Springsteen pays tribute to storm-damaged NJ coast

The Associated Press, Thursday, November 1, 2012, 2:14pm (PDT)

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) -- In a heartfelt performance tinged with sadness over the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy, Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to his native, storm-battered New Jersey coast.

Springsteen and the E Street Band performed Wednesday night in the upstate New York town of Rochester, a concert that had been postponed from Tuesday because of travel difficulties caused by the storm.

"We're a band you can't separate from the Jersey shore," Springsteen said.

Springsteen spoke as the band began their song "My City of Ruins," which he dedicated to his hometown of Asbury Park. The coastal town was among those in New Jersey hit hard by severe flooding, power outages and community damage.

"There's just been terrible disruption all along the coast we grew up on," said Springsteen as he paced back and forth across the stage.

The singer offered his thanks to rescue workers, police officers and firefighters for their relief efforts in the wake of the hurricane. He also singled out New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who he said has "done such a hard job over the past few weeks."

Springsteen will join NBC's planned benefit concert Friday for victims of the superstorm.