New for 2024: Review for 1969; new entry for 2023
1969: Child performs at the Pandemonium in Wanamassa, New Jersey.
1974: Bruce and most of the E Street Band (Boom Carter is not in attendance) drop by WBCN-FM in Boston before playing two shows at Charlie’s Place in Cambridge. The radio broadcast is well worth a listen–check out the acoustic arrangement of “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” and the first documented performance of the alternative third verse for “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy).”
1976: The Chicken Scratch Tour moves on to Colgate University for a surprise concert arranged at only a week’s notice. Listen to the story below.
1981: As the European leg of The River Tour gains steam, Bruce begins opening the show with “Factory” in West Berlin–the first time Bruce has ever played this song in Europe.
1982: Bruce joins Beaver Brown for “Twist and Shout” at Big Man’s West in Red Bank.
1988: While introducing Bruce’s current hit on the charts (“One Step Up“), American Top 40 host Casey Kasem reveals how Us Magazine’s derision of Bruce’s physique prompted him to bulk up.
1992: Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. is certified is 2x multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
1999: The first public E Street Band concert since 1988, as the Reunion Tour kicks off at Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona. Fans flock to the shows from all over the world–check out the interviews and pre-show build-up below.
…and my favorite clip from this show, “Out in the Street.” Watch from the 4-minute mark, and see what happens when Clarence can’t quite get to the microphone for his line.
2000: Kansas City gets an outstanding set list for their Reunion show: Bruce opens with “Take ‘Em as They Come” and plays “Downbound Train” and “Racing in the Street” later in the set.
2003: The Rising Tour returns to North America as Bruce and the band play Arco Arena in Sacramento. During the soundcheck, Bruce plays a new song for the first time: “Devils & Dust.”
2012: Night Two at Madison Square Garden for the Wrecking Ball Tour. The set list features the tour premieres of “Spirit in the Night” and “Backstreets,” and the show breaks the three-hour mark.
2018: The Hear the World Foundation announces that Bruce will serve as an ambassador to raise awareness for the non-profit organization’s campaign to prevent hearing loss.
2023: Bruce and the E Street Band play their first of two nights at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, where “Mary’s Place” makes its tour debut.
