1971
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1971-01-08 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, with Steve Van Zandt & Friends the lone act on the bill. The 'Friends' include Springsteen (just back from a Christmas trip to California), Garry Tallent, Danny Federici, Southside Johnny, Joe Hagstrom (guitar), and Bobby Williams (drums). An early attempt by Van Zandt to formulate new directions in the wake of Springsteen's December 1970 decision to end Steel Mill.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-01-08 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, with Steve Van Zandt & Friends the lone act on the bill. The 'Friends' include Springsteen (just back from a Christmas trip to California), Garry Tallent, Danny Federici, Southside Johnny, Joe Hagstrom (guitar), and Bobby Williams (drums). An early attempt by Van Zandt to formulate new directions in the wake of Springsteen's December 1970 decision to end Steel Mill.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-01-09 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, with Steve Van Zandt & Friends the lone act on the bill. The 'Friends' include Springsteen (just back from a Christmas trip to California), Garry Tallent, Danny Federici, Southside Johnny, Joe Hagstrom (guitar), and Bobby Williams (drums). An early attempt by Van Zandt to formulate new directions in the wake of Springsteen's December 1970 decision to end Steel Mill.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-01-09 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, with Steve Van Zandt & Friends the lone act on the bill. The 'Friends' include Springsteen (just back from a Christmas trip to California), Garry Tallent, Danny Federici, Southside Johnny, Joe Hagstrom (guitar), and Bobby Williams (drums). An early attempt by Van Zandt to formulate new directions in the wake of Springsteen's December 1970 decision to end Steel Mill.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-01-18 - D'SCENE, SOUTH AMBOY, NJ
HE'S GUILTY (THE JUDGE SONG) / GOIN' BACK TO GEORGIA / OH MAMA / CHANGING CHILDREN / MARY LOUISE WATSON / DANCING IN THE STREET - HONKY TONK WOMEN / I CAN'T TAKE IT NO MORE / TRAIN RIDE / I GOTTA BE FREE - TURN ON YOUR LOVE LIGHT / RESURRECTION / RUN, SHAKER LIFE
One show, double bill, with Steel Mill headlining with support from Godzilla. The listed eleven-song setlist is believed to be the complete show and the entire performance is circulating in very good to excellent soundboard quality, although the material has a notorious history of being cannibalized, re-sequenced and incorrectly dated. Be aware that this show is sometimes listed as a twelve- or thirteen-song performance if "Honky Tonk Women" and/or "Turn On Your Love Light" are counted as separate songs. "Mary Louise Watson" is also known by the title "Black Widow Spider". Last known performance of "I Can't Take It No More", which is also known by the title "I Can't Take It". "Changing Children" is also known as "Change It" or "Change It (Revolution)".
1971-01-22 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
DANCING IN THE STREET - HONKY TONK WOMEN - PROUD MARY / OH MAMA / GOIN' BACK TO GEORGIA / HE'S GUILTY (THE JUDGE SONG) / CHANGING CHILDREN / TRAIN RIDE / I GOTTA BE FREE - TURN ON YOUR LOVE LIGHT / RUN, SHAKER LIFE / RESURRECTION
One show, double bill, with Steel Mill headlining and National Debt opening. A pre-concert newspaper article in the Middletown Courier (see our News tab) mentions two shows scheduled for this night, but none for the following evening. These two shows were ultimately 'split', with one show taking place on this and the following night. The listed nine-song setlist can be found on a good quality (for the era) audience recording that can be dated with a fairly high degree of confidence to this show, Steel Mill's penultimate. The 90-minute tape surfaced in early 2017 after a Springsteen fan took an Uber ride in New Jersey with the taper's brother. As often happens in Jersey, Springsteen came up in the conversation, and the driver said that his brother taped one of the final Steel Mill gigs at The Upstage on a cassette recorder, and he had CDs of the show in the car. Before long a deal was struck, and the discs were passed on to a long-time collector. Aside from the information from the taper's brother, there are several other compelling clues that lead us to place this information here. Firstly, the set includes "Train Ride", with Robbin Thompson providing the lead vocals, dating it to after August 1970. Towards the end of the show, the band gives a ninety-second PSA from the stage. They talk about how important the club is, that it's the only place where they can play and jam, and it needs to stay open. These comments can only be referring to The Upstage. Bruce also comments about Danny Federici's legal issues that arose from the incident at the Clearwater Swim Club in Atlantic Highlands in September 1970, and his subsequent guilty plea that took place sometime in November. Finally, Springsteen also mentions that the band is also playing tomorrow, and we know a show took place on January 23. Perhaps surprisingly, this is Springsteen's first ever announced show at the Upstage. The tape is the only piece of substantial audio of Springsteen performing at The Upstage known to exist, and captures Steel Mill in fine, spirited form, with some scorching guitar work from Springsteen throughout the set.
1971-01-23 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
SWEET MELINDA / OH MAMA / HE'S GUILTY (THE JUDGE SONG)
Incomplete setlist.
One show, double bill, with Steel Mill headlining and National Debt opening. This was advertised as the final Steel Mill gig and current evidence supports this, including Springsteen noting this fact at D'Scene earlier in the week. The dissolution of Steel Mill was amicable. Apparently, Bruce had informed members in December, prior to a Christmas trip to California, of his desire to explore other musical directions. Speaking of his brief, five-month (September 1970 - January 1971) Steel Mill tenure, vocalist Robbin Thompson has commented: "it was a strange thing. No one really knew why I was in the band….but about half way through I knew the band, as it was, wasn't going to last, especially me."
