The boss of Fenway Park

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rocked Boston’s historic Fenway Park Aug. 14 for the first of two shows before they head to Gillette Stadium on Aug. 18. Fenway’s famed Green Monster scoreboard featured The Boss’s name.

Before the show, a wreath was hung on the retired number 6 of Johnny Pesky, the long-time Red Sox player, coach, broadcaster, and ambassador who died at the age of 92.

“The thing to remember about Springsteen’s concerts is that the first hour, as solid as it is, is always a warm-up,’’ wrote Globe critic James Reed in his review.

The 3½-hour show drew a sold-out crowd. They played songs including “Atlantic City,’’ “Because the Night,’’ “Johnny 99,’’ and “Darlington County.’’ They also played songs from the group’s new album, “Wrecking Ball.’’

“Clearly he and the band feed off not only one another, but also the enthusiasm of the crowd,’’ wrote Reed.

Pictured: Springsteen and bandmate Steven Van Zandt.

Springsteen sang about compassion and the human condition, Reed wrote.

The show included a five-piece horn section that prominently featured Jake Clemons on saxophone, who is the nephew of the late Clarence Clemons.

“They somehow shoehorned an awful lot of classics into the final hour without making them feel rushed,’’ wrote Reed. Some of these classics were “Thunder Road,’’ “Glory Days,’’ and “Dancing in the Dark.’’

Springsteen and the E Street band wrapped up the show with “Twist and Shout,’’ and then tore into one of Boston’s favorites, the Standells’ “Dirty Water.’’