Bruce Springsteen 1976

No set details known. Bruce, as well ESB members Steve Van Zandt and Roy Bittan, turn up at a New Years Day evening performance by SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY & THE ASBURY JUKES and all three end up taking the stage near for an extensive, spirited set of oldies. Van Zandt, who at the time was in the studio with SSJ & TAJ producing their debut album, actually took the lead vocals on several numbers.

“Jan 1, 1976 – LEFT Photo: A hatless Miami Steve takes the lead vocals, with Jukes drummer Kenny Pentifallo, Bruce (sporting a white Fender Stratocaster) and Roy Bittan providing support. RIGHT Photo: Bruce and Southside during another part of the show (photo courtesy Billy Smith)”

Sessions for Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes work-in-progress debut LP, produced by Steve Van Zandt. Bruce was present at some of these sessions, particularly during the recording of “You Mean So Much To Me” and Springsteen is officially credited on the album as a co-arranger of his two donated compositions. Clarence Clemons provided the bass vocal on “The Fever” but is credited under the fake name of “Selmon T. Sachs”. The album was released in May 1976.

“Bruce, Southside, Steve and Ronnie Spector during the “You Mean So Much To Me” session at The Record Plant in early February 1976. Photos by Mary Alfieri”

Bruce makes a spur-of-the-moment stage appearance at the final night of Carole King’s 3-night residency, singing a rollicking duet with Carole on the evening’s encore, “Loco-motion”. THERE IS NO CIRCULATING AUDIO.

After an 11-week break over the holiday period Bruce & The ESB conduct a dress rehearsal performance in preparation for the final leg of the BTR Tour. Only about 200 pre-invited guests were in attendance. The exact set details are not known, although most of the BTR album was played as well as “Raise Your Hand”.

NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / SHE’S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / GROWIN’ UP / IT’S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / SANDY

Partial setlist is known. Opening night of the 2nd leg of the Born To Run Tour, soon nicknamed by the road crew as the “Chicken Scratch Tour” because of the high proportion of secondary market, southern state locations. The above-mentioned partial 10-song setlist is culled from post concert details in the city’s newspaper. The song sequence is correct but there were 4 or 5 songs sandwiched in between these that are unverified. This show was not a sellout. THERE IS NO CIRCULATING AUDIO.

No complete set details known, although Bruce opened the show with “Night”. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported a 2½ hr show and a near-capacity crowd at this tiny, picturesque venue.

Bruce and Miami Steve visit the station for an hour-long live interview that was intermixed with both of them playing some of their favorite records for the listening audience. None of this program’s audio appears to be circulating among collectors.

NIGHT / 10TH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY’S BACK / SHE’S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / MEETING ACROSS THE RIVER / BACKSTREETS / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / RAISE YOUR HAND / QUARTER TO THREE

Above-mentioned partial setlist is culled from information from a May 20, 1976 report in Rolling Stone, as well as a brief review in Duke University’s Student Newspaper. A Brucebase reader present also adds that he recollects It's My Life also being played and that "I distinctly remember looking down the row of people and seeing that every single one of them had their mouths open (as did I) in stunned silence, mesmerized by the story and the music. It was thrilling." This is one of only a few shows in which all 8 songs from the Born To Run LP were performed. There were 2 OR 3 additional songs played that are not articulated in either review. THERE IS NO CIRCULATING AUDIO FROM THIS SHOW. Thanks to David for the info and scan.

IT’S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY

Complete setlist is not known. THERE IS NO KNOWN AUDIO FROM THIS SHOW. The above-mentioned tracks are mentioned as having been performed in a review the following day in the Charlotte Observer. This was a last-minute addition to the tour itinerary, arranged on only 5 days notice by a local promoter who became aware Springsteen had an open date available following the Duke University gig. Despite the lack of pre-event promotion Bruce pulled in an enthusiastic, near-sellout crowd of 2,400.

"Onstage in Ovens Auditorium on March 29th, 1976 - Photo by Bill McCallister - Charlotte Observer"

THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / BACKSTREETS / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / DETROIT MEDLEY

THERE IS NO KNOWN AUDIO FROM THIS SHOW. Held in the school’s Memorial Auditorium. There was non-reserved seating for this show, which caused mayhem leading up to the venue opening its doors. The partial setlist above is from the confident recollection of BRUCEBASE reader Daniel, who further comments: "The concert was scheduled for around 7pm….folks started lining up outside at about 4:30pm. By 7pm I'd estimate there were over a thousand people outside and the doors were still shut. At about 7:10 there was commotion up front and I remember seeing one of the doors get literally torn from the hinges - and these were big, heavy wood doors! The next minutes were a blur, seeing one girl getting pushed into the glass marque-poster cases, seeing another girl who fainted getting passed overhead…the mad rush to get a good seat”. BRUCEBASE reader Bob, who also attended, comments: “Suddenly the doors opened and we were pushed in so I raced to the front and got two seats. I remember the show was a little too loud in the front row, but it was amazing. The night before the show Springsteen went to my favourite bar (Swanky's) and hung out. I didn't go that night. I saw his picture in the paper the next morning standing where I usually went to drink”.

Partial setlist - A reader present recalls "My seat was third or fourth row center but we stood all night. My journal entry doesn't have a list but it mentions a long story intro to "It's My Life", a solo piano version of "For You" that began the second encore followed by a Mitch Ryder medley and "Raise Your Hand" (which I'd never heard before). I see that the April 4th show claims it was the first "Raise Your Hand" but it looks like he played it in Louisville two days earlier. My journal entry says: "Bruce's last words .. I'm just a prisoner ... of rock'n'roll!" Thanks to John for the details.

