"He's just awesome. He takes you to another place when you listen to him," said Judy May of Newtown, Pennsylvania.

After more than 40 years on stage, some say demand for Springsteen tickets hasn't been higher. Ted Carrig, who says he's seen more than 100 shows, thinks he knows why.

"He's 66 years old and they're thinking how many tours does he have left in him? If I don't get to one soon, I'm not going to make it," said Carrig of Oaks, Pennsylvania.

Springsteen is the only artist to have performed at every live music venue in Philadelphia including all three here now, JFK Stadium, Veterans Stadium and the Spectrum.