New for 2024: Advertisement for 1974; article for 1986; new entry for 2023
1973: Bruce and the E Street Band play their second of six nights (with two shows each night) at Max’s Kansas City in New York, opening for Biff Rose.
1974: Bruce and the band open for Wishbone Ash at Cleveland’s Allen Theater.
1981: The original River Tour stops at the St. Paul Civic Center Arena. As a fan explains to a reviewer: It’s not all Twang! Twang! Boing!
1986: “My Hometown” tops the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for one week. Bruce will never have another #1 hit on this chart.
2009: Step back from the guacamole dip, put the chicken fingers down, and turn your television ALL the way up: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band play the Super Bowl XLIII Half-Time Show! This is the full-band premiere of “Working on a Dream.” Watch Bruce’s journal, interview, and full performance below.
2014: Bruce and the E Street Band finish their mini-South African tour at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Shortly after doors open, Bruce surprises the sparse crowd with a three-song acoustic pre-show. Two of the three songs (“I’ll Work for Your Love” and “Growin’ Up“) are captured and posted on Bruce’s official YouTube channel. Meanwhile, High Hopes becomes Bruce’s 11th #1 album in the U.S., although it will only hold that spot for one week. “Seeds,” Cadillac Ranch,” “I’m on Fire,” and “Who’ll Stop the Rain” all make their tour premieres tonight.
2018: Springsteen on Broadway continues its theatrical run at the Walter Kerr Theater in New York City.
2023: Bruce and the E Street Band take the stage for the first time in six years, kicking off their world tour in Tampa, Florida. “Letter to You,” “Nighshift,” “Don’t Play That Song,” and “House of a Thousand Guitars” all make their E Street Band debuts, and “Burnin’ Train” makes its live debut.
Ken, would love to read a “Where the Band Was” report from Amalie Arena; great song selections to highlight from Tampa, 2.1.23!