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
End of the "Steel Mill" era |
1971-01-29 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, with Steve Van Zandt & The Big Bad Bobby Williams Band the lone act on the bill. Springsteen is believed to have made a guest appearance during parts of one or both of these shows. The Big Bad Bobby Williams Band was a fairly short-lived group (November 1970 - March 1971) and consisted of Bobby Williams (drums, vocals), Garry Tallent (bass), Steven Van Zandt (vocals, guitar), David Sancious (organ) and Southside Johnny (harp, vocals). 27 minutes of very good quality soundboard audio circulate from this show, including two lengthy jam improvisations. However, this audio does not include Springsteen. The exact date of the recording is not yet known, although it's from this close-proximity time period; it is likely to be from either this January 29 Upstage gig or from a show the band performed at the Sunshine In on February 19. Van Zandt handles the vocals on both songs and his lead and slide guitar work here is phenomenal, the best representation of Van Zandt's guitar prowess available on any known audio.
1971-01-29 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, with Steve Van Zandt & The Big Bad Bobby Williams Band the lone act on the bill. Springsteen is believed to have made a guest appearance during parts of one or both of these shows.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-01-30 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, with Steve Van Zandt & The Big Bad Bobby Williams Band the lone act on the bill. An early attempt by Van Zandt to formulate new directions in the wake of Springsteen's December 1970 decision to end Steel Mill. Springsteen guests.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-01-30 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, with Steve Van Zandt & The Big Bad Bobby Williams Band the lone act on the bill. An early attempt by Van Zandt to formulate new directions in the wake of Springsteen's December 1970 decision to end Steel Mill. Springsteen guests.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-02-00 - CHALLENGER EASTERN SURFBOARDS, WANAMASSA, NJ
No set details known.
Rehearsals for the upcoming Allman Brothers show on March 27 begin at the surfboard factory in February. At some point in the near future Tinker would move the factory to Atlantic Highlands.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-02-12 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
I'M GOING HOME
Setlist incomplete and may be inaccurate.
An 'open-mic' night at the club (no pre-advertised acts on the bill). Springsteen attends and jams with a variety of different shore area musicians at various points throughout the evening. In the documentary Just Before the Dawn: Riot. Redemption. Rock 'n' Roll, Albee Tellone recalls that Bruce liked to close his Upstage jam sets with Ten Years After's "I'm Going Home"; we've listed the song here, but it may have appeared during any (or several) of Bruce's Upstage appearances.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-02-13 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
An 'open-mic' night at the club (no pre-advertised acts on the bill). Springsteen attends and jams with a variety of different shore area musicians at various points throughout the evening.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-02-19 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
An 'open-mic' night at the club (no pre-advertised acts on the bill). Springsteen attends and jams with a variety of different shore area musicians at various points throughout the evening.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-02-20 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
An 'open-mic' night at the club (no pre-advertised acts on the bill). Springsteen attends and jams with a variety of different shore area musicians at various points throughout the evening.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-02-26 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
An 'open-mic' night at the club (no pre-advertised acts on the bill). Springsteen attends and jams with a variety of different shore area musicians at various points throughout the evening.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-02-27 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
An 'open-mic' night at the club (no pre-advertised acts on the bill). Springsteen attends and jams with a variety of different shore area musicians at various points throughout the evening.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-03-05 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
An 'open-mic' night at the club (no pre-advertised acts on the bill). Springsteen attends and jams with a variety of different shore area musicians at various points throughout the evening.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-03-06 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
An 'open-mic' night at the club (no pre-advertised acts on the bill). Springsteen attends and jams with a variety of different shore area musicians at various points throughout the evening.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-03-12 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
An 'open-mic' night at the club (no pre-advertised acts on the bill). Springsteen attends and jams with a variety of different shore area musicians at various points throughout the evening.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-03-13 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
An 'open-mic' night at the club (no pre-advertised acts on the bill). Springsteen attends and jams with a variety of different shore area musicians at various points throughout the evening.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-03-18 - DEAL PARK RECREATION CENTER, DEAL, NJ
No set details known.
One show, double bill, with Springsteen headlining and country-rock band Highway opening. This was a Jewish Community sponsored dance orchestrated by the Young Hebrew Association (YWHA), who utilized the park facility as its clubhouse. Although the poster billing "Bruce Springsteen" implies a possible solo performance, it wasn't. The billing reflects the fact that Bruce had no settled band (or band name) at this point. Springsteen utilized a four-piece backing band for this show and according to the most reliable recollections its line-up consisted of Steven Van Zandt, Vini Lopez, Garry Tallent, and David Sancious. Apparently the entire show (including Highway) was audience audio recorded by the head Rabbi… then accidentally erased soon afterward!