NIGHT (3.01)/ 10TH AVE FREEZE OUT (4.01)/ SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.04)/ IT'S MY LIFE (8.44)/ THUNDER ROAD (5.41)/ SHE'S THE ONE (6.26)/ BORN TO RUN (4.15)/ FRANKIE (6.38)/ MEETING ACROSS THE RIVER (3.25)/ BACKSTREETS (7.24)/ GROWIN UP (3.29)/ SAINT IN THE CITY (5.28)/ JUNGLELAND (9.27)/ ROSALITA (cut in middle) (9.51)/ RAISE YOUR HAND (3.15)/ 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (6.14)/ DETROIT MEDLEY (8.25)/ QUARTER TO THREE (6.44)

Audience tape/Partial soundboard - Show features Thunder road with a new piano introduction, and the live premiere, as far as we know, of Frankie. A rare version of Meeting Across the River (which is the full band version rather than a solo piano rendition previously used) and the first known recorded Raise Your Hand, although it was played earlier than this. This is also one of the few known times that the whole of the Born To Run LP is played. Released on CD "Livin' Rock'n'Roll" (RTC) and on "Hidden Worlds That Shine" (E St) & Ev2's "Rise Like the Rain". Thanks to Per for set details.

No set details known - this show was apparently rescheduled from late 1975 due to poor ticket sales. A review of the show was in a local Columbus, Ohio entertainment newspaper called Focus, dated April 15-30, 1976. Thanks to Mike for the details.

Live interview broadcast hosted by Kid Leo, one of Springsteen’s earliest and most supportive radio DJ’s. The exact structure and length of this interview program is unclear, as the audio does not appear to be circulating among collectors.

“Bruce, with the legendary Kid Leo, at WMMS studios on April 6, 1976” Photo courtesy of and copyright to Dan Keefe.

NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / FRANKIE (6.13) / BACKSTREETS (7.09) / GROWIN' UP (2.57) / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY (4.34) / BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (3.52) / JUNGLELAND (8.18) / ROSALITA (cut)(7.35) / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (6.12) / DETROIT MEDLEY (7.04) / QUARTER TO THREE (4.08)

Soundboard tape - First known Blinded By The Light since 1974 ( and interestingly - an edited version as Bruce skips a verse for some reason - thanks Per) and Incident on 57th Street since September 1975. Released on CD "Live At The Allen Theatre" (BS). Most recent release is "Runners In The Night" (Doberman)

NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / EVERY TIME YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / FRANKIE / BACKSTREETS / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / JUNGLELAND

Soundboard tape - Incomplete setlist. Rare version of Every Time You... Released on CDR "Leaving The Allen In Rubble" (BTS5)

NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / FRANKIE / BACKSTREETS / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BLINDED BY THE LIGHT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / RAISE YOUR HAND / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY / QUARTER TO THREE

Audience tape - Last known full band Blinded By The Light until the 99/00 tour when it made a few appearances. Show is partly available on CD "Prove It All Night" (Flashback)

NIGHT (3.10)/ 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT (4.20)/ SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.48)/ ITS MY LIFE (9.21)/ THUNDER ROAD (6.03)/ SHES THE ONE (6.50)/ BORN TO RUN (4.36)/ PRETTY FLAMINGO (14.16)/ INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET (11.37)/ FRANKIE (6.48)/ BACKSTREETS (8.15)/ GROWING UP (slight cut)(3.01)/ SAINT IN THE CITY (5.13)/ JUNGLELAND (10.24)/ ROSALITA (11.23)/ RAISE YOUR HAND (3.31)/ 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (7.12)/ DETROIT MEDLEY (9.21)

Audience tape - A special benefit concert played at the request of John Hammond. The audience tape encompasses the complete 18-song performance. A Springsteen show regular who attended has commented to Brucebase: "There was no advertising as far as I know. I used to call Mike Appel's office to get Bruce news and they told me. A few other diehards also learned of the show, so the first few rows were full of Springsteen dignitaries who got there plenty early. With my tickets I had Joe Kivak, Simon Montgomery and a female friend of his, a guy named Ernie and his friend, Ed Sciaky. Bruce was blown away when Sciaky showed up backstage. Also up front were Kennie Viola, founder of Thunder Road, and some friends of his. Bruce seemed real pleased to see friendly faces at such a strange venue”.

No set details known. Venue had a capacity of 4,000 in its concert seating mode. A Brucebase reader who attended reports it was a near sellout, with Bruce dressed in a dark suit (no tie) and Clarence in a white “Panama” suit.

NIGHT (3:03) / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT (4:20) / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6:29) / IT’S MY LIFE (9:15) / THUNDER ROAD (5:41) / SHE’S THE ONE (6:31) / BORN TO RUN (4:27) / INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET (10:38) / FRANKIE (6:33) / BACKSTREETS (7:28) / GROWIN’ UP (3:07) / SAINT IN THE CITY (5:36) / JUNGLELAND (end cut, 9:19) / ROSALITA (10:36) / RAISE YOUR HAND (3:23) / SANDY (6:54) / DETROIT MEDLEY (8:52) / QUARTER TO THREE (8:12) / TWIST AND SHOUT (start cut,1:55)

Audience tape - and seemingly the complete show is captured, with just a couple of minor glitches. The most frenzied ticket demand show on this final “Chicken Scratch” leg of BTR Tour – people camped out overnight on the Penn State campus for tickets.

NIGHT / 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / FRANKIE / BACKSTREETS / GROWING UP / FOR YOU / SAINT IN THE CITY / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / RAISE YOUR HAND / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY / QUARTER TO THREE / TWIST AND SHOUT

THERE IS NO CIRCULATING AUDIO FROM THIS SHOW. The above-mentioned 20-song setlist is courtesy of the best recollection of Brucebase reader Mike, who further comments: “We thought the show had ended after the second encore. We were outside when we heard the crowd go wild. We ran back inside and found the band back on stage, plugging in, with all the house lights on. They must have played “Twist and Shout” for 10 minutes. When they finished, they appeared ready to do another number when one of the ladies who ushered the Mosque walked up behind Bruce, tapped him on the shoulder and motioned with her finger "no more". It was a perfect comic ending, as Bruce acted frightened and ran off stage with the others while this 60-year old meanie stood there with her hands on her broad hips”.

