News Updates
Bruce Springsteen Performs Three Acoustic Songs (2 Letter To You Songs) For Stand Up For Heroes Benefit
Well this was a nice surprise. Bruce Springsteen was back last night to support the Bob Woodruff foundation in the annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit show. Being 2020, the event was pre-recorded but man did Bruce knock this one out of the park. He is known to usually play songs such as "Land of Hope and Dreams" and "Dancing in the Dark." However, this year, we all wondered if he would play any songs off of Letter To You. We did. Not only one, but we were treated to two performances with Patti accompanying Bruce. These were the first "live performances" from the new record with "House of a Thousand Guitars" appearing first and then an incredible version of "I'll See You In My Dreams" to close out the show. In-between Springsteen plays a very stripped down version of "Long Walk Home." Check out the videos below!  |
Bruce Springsteen Featured In New Bleachers Song
New Jersey is trying to save 2020 with new music featuring The Boss. The Jack Antonoff lead group (the) Bleachers released their new song, "Chinatown," today and it features New Jersey's favorite son. Springsteen takes the last chorus verse. Antonoff says, "as for Bruce, its the honor of a lifetime to be joined by him. He is the artist who showed me that the sound of the place I am from has value and that there is a spirit here that needs to be taken all over the world." Springsteen does make an appearance towards the end of the video. Check out the video for the new single below.  |
Bruce Springsteen's Letter To You Film - An Incredible Look Into Greatness
We posted our original thoughts on Bruce Springsteen's upcoming album, Letter To You, this past Thursday. Now, we are going to give you a little preview of what to expect in his accompanying film that drops the same day as the new record, October 23. Springsteen opens by saying, "I'm in the middle of a 45 year conversation with these men and women I'm surrounded by and some of you." Although I wish I could say that this was true for me, it's impossible for a 27 year old fan. Bruce expresses that he picked up the guitar to communicate a message and that after all these years, he still feels that "burning need to communicate." After Springsteen opens up with his monologue, we cut to a scene with Bruce asking the band to gather around and Steve directing them to get out their notepads. We then get an incredible look as Springsteen demo's the title track on an acoustic guitar while the band takes notes on what to do and where while recording. As Bruce and Roy work out some details in the song, Bruce compares the E Street Band to a "finely tuned racing engine." Springsteen introduces each band member and we're off into a behind the scenes look into the bands recording of "Letter To You." I want to make one thing clear, we are not just listening to the song with B-roll footage of fields on Bruce's farm like the music videos. We are treated to a direct inside look at Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band recording the song. It's simply as great as you think it is. Steve makes a joke to Bruce that the band is on a Beatles schedule...three hours a song and that's it. The band did record this record in only five days. Springsteen's long time manager, Jon Landau then comes in with a joke of his own saying that if they come in on the weekend, the band will end up with a double album. Ah, to dream. The great thing about the film dropping alongside the album is that we get to hear Bruce's thoughts behind each song. It's similar to his Western Stars film (although the songs are not in order here) where he gives some explanation before each of the song's presented in this documentary. It is important to note that not all songs on this record appear in the film. Absent songs include "Rainmaker" and "Janey Needs A Shooter." Next up, Bruce talks about his old bandmate George Theiss and how after his recent death, Springsteen becomes the "Last Man Standing" from his very first band, The Castiles. Bruce mentions that he had meditations about him being the last man standing and it ended up being the reason for writing this new record. Springsteen says, "new music just comes sometimes, and only sometimes this is the way it happens." One of the cool moments that takes place after watching the band perform "Last Man Standing," is the next cutaway scene. Springsteen joins the band in the studio to do shots. Springsteen shouts, "Gentleman, here's to the road!" Which is greeted by laughs from the band. A really cool moment for our Italy readers as Little Steven cheers to San Siro. San Siro is known for incredible Springsteen audiences. The band jokes, "to opening in San Siro." Can't help but feel somber as they clearly planned to take this album out on the road. Whether or not they were actually going to open this tour in San Siro is another question but Nils jokes, "To the first of four nights!" It really is one of my favorite moments in the entire documentary. Purely based on the fact that it shows how much Bruce and the E Street Band care for their fans and want to play for them. It feels good. We are seen. We are appreciated. Not that it was ever in doubt, it's just really a neat thing for us to see played out before our eyes. I don't want to spoil too much of the conversations here but Bruce and the band members reminisce about memories they have of playing for the crowds over in Italy. I feel like this will be a highlight for many fans, and most definitely for our Italian friends. I don't want to give away the details of everything that is said in-between songs but it really is something special. This whole documentary is something special. You get to see Bruce demoing some songs for the band before recording, you get to see the band recording most songs on the new record (including two original songs written in the early 70's), you get to see the process that the band goes through and the conversations that the band has. The album as a whole, as we indicated in our first impressions post, is fantastic. This documentary just takes it to the next level. I think we are all going to be very grateful that we got to see the band in their environment, especially for us younger Springsteen fans. For those who don't know me personally, I'm only 27. Found Bruce on my own and have enjoyed the ride ever since. The fact that I'll have this documentary to look back on well into the future is a good feeling. Our idols...our heroes...doing their thing. Enjoy and rejoice Springsteen fans. This is exactly what we all need in this crazy year. You can stream this documentary exclusively on Apple TV+ on October 23  |
New Bruce Springsteen Interview With Apple (Watch Now!)