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
Start of the "Friendly Enemies", "Red Hot Mammas", "Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom" and "Sundance Blues Band" era |
See also Tour Statistics for show listing and songs performed. |
1971-03-27 - SUNSHINE IN, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, triple bill, with Springsteen (under the unique moniker of Bruce Springsteen & Friendly Enemies) opening for the second-billed Cowboy and headliner The Allman Brothers Band. Bruce and Steven Van Zandt were major Allman Brothers fans and during February Bruce lobbied hard to be part of the show, despite the fact that Steel Mill had broken up and Bruce had not yet settled on a new band. Ultimately Bruce decided to utilize the extended clan of musicians he'd been jamming with at The Upstage during preceding weeks and this event is perhaps the ultimate example of Asbury Park performing legend. The billing name "The Friendly Enemies" was chosen during February. It was actually a week or two prior to this March 27 gig that the famous moniker "Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom" was conjured up, but it was too late to change the name on the promotional material and posters for the show. Indeed, much of the long-standing discrepancy about how many Dr. Zoom gigs were performed stems from the fact that some people count this night's two shows as Dr. Zoom gigs, others don't count them. The two shows on this night weren't billed under the name 'Dr. Zoom', but they included all the elements of the 2 later Dr. Zoom shows in May, in fact they included more musicians and props than the either of the two later 'official' Zoom shows. Springsteen's backing band for this gig (the so-called "Friendly Enemies") consisted of Steven Van Zandt (guitar), Garry Tallent (bass), David Sancious (keyboards), Vini Lopez (drums, vocals), Southside Johnny (harp, vocals), Albee Tellone (sax, vocals), former Rogues member John "Hotkeys" Waasdorp (electric piano), Bobby Feigenbaum (tenor sax), Bobby Williams (drums, vocals), and Tinker West (congas). Danny Federici was not present at this show. There was also a chorus/skit troupe of Upstage regulars nicknamed "The Sonic People" that included Connie Manser (the baton twirler), Robin Nash, Jeannie Clark, Fifi Longo, and Kevin Kavanaugh topped off by a quartet (Kevin "Bird" Connair, Bruce Greenwood, "Big" Danny Gallagher and Upstage bouncer Roger "Black Tiny" Lewis) that sat on stage playing the game Monopoly during Bruce's performance. At one point during the show Springsteen sat at the Monopoly table while singing. The Monopoly game and the baton twirling were unique to this show, these antics were not incorporated into any later shows. The name "Sonic People" later became known as "The Zoomettes". Apparently, The Allman Brothers got a kick out of Bruce's combination of zany props and inspired music. Backstage between shows Duane Allman gave some slide guitar tips to Steven Van Zandt and also played some impromptu slide on top of a soundboard tape listening session of Bruce's early show that Tinker West was conducting. Allman was quoted as saying, "That's one cookin' band, man." Sadly this would turn out to be the only Sunshine In appearance for The Allman Brothers Band. Although tentatively booked for a November 1971 return engagement (see August 7) the death of Duane Allman in a motorcycle crash on October 31 caused the group to cancel.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-03-27 - SUNSHINE IN, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, triple bill, with Springsteen (under the unique moniker of Bruce Springsteen & Friendly Enemies) opening for the second-billed Cowboy and headliner The Allman Brothers Band. Bruce and Steven Van Zandt were major Allman Brothers fans and during February Bruce lobbied hard to be part of the show, despite the fact that Steel Mill had broken up and Bruce had not yet settled on a new band. Ultimately Bruce decided to utilize the extended clan of musicians he'd been jamming with at The Upstage during preceding weeks and this event is perhaps the ultimate example of Asbury Park performing legend. The billing name "The Friendly Enemies" was chosen during February. It was actually a week or two prior to this March 27 gig that the famous moniker "Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom" was conjured up, but it was too late to change the name on the promotional material and posters for the show. Indeed, much of the long-standing discrepancy about how many Dr. Zoom gigs were performed stems from the fact that some people count this night's two shows as Dr. Zoom gigs, others don't count them. The two shows on this night weren't billed under the name 'Dr. Zoom', but they included all the elements of the 2 later Dr. Zoom shows in May, in fact they included more musicians and props than the either of the two later 'official' Zoom shows. Springsteen's backing band for this gig (the so-called "Friendly Enemies") consisted of Steven Van Zandt (guitar), Garry Tallent (bass), David Sancious (keyboards), Vini Lopez (drums, vocals), Southside Johnny (harp, vocals), Albee Tellone (sax, vocals), former Rogues member John "Hotkeys" Waasdorp (electric piano), Bobby Feigenbaum (tenor sax), Bobby Williams (drums, vocals), and Tinker West (congas). Danny Federici was not present at this show. There was also a chorus/skit troupe of Upstage regulars nicknamed "The Sonic People" that included Connie Manser (the baton twirler), Robin Nash, Jeannie Clark, Fifi Longo, and Kevin Kavanaugh topped off by a quartet (Kevin "Bird" Connair, Bruce Greenwood, "Big" Danny Gallagher and Upstage bouncer Roger "Black Tiny" Lewis) that sat on stage playing the game Monopoly during Bruce's performance. At one point during the show Springsteen sat at the Monopoly table while singing. The Monopoly game and the baton twirling were unique to this show, these antics were not incorporated into any later shows. The name "Sonic People" later became known as "The Zoomettes". Apparently, The Allman Brothers got a kick out of Bruce's combination of zany props and inspired music. Backstage between shows Duane Allman gave some slide guitar tips to Steven Van Zandt and also played some impromptu slide on top of a soundboard tape listening session of Bruce's early show that Tinker West was conducting. Allman was quoted as saying, "That's one cookin' band, man." Sadly this would turn out to be the only Sunshine In appearance for The Allman Brothers Band. Although tentatively booked for a November 1971 return engagement (see August 7) the death of Duane Allman in a motorcycle crash on October 31 caused the group to cancel.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-02 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Billed as a '1950s Revival' show, Bruce and Steven lead separate bands of Upstage regulars playing hit songs from the '50s. All the musicians were dressed the part, with hair slicked back and shirtsleeves rolled up. The handbill for this show and the next night can be seen at the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame exhibition.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-03 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Billed as a '1950s Revival' show, Bruce and Steven lead separate bands of Upstage regulars playing hit songs from the '50s. All the musicians were dressed the part, with hair slicked back and shirtsleeves rolled up. The handbill for this show and the previous night can be seen at the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame exhibition.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-10 - THE GREEN MERMAID, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Billed as the 'Bruce Springsteen Acoustic Jam'. The Green Mermaid was the coffee/tea house located on the floor below The Upstage.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-11 - THE GREEN MERMAID, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Billed as the 'Bruce Springsteen Acoustic Jam'. The Green Mermaid was the coffee/tea house located on the floor below The Upstage.