Now here’s a recipe: Start with inspiration from Leiber and Staller, add lyrics by Bruce, music by Steve, and lead vocals by Southside Johnny. Ice with backing vocals by The Drifters, and you’ve got pure pop confection.
Tag: Steve Van Zandt
One time only: Bruce and Little Steven team-up for an encore of Marvin Gaye’s “Can I Get a Witness” at Steve’s Soulfire record release event.
At the peak of Little Steven’s political period, Steve and Bruce collaborated on the well-intentioned (if lyrically awkward) “Native American.” Watch them give it their best on-stage shot inside.
Steve Van Zandt takes the lead on a stunning cover of Willie Dixon’s “You Know My Love.” Oh, and Bruce plays on it, too.
The E Street Band finally gets an official recording credit in 1977 when Steve Van Zandt recruits them to back Ronnie Spector in the studio. Listen to Ronnie and the band cover Billy Joel’s “Say Goodbye to Hollywood.”
Listen closely to Little Steven’s love song “Angel Eyes,” and you’ll hear the unmistakable (but uncredited) backing vocals of Bruce Springsteen.
For a couple of nights in 1977, Steve was the front man and Bruce was the sidekick. Listen in on a highlight from those shows, a wonderful “cover” of Little Steven’s “Some Things Just Don’t Change.”
It’s one of rock’s most meta-powerful songs, and in 1984 Bruce and Steve transformed it into a tribute to their brotherhood. Hear that moment and watch more great performances of “Drift Away” inside.
From the Stone Pony’s 20th anniversary concert: Bruce joins old friend Southside Johnny for a mini-set that kicks off with “I Played the Fool.”
A cover that was almost a team-up in a parallel universe version of “The River” — Gary U.S. Bonds and Steve Van Zandt replaced Bruce’s original vocals on this outtake from the River recording sessions.