A fantastic new Bruce Springsteen interview with Apple music's, Zane Lowe, was just uploaded to Bruce Springsteen's YouTube page. You can also find the interview on Apple Music. Lowe and Springsteen dive into the new record and go into some interesting facts throughout Bruce's length and legendary career. Lowe really does a fantastic job in his line of questioning and one of the cooler moments is when they were talking about Nebraska. Springsteen talks about how instruments can shape albums and thoughts and actually pulls out the guitar that he recorded Nebraska with and plays the first verse. It's pretty incredible to watch. You can watch the one hour interview below! Don't forget (not that you have) that Springsteen's new record, Letter To You, hits stores this Friday, October 23.  |
Letter To You - First Impressions On Our First Listen
E Street is back. Bruce Springsteen is back. We have received an early copy of Letter to You and these are our first thoughts on our first listen. One Minute You're Here: The album opens with Springsteen strumming along to an acoustic guitar. His voice coming through crystal clear and with such raw emotion that it sounds like Springsteen is standing in your living room and performing right in front of you. Roy slowly begins to play in the background with an eventual filling of the air with strings. Almost brings me back to the voice of Bruce on his solo album, Devils and Dust. Great way to start the album. Letter To You: We have all heard this one by now. Insert your feelings here. Burnin' Train: You ready to rock? This burnin' train is coming full throttle down the track. Charlie's Organ is screaming to start on this one. Max comes in with a steady kick drum behind the band and we're off, "Zero's my number, time is my hunter, I wanted you to heal me, but instead you set me on fire." I can see this one becoming a fan favorite for many on the album and will be a scorcher when the band eventually and hopefully hits the road as soon as they can. "With our shared faith, rising dark and decayed, take me and shake me from this mortal cage." Janey Needs A Shooter: Hardcore and diehard Springsteen fans will likely know this song. It is very much like the original demo from back in 1972 and now updated with updated vocals and a beyond polished band. Bruce sounds great. Hell, the band sounds even better. Springsteen adds in a harmonica solo in the middle of the song which adds a nice new dimension to the classic, old school rock version. Make no mistake, Bruce and the band ball out on this song. Springsteen belts and drags out "a man who knowwwws herrr styyyllle" as the song starts to come to a close. If you liked the demo version from the early 70s, you will love this. Last Man Standing: Song begins with a nice strumming of an acoustic guitar and the band starts to add on, typical E Street fashion here. Springsteen is clearly talking about his career and likely focusing on his early band The Castilles, "You kick the band in side-by-side, you take the crowd on their mystery ride." Bruce reminisces about playing old Legion halls while the crowd puts away their pool sticks as they watched the show. "Rock of ages lift me somehow, somewhere high and hard and loud, somewhere deep into the heart of the crowd, I'm the last man standing now." Bruce is indeed the last man standing from his old band that jump started his career. It's pretty evident that he is recalling these old days as they get out of school and work in their thrift store shirts and jeans and take the stage to set it ablaze. Song ends with an E Street Band jam session with Jake Clemons' saxophone ringing through Bruce's home studio. Power of Prayer: Roy leads the band for the intro of the song and then Max comes in hard with a double hit and we're off. A nice and catchy melody that will for sure be caught in the heads of many fans after their first listen. Jake has another sax solo on the end of this number. This song on first listen almost reminds me of a close relative of "Kingdom of Days." House of a Thousand Guitars: Turn that piano up! Roy leads another song with Bruce shortly coming in a few seconds later, "The blood moon shines across the vale, bells ring out through churches and jails." Did you catch that? I feel like another Springsteen song mentions churches and jails. Anyway, I think Bruce is sharing how much music can connect all of us and how we all...become...one. With roy backing Bruce, "So wake and shake off your troubles my friend, we'll go where the music never ends, from the stadiums to the small town bars." I have a feeling this one will be another one that gets easily stuck in your head after the first listen. The band fades out with just Roy playing the riff with Bruce singing "A thousand guitars" eight times to end the number. Rainmaker: Well, I was not expecting the start of this one. Starts very subtle with Bruce slowly preaching, "Parched crops dying 'neath a dead sun." But, man...oh man, wait for the chorus. Hits you a like a ton of bricks with the full band punching you through your speakers, "Rainmaker a little faith for hire!" I can very clearly picture Bruce's veins popping out of