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-16 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, billed as the 'Bruce Springsteen Jam Concert'. Bruce's method of finding the right combination of musicians for a new band. Out of these shows will emerge The Sundance Blues Band, Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom and ultimately The Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-16 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, billed as the 'Bruce Springsteen Jam Concert'. Bruce's method of finding the right combination of musicians for a new band. Out of these shows will emerge The Sundance Blues Band, Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom and ultimately The Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-17 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, billed as the 'Bruce Springsteen Jam Concert'. Bruce's method of finding the right combination of musicians for a new band. Out of these shows will emerge The Sundance Blues Band, Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom and ultimately The Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-17 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, billed as the 'Bruce Springsteen Jam Concert'. Bruce's method of finding the right combination of musicians for a new band. Out of these shows will emerge The Sundance Blues Band, Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom and ultimately The Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-23 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, billed as the 'Bruce Springsteen Jam Concert'. Bruce's method of finding the right combination of musicians for a new band. Out of these shows will emerge The Sundance Blues Band, Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom and ultimately The Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-23 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, billed as the 'Bruce Springsteen Jam Concert'. Bruce's method of finding the right combination of musicians for a new band. Out of these shows will emerge The Sundance Blues Band, Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom and ultimately The Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-24 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, billed as the 'Bruce Springsteen Jam Concert'. Bruce's method of finding the right combination of musicians for a new band. Out of these shows will emerge The Sundance Blues Band, Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom and ultimately The Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-24 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, billed as the 'Bruce Springsteen Jam Concert'. Bruce's method of finding the right combination of musicians for a new band. Out of these shows will emerge The Sundance Blues Band, Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom and ultimately The Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-04-30 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with the The Sundance Blues Band (making its commercial debut) the sole act on the bill. This gig included the original line-up of the group with Southside Johnny (harp), Steven Van Zandt (lead guitar and vocals), Vini Lopez (drums and vocals), Garry Tallent (bass), and Joe Hagstrom (rhythm guitar). Springsteen makes a brief guest appearance.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-01 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with the The Sundance Blues Band sole act on the bill. This gig included the original line-up of the group with Southside Johnny (harp), Steven Van Zandt (lead guitar and vocals), Vini Lopez (drums and vocals), Garry Tallent (bass), and Joe Hagstrom (rhythm guitar). Springsteen makes a brief guest appearance during the encores.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-07 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with the The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This gig included the original line-up of the group with Southside Johnny (harp), Steven Van Zandt (lead guitar and vocals), Vini Lopez (drums and vocals), Garry Tallent (bass), and Joe Hagstrom (rhythm guitar). A possible Springsteen appearance during this show, but not certain.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-08 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with the The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This gig included the original line-up of the group with Southside Johnny (harp), Steven Van Zandt (lead guitar and vocals), Vini Lopez (drums and vocals), Garry Tallent (bass), and Joe Hagstrom (rhythm guitar). A possible Springsteen appearance during this show, but not certain. Guitarist Joe Hagstrom left the band after this gig and Springsteen took his place starting the following week.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-14 - SUNSHINE IN, ASBURY PARK, NJ
IT TAKES A LOT TO LAUGH, IT TAKES A TRAIN TO CRY / GOIN' BACK TO GEORGIA / SIX DAYS ON THE ROAD / JAMBALAYA (ROLL OVER) / CRY TO ME / FAST BLUES SHUFFLE / ZOOM THEME / SLOW BLUES / ONE MORE TRY / ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN - REELIN' AND ROCKIN'
Setlist may be incomplete or inaccurate.
One show, triple bill. This is the first of only two performances ever of Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom (the other show was outdoors the following day). Undercard acts for this debut show were Sunny Jim and Godzilla (who were a late substitution for Cornerstone). In reality, Dr. Zoom was merely a progression of Springsteen's March 1971 The Friendly Enemies shows at The Sunshine In and his April 1971 "Jam Concerts" at The Upstage. Much of the long-standing confusion about how many Dr. Zoom shows were performed stems from the fact that some people count the earlier March-April gigs as Dr. Zoom events, while others don't count them. Technically speaking they weren't Dr. Zoom shows, but they did contain most of the musicians and the same party-like atmosphere. The members of Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom were Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt (guitar), David Sancious (keyboards), Garry Tallent (bass), Vini Lopez (drums and backing vocals), Southside Johnny (harmonica and vocals), Bobby Williams (drums), Albee 'Albany Al' Tellone (tenor saxophone), and Bobby Feigenbaum (alto saxophone). There was also an eight-member backing vocal troupe nicknamed "The Zoomettes", consisting of Jeannie Clark, Robin Nash, Connie Manser, Fifi Longo, Sherl Tallent, Kevin Kavanaugh, Steve Large, and John Luraschi. The MC was Kevin "Bird" Connair. Big Danny Gallagher handled the on-stage props. Danny Federici was not involved in the Dr. Zoom shows. The ten-song setlist listed has been culled from a document (in Bruce's handwriting) that is probably the song schedule for this debut Dr. Zoom gig. The material is clearly identifiable by Bruce's header of 'Sonic Tunes'. Whether or not Bruce made any late changes to this setlist for the actual performance is not known. Written on the setlist as "Dave Dudley", the third song is actually "Six Days On The Road", the 1963 hit made famous by country music singer Dave Dudley. The song is a celebration of the American trucker and was covered regularly on the Jersey-shore in the 1970s by many bands, including Albee Tellone's Hired Hands. "Fast Blues Shuffle" may be Bruce's name for "Last Night In Texas" (as also performed at the following day's Zoom gig). "Zoom Theme" is a rewrite of Irving Berlin's "Alexander's Ragtime Band".
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-15 - NEWARK STATE COLLEGE, UNION, NJ
IT TAKES A LOT TO LAUGH, IT TAKES A TRAIN TO CRY / SOUTHSIDE SHUFFLE / LOOK TOWARDS THE LAND / GOIN' BACK TO GEORGIA / LAST NIGHT IN TEXAS / WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW / JAMBALAYA (ROLL OVER) / ZOOM THEME / LADY OF BOSTON
The second (and final) performance of Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom at the first annual "Ernie the Chickin' Festival", an excuse for an all-day, outdoor party extravaganza featuring several local bands including Sunny Jim and Odin. The show opens with the Bob Dylan-penned "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry", sometimes incorrectly labelled "Group Therapy". Steven Van Zandt can be heard jokingly warning the campus ambulances (who were parked nearby) to get ready as Bruce opens the show with some screeching guitar! It was long thought that this statement was made by Kevin "Bird" Connair, but Albee Tellone has confirmed that Connair was not at this show. "Last Night In Texas" is a rewrite of Sonny Boy Williamson II's "One Way Out"; "Zoom Theme" is a rewrite of Irving Berlin's "Alexander's Ragtime Band". "Lady Of Boston" includes an interpolated section of The Rolling Stones' "One More Try". J.D. Woofer, Tinker West's dog, is present. Although we can never be absolutely certain, it is probably J.D. who can be heard barking during the acoustic "Look Towards the Land". Albee Tellone has recounted that the band tried to get him to roll over during the 'roll over' refrain in "Jambalaya (Roll Over)". It didn't work.
