'Melbourne, bums out of seats.'

Expect greatness.

'101" in blue ink on my left hand, voice like a chain-smoking frog, mutinous eyes, roaring ears ... all part of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band week in Melbourne.

Already checked in with Ted and Mitchell at Rod Laver Arena. Ted's from Toms River, NJ, Mitchell lives in LA but originally hails from Englishtown. They've been handling GA duties since opening night in Brisbane. For me, talking to them is like a magic string tied to the life I left behind of Springsteen bootlegs, the Stone Pony, NY sports teams past and present, Asbury Park characters, all spoken in recognisable accents.

Ted had a copy of last night's 'official' setlist, the one taped to the floor beside each band member. Reading it the morning after a great show is like discovering a wonderful meal you've digested and enjoyed was actually missing several crucial ingredients. Setlisted but unplayed last night were 'Radio Nowhere', 'The Promise', 'Backstreets' and most shockingly 'One Step Up', a Tunnel of Love song not played in ages.

What that entails for tonight's show is anyone's guess.

But it's safe to assume bums will continue to be out of seats.