With its instantly recognizable (if not original) stop-time riff and sly, comical, almost spoken-word lyrics, “No Money Down,” Chuck Berry’s 1957 hit single (it peaked at #8 on Billboard’s R&B chart) was all but calling out for Bruce to cover it in concert.
And cover it he did, often and famously, during the River Tour–but only in part (it was never the full song, just select verses and lyrics, often tailored to local TV car dealer commercials).
Slow and sultry, Bruce’s 1980 homage kicked off his show’s second set, building suspense before breaking into the uptempo “Cadillac Ranch.”
But while most fans know the playful 1980 versions (thanks to the official release of the Tempe 1980 concert from which the clip above hails), not many have heard the one recording we have of Bruce covering “No Money Down” in full–from more than six years earlier at The Bottom Line in New York City on the Wild and Innocent Tour, on July 13, 1974
This version is longer, bluesier, and captures Bruce in full street punk mode. The recording may not be as clear as the Tempe ’80 version, but the performance is a whole lot hotter, especially Bruce’s sizzling guitar solo.
Take a listen to Bruce’s definitive cover of “No Money Down” below.
No Money Down
First performed: June 1, 1974 (Kent, OH)
Last performed: July 13, 1974 (New York City, NY) (last time performed in full)
