Springsteen draws out an intimate Hard Rock Calling performance

As he steps out onto the Hyde Park stage alone, Bruce Springsteen sets the scene for the three and a half hours that are to follow. Performing a version of 'Thunder Road', backed only by a piano and his harmonica, he manages to immediately unite the 60,000-strong crowd and make it seem like the most intimate of shows, as though he's performing for you and you alone.

What follows is nothing short of an onslaught of epic stadium rock. A ferocious rendition of 'Badlands' bleeds into a succession of new material, which sees Bruce and The E Street Band on top of their game. 'Wrecking Ball' and 'Death To My Hometown' are both obvious highlights, combining fierce politics with the relentless joy that The Boss is most fondly known for.

Of course, Clarence Clemons is sadly no longer with us, but his presence lingers throughout the set, with Bruce making a point of missing old friends in a poignant moment, without being too overwrought. The Big Man can't be replaced, but the E Street Band has evolved in his absence, with a horn section led by Clarence's nephew Jake on saxophone, who is beyond outstanding. What's more, it's quite clear it means the world to him to be up on stage playing his uncle's parts. And he plays them like nobody else but Clarence could.

So what is it that makes Springsteen the best? It's that he's a man so in love what he does; the affection shown to him from the audience is projected back towards them in abundance. Noticing a sign from a Spanish fan in the front row who has followed him all around Europe hoping to hear his favourite song, Bruce grants his wish, instructing the band to play an impromptu version of 'Take 'Em As They Come'. Many in the crowd may not know the obscure track, but the look on the fan's face as he is shown on the big screen is something to behold, as he is unable to contain his joy in seeing his dream come true.

Towards the end of the set, something special happens. When it seems as though nothing could follow a show-stopping 'The Ghost of Tom Joad' in which Tom Morello guests to perform an unbelievable guitar solo, the hits come. You would think that 'Born In The USA' and 'Born To Run' would be enough, but they are followed by the uplifting and frankly marvellous 'Glory Days' and 'Dancing In The Dark', both of which see Bruce and The E Street Band rolling back the years as the rain falls heavy on the crowd.

Then comes Paul McCartney. You read that right – Paul McCartney sharing a stage with Bruce Springsteen. You can tell by the look on his face that it's no lie when Bruce says that he had been waiting 50 years for this moment.

What unfolds is two of the all time greats creating history, performing a frantic rendition of 'I Saw Her Standing There' followed by an incredible, euphoric cover of 'Twist & Shout'. It goes on and on and on - Bruce, The E Street Band and McCartney can't get enough. Neither can those of us watching. Apart from one person of course, who decides that you can have too much fun and cuts the sound at the very end, killing the moment there and then. No chance to say thank you, no goodbye. Great. Thanks for that.

Perhaps they should have listened when Bruce sang "it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive."

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