Verdicts on his playing were mixed: fans downloading bootlegged MP3s from the shows could sometimes hear clear mistakes, especially during instrumental breaks; one reviewer found power in his playing  and another proficiency;  The Arizona Republic wrote that "Springsteen showed off improved piano skills";  Runaway American Dream mused that "During an impromptu electric-piano 'All That Heaven Will Allow', Springsteen seemed delighted during the solo when he hit the right notes";  while HARP Magazine said "Springsteen's piano playing was perfectly imperfect."
Opinions on Springsteen's piano skills were mixed. Some fans who downloaded bootlegged recordings of his concerts heard clear mistakes, especially during instrumental breaks. One critic found power in his playing while another noted proficiency. The Arizona Republic praised Springsteen for showing improved piano skills. Runaway American Dream observed that Springsteen seemed delighted during an impromptu electric-piano solo, hitting the right notes. HARP Magazine described Springsteen's piano playing as "perfectly imperfect."