1971-05-15 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was the official debut of line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (installed as a fully-fledged band member). Springsteen replaced guitarist Joe Hagstrom. Bruce would end up staying in the band until mid-July, when he departed to devote his energies to the newly formed Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-21 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One afternoon show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was line-up #2 (Southside, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, Springsteen). Following this gig Bruce and most of the guys in the band head over to The Upstage for another two evening shows under a different name.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-21 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, with Bruce Springsteen And The Red Hot Mammas the sole act on the bill. Bruce's backing band is likely to have been David Sancious, Steven Van Zandt, Vini Lopez, and Garry Tallent. The Hot Mammas are believed to have been some of the girls in the The Zoomettes, not the soon-to-be-hired Bruce Springsteen Band vocal duo of Barbara Dinkins and Delores Holmes. This is a key transitional performance in the rapid-fire evolution between Dr. Zoom and the Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-21 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, with Bruce Springsteen And The Red Hot Mammas the sole act on the bill. Bruce's backing band is likely to have been David Sancious, Steven Van Zandt, Vini Lopez, and Garry Tallent. The Hot Mammas are believed to have been some of the girls in the The Zoomettes, not the soon-to-be-hired Bruce Springsteen Band vocal duo of Barbara Dinkins and Delores Holmes. This is a key transitional performance in the rapid-fire evolution between Dr. Zoom and the Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-22 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One afternoon show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was Line-up #2 (Southside, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, Springsteen). Following this gig Bruce and most of the guys in the band head over to The Upstage for another two evening shows under a different name.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-22 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, with Bruce Springsteen And The Red Hot Mammas the sole act on the bill. Bruce's backing band is likely to have been David Sancious, Steven Van Zandt, Vini Lopez, and Garry Tallent. The Hot Mammas are believed to have been some of the girls in The Zoomettes, not the soon-to-be-hired Bruce Springsteen Band vocal duo of Barbara Dinkins and Delores Holmes. This is a key transitional performance in the rapid-fire evolution between Dr. Zoom and the Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-22 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, with Bruce Springsteen And The Red Hot Mammas the sole act on the bill. Bruce's backing band is likely to have been David Sancious, Steven Van Zandt, Vini Lopez, and Garry Tallent. The Hot Mammas are believed to have been some of the girls in The Zoomettes, not the soon-to-be-hired Bruce Springsteen Band vocal duo of Barbara Dinkins and Delores Holmes. This is a key transitional performance in the rapid-fire evolution between Dr. Zoom and the Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-28 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was Line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (as a fully-fledged band member). A typical gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-05-29 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (as a fully-fledged band member). A typical gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-06-00 - CHALLENGER EASTERN SURFBOARDS, HIGHLANDS, NJ
No set details known.
Rehearsals for the newly formed Bruce Springsteen Band. They are Bruce, David Sancious (keyboards), Carl "Tinker" West (congas), Vini Lopez (drums), Garry Tallent (bass), Steven Van Zandt (guitar), Harvey Cherlin (trumpet), Bobby Feigenbaum (sax), Barbara Dinkins (vocals) and Delores Holmes (vocals). This was Tinker's new factory. He had taken it over around April 1971, although he had retained the old Wanamassa factory for a short time after moving out and used it to store Steel Mill's equipment.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-06-18 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
First of two shows, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (as a fully-fledged band member).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-06-18 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (as a fully-fledged band member).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-06-19 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (as a fully-fledged band member). A typical gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-06-20 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. A very rare afternoon gig at the club. This was line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (as a fully-fledged band member).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-06-27 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (as a fully-fledged band member). A typical gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-07-02 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (as a fully-fledged band member). A typical gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-07-03 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (as a fully-fledged band member). A typical gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time). Following this show the group went over to The Upstage and played another show until sunrise.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-07-03 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen (as a fully-fledged band member).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-07-04 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Sundance Blues Band the sole act on the bill. This was line-up #2 of the group (Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Lopez, Tallent, and Springsteen. This was Springsteen's last gig as a core member of The Sundance Blues Band, although he would continue to make guest appearances right up until the band was mothballed in early 1972. David Sancious (keyboards) was later added to the line-up in place of Springsteen.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
End of the "Friendly Enemies", "Red Hot Mammas", "Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom" and "Sundance Blues Band" eraStart of the "Bruce Springsteen Band" era |
See also Tour Statistics for show listing and songs performed. |
1971-07-10 - BROOKDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, LINCROFT, NJ
C.C. RIDER - DOWN THE ROAD APIECE / YOU MEAN SO MUCH TO ME / COME ON BILLY (BREAK OUT THE WINE) / LAST NIGHT IN TULSA / GOIN' BACK TO GEORGIA / NATURAL MAGIC / DARKNESS, DARKNESS / DANCE DANCE DANCE / JAMBALAYA (ROLL OVER)
Setlist may be incomplete.