his neck singing this one while recording. This might be one of my favorites on first listen and I found myself wanting to keep replaying it. It seriously just grabs you and kicks serious ass. If I Was The Priest: Yes, this is a full band arrangement. Rejoice! Seriously...this is incredible and is clearly a highlight of the album. This is another easter egg song on the album for the diehards. Springsteen originally demoed this song back in the early 70's and rearranged the song for this album. Starts with Bruce taking a breath and then..."There's a light on yonder mountain" while guitars lightly strum with Max's high-hat keeping the tempo. Roy comes in about halfway through the first verse and then right at the end...bam. E Street bliss. For sure one of the standouts for me on the album, it really is that good. Ghosts: We have all heard this one by now. Insert your feelings here. Song For Orphans: Full band...again. Rejoice! Again! This song was featured in Springsteen's live archive series when he released one of his Trenton, NJ solo shows to wrap up the Devils and Dust tour in 2005. This song now gets the treatment it finally deserves. Springsteen opens up his harmonica ringing out with the band kicking ass in the background as E Street seemingly always does on this record. Again, diehards will be very happy with this recording. I'll See You In My Dreams: This was the perfect way to end this album. I don't think it is a secret that Springsteen is looking back on his life in this album and remembers those who crossed his path who are no longer with us. "I got your guitar, here by the bed...and although my soul feels like it's been split at the seams, I'll see you in my dreams." Springsteen wants to note that although some important people may be gone, this is for sure not the end..."We'll meet and live and laugh again, I'll see you in my dreams, yeah up around the riverbed, for death is not the end, and I'll see you in my dreams." These are our brief first thoughts after our first listen to the album from start to finish. We will for sure be diving more into the songs but we wanted to give you an early glimpse into what we thought and also give you a little taste of what to expect. All in all...Springsteen fans are going to be very happy October 23.  |
NEW ARCHIVE RELEASE: Atlanta 1978
After postponing this concert from an original earlier date due to illness, Springsteen and The E Street Band absolutely burn the house down with a fiery set in Atlanta. Many fans are simply excited about getting this Prove It All Night performance as part of the archive series. You can buy this show now by clicking here! Setlist Good Rocking Tonight Badlands Spirit In The Night Darkness On The Edge Of Town Independence Day The Promised Land Prove It All Night Racing In The Street Thunder Road Jungleland Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town Night Train Fire Candy's Room Because The Night Point Blank She's The One Backstreets Rosalita Born To Run Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out Detroit Medley Raise Your Hand  |
Letter To You Documentary Film Announced, Releases October 23
Well this will bring good news to all Springsteen fans today. Springsteen announced today that he will release a documentary film the same day that he will release his new studio album. On October 23, Apple TV+ will stream the film that promises to offer a behind the scenes look of the recording process with the E Street Band. The documentary will also feature full performances from the band, in-stuido footage and never before seen archival material. The full performances are apparently the final takes of ten originals from the upcoming album. We have seen some of this footage already in the music videos for "Letter To You" and "Ghosts." Check out a little teaser trailer that was also released today to get an idea of what to expect from the documentary. |
New Springsteen Single, Ghosts, Drops Tomorrow
Happy Birthday to...us? While The Boss turns 71 today, Springsteen announced this morning that he will release the second single from his upcoming album tomorrow titled, "Ghosts." In the recent incredible and revealing Rolling Stone interview, "Ghosts" was described as the following: He was also writing about being haunted, not unpleasantly, by the dead, most directly on the rousing “Ghosts” (“I turn up the volume and let the spirits be my guide/Meet you, brother and sister, on the other side,” he howls)" Springsteen acknowledges that “no tomorrows are guaranteed,” but that’s as far as he’ll go on the subject. And it’s probably worth noting that the chorus of “Ghosts” finds him practically screaming, “I’m alive!” Happy Birthday, Bossman  |
NEW ARCHIVE RELEASE: East Rutherford 1984
