Fans attending Little Steven’s Soulfire record release show at the Count Basie Theater were no doubt delighted when Bruce Springsteen made a late on-stage appearance, but they probably weren’t surprised. Bruce often turns up when his lifelong friend performs locally.
They probably weren’t shocked by the song selection, either: Bruce and Steve have performed “It’s Been a Long Time” and “I Don’t Want to Go Home” together many times, and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” too may times to count.
But the show’s encore–now that was different.
Bruce played Marvin Gaye’s “Can I Get a Witness” once before, a decade earlier at a private benefit concert. However, no recording circulates from that performance.
Gaye’s original only peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it lasted sixteen weeks on the chart, making it one of Gaye’s longest-lasting hits if not his most popular. And it was certainly one of his best to dance to.
So when the Disciples of Soul launched into that unmistakable boogie-woogie-meets-soul riff, the crowd went nuts.
That show closing-performance was a genuine one-off (for Bruce, anyway–Steve has played it often). It was a highlight to cap a night full of them, ushering in a prolific two-and-a-half years for one of rock’s best touring bands.
Can I Get a Witness
First performed: April 29, 2007 (Asbury Park, NJ)
Last performed: May 27, 2017 (Red Bank, NJ)