16/04/76 - ALLEGHENY COLLEGE, MEADVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA

There is no known audio. The above-mentioned 3 songs are known to have been performed via a (not so complimentary) review of the show in the school’s newspaper. During the finale Bruce was jokingly carried of the stage in a stretcher…only to return for one more song (likely “Quarter To Three”, although the title is not mentioned).

NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / FRANKIE / BACKSTREETS / GROWIN' UP / SAINT IN THE CITY / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / RAISE YOUR HAND / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY

The above setlist was sent to me in a query, and originated on RMAS in answer to a plea for information on the show - it came from someone who discovered their long lost setlist notes handwritten on the night.

SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / BORN TO RUN / SHE'S THE ONE / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / DETROIT MEDLEY / RAISE YOUR HAND / QUARTER TO THREE

No circulating audio – but partial setlist details (above) are known via a following day newspaper review in the Johnson City Press-Chronicle. Johnson City is the home of East Tennessee State University. However there was no school affiliation with this event. Freedom Hall had a capacity of 8,000+ but this gig was presented in the venue’s 3,500-seat “stage show mode”, with half the auditorium curtained and chairs installed on the floor. Due to limited advertising the attendance was less than 1,000. Thanks to Jeff for the setlist details.

NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SHE’S THE ONE / THUNDER ROAD / BACKSTREETS / JUNGLELAND

Complete set details are not known, however the above-mentioned songs were definitely performed. The show opened with “Night”. Like the previous evening’s gig in Johnson City, this was another disappointing turnout, with only about 1,000 of the venue’s 2,500 available seats sold. BRUCEBASE reader Mike (who also noted the small crowd turnout) reports: “I was near the stage and actually patted Bruce on the back when he jumped from the stage and wandered among the audience as he played his guitar. It will always be the best concert I’ve ever seen because of the incredible energy level, as well as the fantastic music and performance by the band.” THERE IS NO KNOWN AUDIO.

NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / FRANKIE / BACKSTREETS / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / RAISE YOUR HAND / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY)(cut) / DETROIT MEDLEY

A sellout, held in the 3,000-seat Burruss Hall Auditorium. The above-mentioned 17-song setlist is likely to represent the complete show. The only known source audio is a 16-song audience tape that (strangely) ends with “Sandy”. However a review of the show in the school newspaper (see NEWS below) notes “Detroit Medley” as having been played and this was almost certainly the final encore, as it was for most shows during this period. “Frankie” makes its second-to-last known appearance on this tour. NOTE: There are hazy, second-hand, reports that after his concert Springsteen scooted over to a well-known club in Blacksburg called ‘Town Hall’ and made a guest appearance onstage with a yet to be positively identified artist that was on the bill (Nils Lofgren and ex-Steel Mill vocalist Robbin Thompson are two names sometimes speculated – but both may be incorrect.

NIGHT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT’S MY LIFE / BORN TO RUN / FRANKIE / BACKSTREETS / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / QUARTER TO THREE

THERE IS NO KNOWN AUDIO FROM THIS SHOW. The 9 above-mentioned song titles are articulated in a post-concert review of this performance that appeared in A.S.U. Student Newspaper. There were an additional 7 or 8 songs performed, but the titles are not identified in the review, although it’s likely they correspond to what was played at Virginia Tech two days earlier. Note: this is the last verified live performance of “Frankie” for 23 years.

"Bruce and Clarence onstage on April 24, 1976. Special thanks to the Appalachian State University Archives"

No complete setlist details known, although the three above-mentioned songs were played. This gig was originally planned for the nearby (but smaller) Tivoli Theater. Yet despite the change of location apparently less than 1,000 of the Memorial Auditorium’s 3,850 tickets were sold. Springsteen and CBS publicist Glen Brunmen were interviewed the following afternoon by the Nashville Tennessean newspaper and Brunmen mentions the disappointing crowd turnout in Chattanooga. Bruce also jokingly mentions that their tour bus had traveled an hour out of Chattanooga on its way to Nashville when they had to turn around and go back – they’d forgotten Max Weinberg. Typically Bruce didn’t let a small turnout affect his energy level. BRUCEBASE reader Steve reports: “Bruce’s road crew came out before the start of the show and nailed a piece of plywood from the edge of the stage over the top of the security barricades. Bruce jumped off the stage and played in the crowd a number of times. The show still ranks as one of my all-time favorite concerts.” THERE IS NO CIRCULATING AUDIO FROM THIS SHOW.

Complete set details are not known. This 2hr show took place at the Grand Ole’ Opry’s 4,500-seat venue on the grounds of the then-new Opryland USA Theme Park. Contrary to myth, this was not the first-ever rock show allowed inside the spiritual home of country music (THE BYRDS having broken the ice in 1968 at the Opry’s former Ryman Theater location). An article in the Nashville Banner the following day (it mentions “Growin’ Up” as having been played) gave the concert a glowing review but reported a crowd turnout of only 3,000. THERE IS NO KNOWN AUDIO FROM THIS SHOW.

NIGHT (2.56)/ 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT (4.01)/ SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.15)/ IT'S MY LIFE (8.58)/ THUNDER ROAD (5.31)/ SHE'S THE ONE (6.46)/ BORN TO RUN (4.11)/ PRETTY FLAMINGO (13.40)/ INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET (12.27)/ GROWIN' UP (2.57)/ SAINT IN THE CITY (5.01)/ BACKSTREETS (6.42)/ JUNGLELAND (8.49)/ ROSALITA (10.40)/ RAISE YOUR HAND (2.55)/ KNOCK ON WOOD (including YUM YUM I WANT SOME) (4.10)/ 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (6.12)/ DETROIT MEDLEY (9.58)

Soundboard recording - features Eddie Floyd guesting on Knock On Wood and Raise Your Hand. Released on CD "Knock On Wood" (RR)

"Bruce and Eddie Floyd backstage following the Memphis show. A few minutes after this picture was taken Bruce, Miami Steve and Glen Brunman hopped in a cab and went out to Graceland to jam with Elvis and party in his Jungle Room.......right, well that was the plan anyway. Bruce did manage to climb over the fence and stand on the lawn for a fleeting moment. Photo by Belinda Taylor."