We're heading back to the Born In The U.S.A. tour and we're heading back to Jersey. The 10 night stand is one for the ages and we get another taste of the times, this time with an August 6 release. The previous night has already been released as part of the archive series. However, this show has eight different songs in the setlist including a fire version of The Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man." You can check out that audio clip below. One of the personal highlights that I'm looking forward to adding to the collection is this rendition of "Open All Night." Setlist Born In The U.S.A. Out In The Street Spirit In The Night Atlantic City Open All Night Nebraska Trapped Prove It All Night Glory Days The Promised Land Used Cars My Hometown Badlands Thunder Road Cadillac Ranch Hungry Heart Dancing In The Dark Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out No Surrender Because The Night Pink Cadillac Fire Bobby Jean Racing In The Street Rosalita I'm A Rocker Jungleland Born To Run Street Fighting Man Twist And Shout - Do You Love Me?  |
BREAKING: New Bruce Springsteen Album Announced, Letter to You, Releases October 23
Bruce Springsteen will release his 20th studio album, Letter to You, on October 23. This isn't the usual Springsteen announcement for a new album. This is an E STREET BAND record. The first for Springsteen since his 2007 release, Magic. Springsteen and the E Street Band recorded this album together and live in one room. This is the first time that they accomplished this when writing a new record. The big surprise comes in the new album's track listing. Letter To You will feature 12 tracks, nine of them will be newly written Springsteen songs while three have been tinkered with that date back to the 1970's. Die-hard Springsteen fans will notice these songs as: Janey Needs A Shooter, If I Was The Priest and Song For Orphans. The ladder of which was recently released as part of the archive series from the 2005 Trenton, NJ Devils and Dust show. No word if Springsteen has played and altered with the lyrics. It should also be noted that the new song "House Of A Thousand Guitars" is not a cover of the Willie Nile song with the same title. Along with an album announcement, we also get our first listen to the new recordings that took place in late 2019. Letter To You (the single) was officially released alongside the announcement. There is an incredible video that Springsteen also released that shows him and the E Street Band in the studio recording the album. Check out the video of the single below! In addition, the three older Springsteen songs have seen the light of day from the 1970's. If you're interested to hear what they could sound like, check out those videos as well. The fact that we're getting a newly done version of Janey Needs A Shooter is just about enough for me. Press Release Bruce Springsteen’s new studio album with the E Street Band, Letter To You, will be released by Columbia Records on October 23. A rock album fueled by the band's heart-stopping, house-rocking signature sound, the 12 track Letter To You is Springsteen's 20th studio album, and was recorded at his home studio in New Jersey. Watch the video for the album's title track here: https://brucespringsteen.lnk.to/LTYSPS/youtube Pre-order Letter To You here: https://brucespringsteen.lnk.to/LTY-POPS “I love the emotional nature of Letter To You,” says Springsteen. “And I love the sound of the E Street Band playing completely live in the studio, in a way we’ve never done before, and with no overdubs. We made the album in only five days, and it turned out to be one of the greatest recording experiences I’ve ever had.” Letter to You includes nine recently written Springsteen songs, as well as new recordings of three of his legendary, but previously unreleased, compositions from the 1970s, “Janey Needs a Shooter,” “If I Was the Priest,” and “Song for Orphans.” Springsteen is joined on Letter To You by Roy Bittan, Nils Lofgren, Patti Scialfa, Garry Tallent, Stevie Van Zandt, Max Weinberg, Charlie Giordano and Jake Clemons. The album was produced by Ron Aniello with Bruce Springsteen, mixed by Bob Clearmountain and mastered by Bob Ludwig. Letter To You is Springsteen's first time performing with the E Street Band since The River 2016 tour, which was named the year's top global tour by both Billboard and Pollstar. Bruce Springsteen’s recording career spans over 40 years, beginning with 1973's ‘Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ’ (Columbia Records). He has garnered 20 Grammys, won an Oscar and a Tony, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received a Kennedy Center Honor and was MusiCares’ 2013 Person of the Year. Springsteen’s memoir ‘Born to Run’ (Simon & Schuster) and its companion album ‘Chapter and Verse’ were released in September 2016, and he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in November 2016. His historic 236-show run of ‘Springsteen on Broadway’ at Jujamcyn’s Walter Kerr Theatre from October 2017 to December 2018 also yielded an accompanying soundtrack album and Netflix special. In 2019, Springsteen released 'Western Stars,' his first studio album in five years, and together with longtime collaborator Thom Zimny he co-directed ‘Western Stars,’ a feature film released through Warner Bros. Tracklist One Minute You're Here Letter To You Burnin' Train Janey Needs A Shooter Last Man Standing The Power Of Prayer House Of A Thousand Guitars Rainmaker If I Was The Priest Ghosts Song For Orphans I'll See You In My Dreams  |
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