One show, quadruple billing, with the newly-formed The Bruce Springsteen Band headlining the outdoor '2nd Annual Nothing's Festival'. Undercard acts were Sunny Jim, Odin, an unadvertised Sweetlynd Sound, and Jeannie Clark. This gig is the first known performance of Bruce Springsteen Band. They're essentially a modified version of Dr. Zoom & The Sonic Boom (minus The Zoomettes, Southside Johnny and the various vaudeville elements). The line-up of this initial version is Springsteen, Van Zandt, Sancious, Tallent, and Lopez, plus (on selected tracks) Bobby Feigenbaum (sax), Harvey Cherlin (trumpet), along with the vocal duet of Delores Holmes and Barbara Dinkins. This large nine-member lineup of the band will eventually expand to ten, with the addition of Bruce's manager Tinker West on congas. However this 'big band sound' will only last about two months before it begins to shrink. Future E Street Band drummer Ernest "Boom" Carter is in the audience for this show, his first time seeing Springsteen perform.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-07-11 - SUNSHINE IN, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
The Bruce Springsteen Band opens for the (at the time) red-hot Humble Pie. After the show, an impressed Peter Frampton, leader of Humble Pie, tells Springsteen and the band he'd like to have them open for them on a national basis. Frampton also states that he would be happy to get the band an audition with his record label, the prestigious A&M Records. For no logical reason, manager Tinker West declines both offers on the spot. The story is corroborated in separate published interviews with Peter Frampton and Bruce Springsteen Band trumpet player Harvey Cherlin. The show was reviewed in very favourable terms in the Asbury Park Press of July 12, 1971. The ten-strong Bruce Springsteen Band for this show consisted of core members Springsteen, Van Zandt, Tallent, Lopez, and Sancious, plus (on selected songs) Harvey Cherlin (trumpet), Bobby Feigenbaum (sax), Delores Holmes (vocals), Barbara Dinkins (vocals) and Tinker West (congas).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-07-18 - MONROE PARK, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known.
One daytime outdoor show, with the 10-piece Bruce Springsteen Band headlining. Support act was Sunny Jim. This was the first known gig a Springsteen-led band had played in Monroe Park since his Richmond debut (with Child - see June 1, 1969). Apparently, after their show, some of the band and its entourage went to see an outdoor concert by The Byrds somewhere in the general vicinity (possibly the State Fairgrounds in Richmond).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-07-22 - D'SCENE, SOUTH AMBOY, NJ
COME ON BILLY (BREAK OUT THE WINE) / YOU MEAN SO MUCH TO ME / Instrumental / SOMETIMES AT NIGHT / NATURAL MAGIC / BORDER GUARD / LAST NIGHT IN TULSA / I HOPE I'M TRUE / IF YOU WANT TO GET HIGH / I'M A BIG GIRL NOW
Setlist likely inaccurate.
First of two shows, double bill, with The Bruce Springsteen Band (in its 9-10 member incarnation) headlining and Sunny Jim opening. This was the first of two consecutive Thursday evening appearances at the club. A song list in Springsteen's handwriting (see our Setlist or Gallery tab to view) has been recalled with some degree of confidence by one of the band members as emanating from either this night or the following week's booking at this club. This does not appear to be not a setlist, but many (or possibly all) of the songs must have been performed at the July 22 and 29 shows. These are all Springsteen compositions and there are several rarities here of which no circulating audio has yet emerged from any show, rehearsal or studio source, such as "I Hope I'm True", "If You Want To Get High", and "I'm A Big Girl Now". The song written only as "Instrumental" may be what is generally referred to as "Darkness, Darkness", which was regularly played by the Bruce Springsteen Band around this time. In addition, a sheet containing handwritten lyrics of "Sometimes At Night" has been displayed at Hard Rock Cafe in Brussels, which can also be viewed on our Gallery tab. "Come On Billy (Break Out The Wine)" is also known by the titles "Nothing Can Stop Me" or "Nothing Can Stop Me Now".
1971-07-22 - D'SCENE, SOUTH AMBOY, NJ
CHEROKEE QUEEN / SHE'S GOT THE LORD / YOU DON'T LEAVE ME NO CHOICE / IT'S ALL RIGHT / DO IT WITH A FEELING / SPANISH DREAMS / JAMBALAYA (ROLL OVER) / GYPSY RIDER / FULL OF LOVE / DANCE DANCE DANCE / SO MUCH STYLE / FAST BLUES
Setlist likely inaccurate.
Second of two shows, double bill, with The Bruce Springsteen Band (in its 9-10 member incarnation) headlining and Sunny Jim opening. This was the first of two consecutive Thursday evening appearances at the club. A song list in Springsteen's handwriting (available on our Setlist and Gallery tabs) has been recalled with some degree of confidence by one of the band members as emanating from either this night or the following week's booking at this club. This does not appear to be not a setlist, but many (or possibly all) of the songs must have been performed at the July 22 and 29 shows. These are all Springsteen compositions and there are several rarities here of which no circulating audio has yet emerged from any show, rehearsal or studio source. A recently discovered soundboard recording from one of the shows on July 29 includes one of these previously unknown songs, "Full Of Love".