No set details known. Held in the recently re-named, 5,000-seat Boutwell Auditorium (previous called Municipal Auditorium). Another very poor turnout, with less than 1,000 tickets sold. When Springsteen returned to Birmingham (and this same venue) on Sep 29, 1978 (this time to a full house) he recalled this 1976 gig and commented to the crowd – “we don’t get down here too much...the last time we were down here you guys must’ve all been outta town”

TENTH AVENUE FREEZE OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY

Details from someone who taped the show are - "The set (with a couple of songs I cannot identify) included the above - apparently the show only attracted 600 fans, and Bruce vowed never to return.

No set details known. Legendary 3,200-seat venue, home of the Louisiana Hayride radio broadcasts and the place where Elvis Presley and Hank Williams attained early fame. Unfortunately a very poor crowd turnout for Springsteen, with only a few hundred tickets sold. Brucebase reader Elaine, who attended, confirms – “Attendance was very sparse. We sat in the 4th or 5th row and there was no one behind us, I think about 200-300. But Bruce played for 2 hours and seemed to give it maximum effort”.

SAINT IN THE CITY (4.40) / JUNGLELAND (9.41) / ROSALITA (11.51) / RAISE YOUR HAND (3.41) / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (7.18) / QUARTER TO THREE (edits)(6.45)

Soundboard recording - incomplete set. Released on CD "Down In Jungleland Vol 2" (WW)

TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA

No known audio. Partial setlist is known, with 4 or 5 additional songs intermingled throughout this set that are still unidentified. There is 19 minutes of silent Super-8 color film footage of excerpts of this show’s above-noted songs in circulation (videocap shown below). This footage has been ‘married’ to previously circulating audio of the respective songs from the May 11th and April 26th, 1976 shows and is available on the DVD ‘BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: 8MM’ (Brucevideos Productions). Thanks Pete.

NIGHT (2.55)/ 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT (4.15)/ SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.35)/ ITS MY LIFE (10.46)/ THUNDER ROAD (5.41)/ SHES THE ONE (8.48)/ BORN TO RUN (cut in middle)(3.41)/ PRETTY FLAMINGO (16.11)/ GROWING UP (4.18)/ SAINT IN THE CITY (6.43)/ BACKSTREETS (7.33)/ JUNGLELAND (cuts and edits at end)(8.28)/ ROSALITA (13.06)/ RAISE YOUR HAND (3.27)/ 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (6.44)/ NEW ORLEANS (3.06)/ DETROIT MEDLEY (10.43)

Audience tape of the complete 17-song set. Show includes an interesting arrangement of “Saint In The City” and a very rare performance of the Gary US Bonds early 60’s classic “New Orleans” (incorrectly listed as “Mississippi Queen” by many sources). Released on the CDR ‘Mississippi Boss’, a title referencing that mistaken song title, not the location of gig. The audio tape was recorded from the seat shown in the ticket image (below) and at one point Springsteen jumps off the stage right in front of the taper.

NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / RAISE YOUR HAND / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY

Audience tape. A fan remembers "Us commoners had to sit in the last five or six rows as the cadets, decked out in dress whites, had all of the rest of the theater. The sound was amazing. The big crescendos of Growin' Up seemed to move through us from left to right. I mentioned that to Bruce at the Stone Pony before Southside's 05/30/76 radio broadcast and he said that Eisenhower Hall was supposed to be one of the best acoustic theaters in the country. I believe it."

"Bruce and the boys rockin' at the US Military Academy on May 27, 1976. Photos copyright Michael Butkis Jr, NJ, USA"

THIS TIME IT'S FOR REAL / GOT TO GET YOU OFF MY MIND / SWEETER THAN HONEY/ HOW COME YOU TREAT ME SO BAD (w/ Lee Dorsey) / LITTLE BY LITTLE / THE FEVER (w/ Clarence Clemons) / BROKE DOWN PIECE OF MAN / IT AIN'T THE MEAT, IT'S THE MOTION (w/ Max Weinberg) / I CHOOSE TO SING THE BLUES / I DON'T WANT TO GO HOME (w/ Steve Van Zandt) / YOU MEAN SO MUCH TO ME (w/ Ronnie Spector) / HAVIN' A PARTY (w/ Springsteen)

Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes’ first concert with major public exposure – hosted by Philadelphia radio station WMMR-FM and broadcast on syndicated stations throughout the northeastern USA. This was effectively a celebration of the recent release of Southside’s debut album. The Producer of the LP, Steve Van Zandt, was onstage playing rhythm guitar for most of the show. And what a lineup of guests it was (noted above), with Bruce taking the stage to close the festivities. The entire show is available the boots “Beginnings” or “Beginnings (and More)”.

“Two snaps from May 30, 1976. LEFT: Bruce and Southside struttin’ their stuff onstage for the finale. RIGHT: Bruce relaxing with fellow gig guest Ronnie Spector after the show. Photos by Richard Aaron”

No set details known. A private “10th Birthday” Party for music magazine ‘Crawdaddy’, held at an as-yet unidentified club in Greenwich Village. Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes performed as “house” band for the evening and towards the end of the show Springsteen hopped onstage and performed a couple of songs backed by the Jukes. Allegedly semi-pro film footage exists, but none has circulated.

Bruce takes part in 23-minute phone-in interview with DJ “Father Bill” Ayers that was broadcast live on New York City’s WPLJ-FM. Springsteen was at his apartment, Ayers at the radio station. Bruce talks about future plans. The entire interview can be found on the 2cd set “DARKNESS ON THE AIR” (Mystic).

No set details known. TWO shows. Bruce turns up to watch TONE, a group headed by former E Street Band alumni David Sancious and Ernest “Boom” Carter. There are conflicting reports on whether Bruce took the stage during this evening – the confusion may stem from the fact that there were two shows on the night and Bruce may have performed at only one of them.

“Bruce backstage with Sancious and Carter at The Main Point on June 21, 1976. This is the last known picture of Bruce with a full beard – he shaved it off the following day and has never sported one since. Photo by the late, great Phil Ceccola”

Partial set list - Bruce and the E St Band do an impromtu concert following a Southside Johnny gig. Many more songs were played according to the reader who submitted these details - concert included a break and started at around 12.30 in the morning.

Bruce and Southside onstage at the Pony on July 4, 1976. This was Bruce's first CBS-era public appearance without a beard - and as would be the case for the next few months, many people didn't initially recognize him. Photo by John Wooding.

THE FEVER / I DON’T WANT TO GO HOME

No circulating audio. Convention promoted as ‘The Family Of Music-1976’ and featuring four artists from the corporate roster, each performing 30 to 40 minute sets – SSJ & THE ASBURY JUKES (who opened), STARCASTLE, DAVE MASON and headliner THE JACKSONS (featuring Michael Jackson). Springsteen attended and made a guest appearance with Southside Johnny - on guitar for “The Fever” and on duet vocals for "I Don't Want To Go Home". Needless to say Bruce received a nicer reception from the reps than he had at the 27/07/73 Convention. Allegedly filmed by CBS, but no footage has ever surfaced.

“LEFT: Bruce supporting Southside on guitar at the July 1976 CBS Convention. RIGHT: Backstage after the show with rocker Elliot Murphy, who ended up going to check out one of Bruce’s shows the following week at the Monmouth Arts Center. Look closely and you’ll notice Bruce is wearing a Stone Pony jacket. Photos by C. Walter”

NIGHT (3.08)/ RENDEZVOUS (2.43)/ SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.16)/ IT'S MY LIFE (9.46)/ THUNDER ROAD (5.48)/ SHES THE ONE (8.21)/ BORN TO RUN (slight edit)(4.28)/ SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (4.27)/ BACKSTREETS (7.23)/ 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT (4.17)/ JUNGLELAND (9.23)/ ROSALITA (10.08)/ RAISE YOUR HAND (3.28)/ 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (7.02)/ SHES SURE THE GIRL I LOVE (3.29)/ YOU CAN'T SIT DOWN (4.50)

Audience tape - The debut of the Miami Horns Quartet (Line-up # 1), featuring Carlo Novi (sax), Ed Manion (sax), Tony Palligrosi (trumpet) and Rick Gazda (trumpet). The foursome came from Southside Johnny's Miami Horns outfit during a break in Southside's touring schedule. The show features the premiere of Rendezvous and Something in the Night - in just piano and organ backing form with the first version of the lyrics. First time that You Can't Sit Down is played on the tour and the only known version of She's Sure The Girl I Love. She's The One also features a re-written intro. Released on CD "First Rendezvous In Red Bank" (B Street).

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / RAISE YOUR HAND / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / YOU CAN'T SIT DOWN

Audience tape - Same set as the night before except the encores - usually found in better quality. Available on CD "Second Rendezvous In Red Bank" (B Street).

NIGHT (3.04) / RENDEZVOUS (2.45) / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.07) / IT'S MY LIFE (11.14) / THUNDER ROAD (edit)(5.32) / SHE'S THE ONE (10.14) / BORN TO RUN (4.21) / THE PROMISE (4.22) / BACKSTREETS (7.12) / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT (4.08) / JUNGLELAND (8.54) / ROSALITA (12.44) / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (6.46) / RAISE YOUR HAND (3.35) / YOU CAN'T SIT DOWN (4.18)

Audience tape - Live premiere of one of Bruce's finest unreleased songs, The Promise - also with different lyrics to later versions (not least the chorus is "It's a loser" rather than "Thunder Road". Released on CD "Delivering The Promise" (B Street) and CDR "Third Rendezvous In Red Bank" (B Street).

NIGHT (3.12) / RENDEZVOUS (3.00) / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.11) / IT'S MY LIFE (12.24) / THUNDER ROAD (5.48) / SHE'S THE ONE (10.57) / BORN TO RUN (4.31) / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (4.46) / BACKSTREETS (cut)(6.13) / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT (4.18) / JUNGLELAND (9.13) / ROSALITA (12.48) / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (7.08) / RAISE YOUR HAND (4.02) / YOU CAN'T SIT DOWN (6.45)

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / RAISE YOUR HAND / YOU CAN'T SIT DOWN

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / GROWIN' UP / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / RAISE YOUR HAND / YOU CAN'T SIT DOWN / QUARTER TO THREE

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / RAISE YOUR HAND / YOU CAN'T SIT DOWN

Audience tape of good quality with a very enthusiastic crowd, and newly surfaced soundboard for the last three tracks. The three soundboard tracks are on CD "Deep Down In The Vaults" (E St Records). Collectors should note that the whole show soundboard available on CD "Palace Theatre" (Joker) is actually a re-arranged version of the 22/08/76 show - which in itself is an unknown sorta ascribed date tape. Also available on CDR "Waterbury 76" which has some tracks from another show grafted on the end. There is apparently around 10 minutes of silent super 8 footage in existence from this show.