1971-07-23 - GUGGENHEIM BANDSHELL, DAMROSCH PARK, LINCOLN CENTER, NEW YORK CITY, NY
C.C. RIDER - DOWN THE ROAD APIECE / YOU MEAN SO MUCH TO ME / COME ON BILLY (BREAK OUT THE WINE) / I'M IN LOVE AGAIN / DANCE DANCE DANCE / YOU DON'T LEAVE ME NO CHOICE / JAMBALAYA (ROLL OVER)
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band (along with several other unsigned groups) performing as part of the Guggenheim Memorial Concert Series that took place daily in Damrosch Park during the summer of 1971. According to the New York Times the headliner and scheduled show closer on July 23 was The Richard Goldman Band, a classical orchestra noted for its creative use of wind and brass instruments. Bruce and his team were one of several unnamed-in-print undercard acts, each of who were allocated hour-long performing slots. At one point Bruce can be heard off-mic asking "How much more time do we have?" The response back is "fifteen minutes" and Bruce times the end of his show impeccably. The fact that Bruce's mid-1971 lineup included horns may have been the reason Tinker got this particular booking. The trumpet and sax are highly prevalent throughout and the arrangements (likely created by Van Zandt) are outstanding. Although this was an outdoor event, Bruce and the band were performing within the Guggenheim Band Shell. The superb acoustics of that shell, combined with an un-degraded source tape, have resulted in a truly exceptional concert document. Add to this a tight, highly disciplined and inspired performance by the entire band and it's easy to see why most rate this Damrosch gig as the finest pre-CBS Springsteen concert currently in existence. This texture of this performance is more in keeping with the funkiness of Bruce's 1974 Wild & Innocent Tour dates and early Asbury Jukes shows. It is essential audio in any Springsteen collection. The nine-member Bruce Springsteen Band at Damrosch Park is the same as the ten-member contingent that performed at The Sunshine In ten days earlier (see July 11 listing) with the exception that Tinker West is not playing congas, it seems Tinker was busy working the soundboard. This show includes some of Bruce's finest early-period songwriting efforts. There are definitive live performances of "Jambalaya (Roll Over)" and "You Mean So Much To Me". Delores Holmes delivers the sexy Ronnie Spector-ish lead vocal on "I'm In Love Again" and "You Don't Leave Me No Choice". A Springsteen lead vocal of these two songs has yet to surface. Bruce's searing guitar work during "You Don't Leave Me No Choice" is among his all-time best. Extensive research has revealed little; the Bruce Springsteen Band was not mentioned in the program or the New York Times. Many thanks to Special Collections in Performing Arts at the University of Maryland.
1971-07-25 - MONMOUTH HILLS CLUBHOUSE, RUMSON, NJ
No set details known.
This must rank as one of the strangest shows played by The Bruce Springsteen Band. Along with Mel Arnold's Orchestra they are hired to entertain guests at the 'going public' of the Marine International Corporation, a company engaged in the catching, processing and distributing of various marine resources. A company of VIP guests, including Senator Richard R. Stout, were fed the finest of seafood to the strains of the orchestra. The Bruce Springsteen Band took the stage at 1.00am.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-07-29 - D'SCENE, SOUTH AMBOY, NJ
C.C. RIDER / YOU MEAN SO MUCH TO ME / COME ON BILLY (BREAK OUT THE WINE) / NATURAL MAGIC / FULL OF LOVE / DARKNESS, DARKNESS / GOIN' BACK TO GEORGIA / I'M IN LOVE AGAIN / DANCE DANCE DANCE / LAST NIGHT IN TULSA / YOU DON'T LEAVE ME NO CHOICE / JAMBALAYA (ROLL OVER)
First of two shows, double bill, with the nine-piece Bruce Springsteen Band headlining and Sunny Jim opening. The Band consists of core members Springsteen, Van Zandt, Tallent, Lopez, and Sancious, plus (on selected songs) Harvey Cherlin (trumpet), Bobby Feigenbaum (saxophone), Delores Holmes (vocals), and Barbara Dinkins (vocals). Unsurprisingly, the set structure is similar to the show a week earlier at Damrosch Park in New York City, opening with "C.C Rider" before "You Mean So Much To Me", which interestingly Bruce introduces with the title "When She Sings To Me". "Natural Magic" was, at the time, probably Bruce's finest love song. Uncirculating soundboard tape features the only known recording of "Full Of Love", a song that was previously known from a handwritten setlist document which is believed to emanate from a gig at this venue. While the chorus is actually sung "I thank the Lord above / for sending me a woman that is filled with so much love", it seems highly likely that they are the same song. The instrumental "Darkness, Darkness" clocks in at over 18 minutes, and contains elements that would later be found in "Kitty's Back". Delores Holmes provides the vocals on "I'm In Love Again" and "You Don't Leave Me No Choice", which once again features some outstanding guitar work from Springsteen.
1971-07-29 - D'SCENE, SOUTH AMBOY, NJ
No set details known.
Second of two shows, double bill, with the nine-piece Bruce Springsteen Band headlining and Sunny Jim opening. The Band consists of core members Springsteen, Van Zandt, Tallent, Lopez, and Sancious, plus (on selected songs) Harvey Cherlin (trumpet), Bobby Feigenbaum (saxophone), Delores Holmes (vocals), and Barbara Dinkins (vocals).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-08-05 - GARFIELD PARK, LONG BRANCH, NJ
No set details known.
The date of this show has been unconfirmed for a long time, all we knew was that it took place some time during summer 1971. This show has been known about since 2013, when Jeannie Clark (Fisher) has recalled the day now uncovering this previously-unknown gig, but further information is now available from a recently-discovered Asbury Park Press article. Five hours of folk music came from Albee Tellone and Tinker West, Large & Nash, Jane, Mel Leyton, Basil, and Jeannie Clark. As the night started to close in, Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, on acoustic slide guitar, Kevin Kavanaugh on piano, and Vini Lopez on soda cans filled with pebbles, took to the stage for an acoustic jam.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-08-07 - SUNSHINE IN, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, double bill, with The Bruce Springsteen Band headlining with a 90-minute performance and Psychotic Blues Band opening with a 60-minute performance. The Bruce Springsteen Band at this show features the same nine-piece lineup that played at Damrosch Park two weeks earlier.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.Soundcheck: CHEROKEE QUEEN
SLOW BLUES / CHAINS / WHEN YOU DANCE / JAMBALAYA (ROLL OVER)
Setlist incomplete and likely inaccurate.
Undated audio of the listed songs circulates; no identification has been made as to location or date, but the song selection and instrumentation makes a recording date of July 1971 or later most likely. It is by no means certain that these recordings in fact come from the same show, although "Slow Blues" and "Chains" were performed together. Studio chatter makes certain that "Cherokee Queen" is a soundcheck performance, but the lack of audience noise on the recordings may indicate that all of these tracks are in fact from a soundcheck or rehearsal.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-08-00 - UNKNOWN LOCATION, RICHMOND, VA
No set details known.