NIGHT (3.10) / RENDEZVOUS (3.02) / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (4.20) / IT'S MY LIFE (10.23) / THUNDER ROAD (4.09) / SHE'S THE ONE (12.00) / BORN TO RUN () / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (4.27) / BACKSTREETS (7.20) / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT (4.18) / JUNGLELAND (9.12) / ROSALITA (12.57)

A soundboard tape which has the honour of being the most mis-dated one. Although only starting with Springsteen & The E Street Band on 01/08/76 this is the final performance for the Miami Horns Quartet (Line-up # 1), who must leave to re-join Southside Johnny on tour. (Note: these four guys comprised the ENTIRE Jukes Miami Horns line-up at the time. There were no other musicians. They expanded to a five-piece in November 1976 with the addition of Richie “La Bamba” Rosenberg, but between April and November 1976, these four players WERE the Jukes Miami Horns. The Jukes were off the road while Southside recovered from illness. - thanks to Mike for the clarification here)

This particular venue is not listed by most books on the subject, but the board tape is definately not from any of the other known tapes and certainly comes from this period - "Something in the Night" has no trumpet backing and "Born To Run" is in the main set. “Rosalita” includes Roy playing a minute of Bach’s “Prelude No. 1 from "The Well-Tempered Clavier” in the band introductions. (thanks to Ingunn for that).

A fan present comments, "So we sit patiently waiting for the band, with no idea what is about to hit us. After a seemingly endless wait, the lights dim and the band comes out and BAM! they burst into "The Night" - such a powerhouse version that I can still feel the buzz from it when I think about it. That song is never mentioned as one of the great Springsteen tunes, but since that time, I've always regarded it as one of his finest. I've been a huge rock music fan for all of my life - since those days, I've been a music critic and written hundreds of articles and thousands of reviews and have bought well over ten thousand records and CDs. I've played in my own band, recorded multiple CDs, and run an independent record label, and after all this, I still think of that show as the point where I first saw something that I've only seen a handful of other times: what REAL rock and roll is." - thanks to Steve G for that - and the alternate stub below.

The tape was first booted many years ago on the old vinyl "Cry Me a River", "Live in Philadelphia I and II", and "Streets of Fire", the last of which was probably the source for the "Streets of Life" CD . The problem is, when did this show take place? It does not match either of the audience tapes of the two known Philadelphia shows. The CD "Arena Rock" purports to be a complete soundboard of October 25, 1976 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia (see below), but in fact it simply grafts Ed Sciaky's intro and the encores onto this tape. The CD's "The Palace Theater" and "Deep Down in the Vaults" list the show as 08/21/76 Palace Theatre, Waterbury, CT, but there is an audience tape of that show, and it does not match this one. August 22 at Springfield, Massachussetts has been used as sort of a generic date for this set, but there are plenty of open times for unknown dates to have taken place during this time. Also released on CDR "Springfield Rock City"

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / RAISE YOUR HAND / GROWIN' UP / YOU CAN'T SIT DOWN

Audience tape - The debut of the Miami Horns Quartet (Line-up # 2), featuring Ed De Palma (sax), John Binkley (trumpet), Steve Paraczky (trumpet) and Dennis Orlock (trombone). Despite the name, this Philadelphia-based foursome has no affiliation with Southside Johnny's band. The group will be a permanent fixture until the tour ends in March 1977, although they're only heard on a few songs each night. Something in the Night now features a trumpet accompaniment. Thanks to Mike for the line up corrections.

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / RAISE YOUR HAND / THE PROMISE / BORN TO RUN

Audience tape - The Promise returns for the first time since the Red Bank shows, and is now with different lyrics. Available on CDR "Santa Monica 76 First Night".

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / GROWIN' UP / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / RAISE YOUR HAND / THE PROMISE / BORN TO RUN

Audience tape - Growin' Up features a story in the break for the first time (a short one, about signing with Columbia). thanks to Mike for the setlist updates. Released on CDR "Santa Monica 76 Second Night"

No known audio. Springsteen and Van Zandt make an unannounced guest appearance (on background vocals) during an encore at DION DIMUCCI’s 2nd (late) show. Dion introduced the pair as “honorary Belmonts”. Bruce had first met Dion in Oct 1975 while visiting a Spector-Dion recording session in LA. However Steve Van Zandt, while touring as a member of the backing band for 50’s vocal group The Dovells, had actually played guitar in Dion’s backing band at a show in Miami, Florida on Dec 31, 1972 – that trip (according to Steve) being the original source of the nickname “Miami” Steve.

No setlist details known. Held in the school’s 5,000-seat Toso Pavillion. University Archives records indicate it contracted Springsteen & The ESB for this concert for just $7,000.

NIGHT (3.00) / RENDEZVOUS (3.03) / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.05) / IT'S MY LIFE (12.19) / THUNDER ROAD (5.45) / SHE'S THE ONE (8.10) / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (5.02) / BACKSTREETS (9.18) / GROWIN' UP (6.15) / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / RAISE YOUR HAND / BORN TO RUN

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS (fades in)(2.32)/ SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.21)/ IT'S MY LIFE (12.01)/ THUNDER ROAD (5.52)/ SHE'S THE ONE (8.37)/ SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (start cut)(2.27)/ BACKSTREETS (9.21)/ GROWIN' UP (6.58)/ TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT (4.22)/ JUNGLELAND (9.35)/ ROSALITA (12.17)/ 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (7.03)/ RAISE YOUR HAND (4.01)/ THE PROMISE (5.01)/ BORN TO RUN (4.46)

Audience tape. Jungleland added in from reader who has the full tape. Something In The night has a different arrangement. Also available on LP "It's only RNR" which also has Jungleland on it. Available on CDR "It's Only Rock'N'Roll".

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN (edit)/ SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / GROWIN' UP / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / RAISE YOUR HAND / THE PROMISE / BORN TO RUN

Audience tape - available on CDR "New Brunswick 76" and now also on "Shut Out The Lights And Steal Away" which is the full show from best available sources. The original circulating tapes miss Growin' Up and finish with Rosalita.

NIGHT (3.20)/ RENDEZVOUS (3.10)/ SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.25)/ ITS MY LIFE (14.35)/ THUNDER ROAD (6.07)/ SHES THE ONE (cut)(8.45)/ SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (5.20)/ BACKSTREETS (10.57)/ GROWING UP (edit in story)(8.20)/ 10TH AVENUE FREZE OUT (4.39)/ JUNGLELAND (cut)(8.43)/ ROSALITA (cut)(8.28)/ 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (7.19)/ RAISE YOUR HAND (4.12)/ THE PROMISE (5.24)/ BORN TO RUN (cut)(4.59)

Audience tape - may run slow. Available on CDR "Union 76" A new source has recently surfaced which has been speed corrected and apparently has no cuts - it's available as "This Is For The Bad Girls" (Kivak).

Audience tape - setlist now more complete, althought the tape still misses the final songs - thanks Steven. Appears to be a radio broadcast - or a audience tape faked up to be a radio broadcast.

GROWIN' UP / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / RAISE YOUR HAND / YOU CAN'T SIT DOWN / THE PROMISE / BORN TO RUN

NEW ORLEANS / DEAR LADY TWIST / TWIST TWIST SONORA / SCHOOL IS IN / QUARTER TO THREE

Complete setlist details are not known. There is no known audio. A discreet Springsteen turns up (apparently as just another paying customer) at a gig by one of his early 60’s musical favourites – GARY US BONDS. About half way through the show Bruce takes the stage, borrows a guitar and and provides duet-background vocals for the rest of the show. According to Bonds, Bruce played for nearly an hour. This was the first time Springsteen and Bonds had ever met. Afterwards Springsteen invites Bonds to guest at his show on Oct 29th (see Brucebase listing). In an early 1980’s interview Bonds commented: “I was playing down along the Jersey shore. One night the owner of the club came over to me during the show and mentioned that Bruce Springsteen was in the audience and wanted to come up and play. Bruce who? I didn’t recognize the name! But the guys in my band did, so I said ok. When I introduced him the place went crazy…and I’m saying to myself, ‘gee, what on earth is happening here’? After the show Bruce gave me an invitation and about a week or so later I sang during one of his shows”.

NIGHT (2.54) / RENDEZVOUS (2.56) / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (5.38) / IT'S MY LIFE (11.36) / THUNDER ROAD (5.18) / SHES THE ONE (8.13) / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (4.35) / BACKSTREETS (9.12) / GROWIN' UP (8.01) / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT (4.05) / JUNGLELAND (8.45) / ROSALITA (9.57) / SANDY (6.22) / A FINE, FINE GIRL (2.43) / RAISE YOUR HAND (3.45) / THE PROMISE (5.05) / BORN TO RUN (4.35)

Audience tape and soundboard. Show features Bruce’s earliest known cover of the Darlene Love-Phil Spector classic “A Fine, Fine Girl”. This gig has traditionally been noted in books as Springsteen’s first-ever large indoor Arena concert as a headliner – however in reality the Springsteen show at Vets Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix on Sep 26, 1976 probably deserves that title. This show’s encores were released on the CD boot ‘ARENA ROCK’ (Palace) which is otherwise primarily the soundboard tape from 22/08/76 show. Nearly 14 minutes of semi-pro color film footage of excerpts of ‘Jungleland” and “Born To Run” from this show are in circulation and can be found (with audio) on the DVD ‘BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: 8MM’ (Brucevideos Productions).

NIGHT (2.57)/ RENDEZVOUS (2.59)/ SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (5.44)/ INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET (9.59)/ THUNDER ROAD (5.39)/ SHES THE ONE (cut)(6.11)/ SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (4.45)/ BACKSTREETS (8.33)(* fades at end)/ GROWIN' UP (6.15)/ 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT (4.01)/ JUNGLELAND (9.03)/ ROSALITA (10.00)/ 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (6.09)(* cut)/ A FINE FINE GIRL (2.42)/ RAISE YOUR HAND (3.39)/ THE PROMISE (5.30)/ BORN TO RUN (4.23)

Audience tape and newly surfaced soundboard recording - Something In The Night features a rewritten last verse which is never used again, return of Incident On 57th Street to the set. Audience tape source is available on CD "Spirit Of 76". The soundboard recording is complete except the tracks noted by (*) above - two tracks as indicated are cut, and Born To Run is out of order as it was the final track. The soundboard recording of the show is also available on a factory-pressed 2-CD set called "Home Of The 76ers", released on the "Godfatherecords" (sic!) label. This show was originally scheduled for 26/10.

NIGHT (3.12)/ RENDEZVOUS (3.14)/ SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.14)/ ITS MY LIFE (13.24)/ THUNDER ROAD (5.53)/ SHES THE ONE (7.35)/ SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (4.45)/ BACKSTREETS (9.25)/ GROWING UP (6.40)/ 10TH AVENUE FREEZE OUT (4.17)/ JUNGLELAND (9.38)/ ROSALITA (12.34)/ 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (6.56)/ A FINE FINE GIRL (2.51)/ RAISE YOUR HAND (3.19)/ THE PROMISE (5.22)/ BORN TO RUN (4.44)

NIGHT (3.11)/ RENDEZVOUS (3.21)/ SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.11)/ IT’S MY LIFE (14.52)/ THUNDER ROAD (5.49)/ SHES THE ONE (7.27)/ SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (4.50)/ BACKSTREETS (9.47)/ GROWIN’ UP (8.31)/ TENTH AVENUE FREEZE OUT (4.17)/ JUNGLELAND (9.35)/ ROSALITA (12.45)/ QUARTER TO THREE (w/ Gary US Bonds)(6.28)/ 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (6.54)/ RAISE YOUR HAND (3.43)/ THE PROMISE (5.18)/ BORN TO RUN (4.33)

Audience tape – “Something in the Night” now arranged into third tour variation, with another rewritten last verse (utilized for the remainder of the tour). Gary US Bonds, who Bruce had met for the first time a week or so before, guests on a moving “Quarter To Three”. Released on CDR "Twisting The Night Away" (Red Rose)

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / GROWIN' UP / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA - LAND OF A 1000 DANCES (w/ Patti Smith) / A FINE FINE GIRL / SANDY / RAISE YOUR HAND / THE PROMISE / BORN TO RUN

Audience tape. The only-ever guest appearance by Patti Smith at a Springsteen concert, on a customized, one-off, arrangement of “Rosalita”. Brucebase reader Cliff comments: "I was on the floor taking pictures and saw a commotion in front of the stage…I don't think security knew who Patti Smith was. It took a minute or two before Bruce motioned to let her come up". Patti Smith rants/sings during a special interlude break in “Rosalita”, with the horns playing what sounds like the riff to "Shotgun" and Springsteen providing a "Land of 1000 Dances" chant.

NIGHT / RENDEZVOUS / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S MY LIFE / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / GROWIN' UP / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA / THE PROMISE / A FINE FINE GIRL / RAISE YOUR HAND / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / BORN TO RUN

Audience tape - Final performance of The Promise for this tour. Available on CDR "Just Kids Wasted On"

NIGHT (3.02) / RENDEZVOUS (3.11) / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.12) / IT'S MY LIFE (12.49) / THUNDER ROAD (5.33) / MONA - SHE'S THE ONE (cut)(9.25) / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (4.56) / BACKSTREETS (9.15) / GROWIN' UP (10.10) / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT (4.07) / JUNGLELAND (9.11) / BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL (0.39) / ROSALITA (11.10) / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (6.32) / A FINE FINE GIRL (4.06) / BORN TO RUN (4.28)

Audience tape - Last known version of A Fine Fine Girl, and the premiere of Mona, used to introduce She's The One. The intro to Rosalita at this show has a short section of Be True To Your School.

NIGHT (3.07) / RENDEZVOUS (2.58) / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT (6.20) / IT'S MY LIFE (12.41) / THUNDER ROAD (5.24) / MONA - SHE'S THE ONE (6.49) / SOMETHING IN THE NIGHT (4.49) / BACKSTREETS (9.56) / GROWIN' UP (8.48) / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT (3.57) / JUNGLELAND (8.56) / ROSALITA (11.39) / BABY I LOVE YOU (w/ Ronnie Spector) (2.22) / WALKING IN THE RAIN (w/ Ronnie Spector) (2.49) / BE MY BABY (w/ Ronnie Spector) (2.56) / 4TH JULY ASBURY PARK (SANDY) (6.23) / WE GOTTA GET OUT OF THIS PLACE (3.59) / BORN TO RUN (4.24)

Soundboard recording – which is fortunate, as this is quite a unique show. Carl D’Errico (co-writer of “It’s My Life”) was in the audience and Bruce delivers one of his finest-ever performance of the song. A stunning cover of The Animals “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place” is also featured. To top it off Ronnie Spector guests on three of her most famous Ronettes-era hits, all given inspired arrangements by the ESB. A pre-show bomb hoax results in Bruce jokingly asking the audience to look under their seats. Originally released on boot vinyl LP "Last Night In New York" (which has Bruce’s bomb scare rap intact) and more recently released on the CD's "We Gotta Get Outta This Place" or "A Streak Of Light Through The Tunnel" (neither of which include Bruce’s bomb scare monologue).

Bruce went up to WNEW-FM studios in New York the Saturday following his Palladium shows to sit in with DJ Richard Neer. It was an interview with Bruce picking out some records to play. The interview was very topical; reference was made to Bruce shaving his beard, wearing a suit at some performances, Clarence appearing in "New York, New York" etc. Neer also asked Bruce if he would ever play larger venues and Bruce mentions the shows at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. They also talk a bit about Jon Landau which segues into the fact that Landau produced Jackson Browne's "The Pretender" which was released that week and Neer plays a cut from that. Studio cuts were sequed into Bruce songs; Bo Diddley into 'She's the One'; Hey Mona into "Saint in the City". Thanks to Riccardo for the info.

IT’S MY LIFE

Bruce visits songwriter Carl D’Errico for a home-cooked dinner and a little impromptu jamming. Carl (co-writer of ‘The Animals’ 1965 hit “It’s My Life”), along with his wife Didi, had been VIP guests at Bruce’s Nov 4, 1976 Palladium gig, where Bruce had mentioned D’Errico to the audience prior to performing the song (it being a regular inclusion in Springsteen concerts at the time). According to interview comments by D’Errico, he and Bruce played a few things together when Bruce visited, including an acoustic rendition of “Its My Life”.

“Bruce and Carl D’Errico relaxing at the D’Errico home in Nov 1976. Photo by Didi D’Errico”

Early Show ;- EXCERPTS FROM A DOG DREAM / MY CAR WAS INVISIBLE / JESSE JAMES / REAL GOOD TIME TOGETHER / AIN'T IT STRANGE / GLORIA / MY GENERATION
Late show ;- LAND / FREE MONEY / MASQUERADE PARTY / GLORIA / MY GENERATION

With Patti Smith - Bruce plays piano or guitar on all these tracks. A fan present recalls "Bruce mostly played guitar since John Cale was on piano for most songs. A few of my photos do show Bruce at the piano however." There is partial audio of Gloria and My Generation available - but it's unclear as to which show it comes from - Thanks to Chris.

"Bruce and Patti Smith at The Bottom Line on November 26, 1976 (Second Show). Bruce had also performed with Patti at the Early Show. Photos by Chuck Pulin". Thanks to Cliff for the ticket images.

Sessions for Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes’s work-in-progress 2nd album ‘This Time It’s For Real’ (released in May 1977). Produced and arranged by Steve Van Zandt. Springsteen attended some of these Dec 1976 – Jan 1977 sessions. According to Steve Van Zandt the two new Springsteen-Van Zandt co-authored songs (“Love On The Wrong Side Of Town” and “Little Girl So Fine”) were written, at least in part, during the times Bruce attended these sessions. Springsteen may possibly have participated musically during some demo recordings but he is not found on any of the recordings ultimately issued on the LP.

Page created September '96 and updated June 26, 2008