In the last week of August The Bruce Springsteen Band perform in front of a crowd of 5,000.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-01 - GARFIELD PARK, LONG BRANCH, NJ
LITTLE QUEENIE / BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY / THE BALLAD OF JESSE JAMES / JUMPIN' JACK FLASH - IT'S TIME TO GO HOME / I GOT TO HAVE YOU BABY / YOU BETTER BE NICE TO ME, BABY / (GET YOUR KICKS ON) ROUTE 66 / THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLD DIXIE DOWN / DANCE DANCE DANCE (with Tinker West) / JAMBALAYA (ROLL OVER) (with Tinker West et al.)
Incomplete setlist.
One show, triple bill, with the five-member Bruce Springsteen Band headlining. The support acts for this show were originally Sweet Chariot and Tumbleweed, but it appears that the latter were replaced at the last minute by The Joe Hagstrom Squeak Band. This was an outdoor show orchestrated by Tinker West's Blah Productions. Garfield Park is located at the intersection of Broadway and Ocean Ave, near the ocean. The listed ten-song, partial setlist is culled from a circulating audience recording. The line-up for this show is Springsteen, Van Zandt, Sancious, Tallent, and Lopez. September would mark the beginning of the end of the ten-member 'big band' lineup of the band that Springsteen had been utilizing since July. Due to financial constraints, the non-core members of the Bruce Springsteen Band (Dinkins-Holmes-Cherlin-Feigenbaum-West-Daniels) will only appear, either in whole or in part, at a handful of special occasion gigs during the remainder of 1971. Although Bruce handles all the lead vocals, the performance is unusual in that Springsteen is on piano for most of these ten songs from this show. Sancious plays the organ and Steven Van Zandt handles much of the guitar chores. Tinker West guests on congas on "Dance Dance Dance" and the rousing finale "Jambalaya (Roll Over)" (which also features an unidentified walk-on troupe of backing vocalists consisting of inner circle troops and members of both undercard bands). Highlights of this show are "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" (the only known Springsteen performance), as well as the only known circulating renditions of two Springsteen compositions, "It's Time To Go Home" (also known by the title "Festival") and "You Better Be Nice To Me, Baby". First confirmed performances for "The Ballad Of Jesse James", which is also known by the title "Don't You Want To Be An Outlaw", and "I Got To Have You Baby".
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-03 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. Evidence strongly points to this night as being the start of what would turn out to be a virtual 3½ month residency at the club, encompassing nearly 40 shows. At a July 29, 1978 concert in St. Petersburg, FL, Bruce mentions that the band used to play Chuck Berry's "Around And Around" at the Student Prince. It's likely he was referring to this residency, although how frequent and at which shows, we can't tell.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-04 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time). As fate would have it, Norman Seldin & The Joyful Noyze (featuring its then-new member Clarence Clemons) was in the final stages of a 7 week (July 16 - September 5) residency at the nearby Wonder Bar. By comparing the common denominator times in both bands performing schedules it can be deduced that it was most likely on this night (or the night before) that Clarence Clemons walked over to the Student Prince during a Wonder Bar intermission and first met (and jammed with) Springsteen. Contrary to widespread belief (and Bruce and Clarence's wonderful, but 'embellished', stories of the meeting) Clemons did not quickly resign from Seldin's band and join Bruce, he remained a fixture in The Joyful Noyze until October 1972.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-05 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-10 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-11 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-12 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-17 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-18 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-19 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-24 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-25 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-09-26 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40-minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-01 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-02 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-03 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-08 - THE LEDGE, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, double bill, with The Bruce Springsteen Band headlining and Joe Cadora's rock band Ice Nine opening. Held in the Student Union's Ledge Club. Joe Cadora has recalled this show noting a number of songs that he believes were played.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-15 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-16 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show with The Bruce Springsteen Band the lone act on the bill. A typical performance at The Student Prince consisted of three or four 40 minute sets with healthy breaks in between.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-17 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-23 - KELLER HALL GYMNASIUM, UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, RICHMOND, VA
GOT MY MOJO WORKING / IT'S ALL OVER NOW, BABY BLUE / DO IT WITH A FEELING / CHEROKEE QUEEN / LOOK TOWARDS THE LAND / NOT FADE AWAY - GUNSLINGER / COMING HOME / HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN / KEY TO THE HIGHWAY / WHEN YOU DANCE / GOIN' BACK TO GEORGIA / DON'T LOOK BACK
One show, triple bill, with The Bruce Springsteen Band headlining. Trumpet player Harvey Cherlin and backup singers Barbara Dinkins and Delores Holmes are not featured. They are absent. The band is comprised of only the five core members; Springsteen, Van Zandt, Tallent, Sancious, and Lopez. Undercards were the New Jersey-based outfits Tumbleweed and Black Forrest Rhodes, both had recently become involved with Tinker West's Blah Productions. The three-member, acoustic-orientated Tumbleweed deserves special mention. They had recently returned from studio sessions in Nashville (booked under the name Montana Flintlock), events orchestrated by Mike Appel. Tumbleweed would turn out to be the original connection between Tinker West and Appel, one that would soon have Tinker driving Springsteen to New York to meet Mike. Springsteen plays piano on both "Cherokee Queen" and "Look Towards The Land" (with Sancious handling organ). Set includes the best-quality circulating version of the blues-standard "Key To The Highway", known from a subsequent performance at the Student Prince in December; the audio quality here is a vast improvement over the fair-quality audience recording from that show. For the first encore, voices can be heard near the front of the stage yelling for "Resurrection" (a song Bruce stopped playing when Steel Mill folded). Bruce doesn't oblige, but instead delivers "Goin' Back To Georgia", itself rarely played by the Bruce Springsteen Band. Bruce performs a condensed arrangement, without any band harmony vocals. However, it's the discovery of the second new song that is most important, a previously unknown Springsteen composition, the set closing "Don't Look Back", introduced by Bruce with that title (unrelated to the outtake from Darkness On The Edge Of Town). It is a slow, dirge-like song led by Springsteen on the piano and is nearly eleven minutes long. It is extremely reminiscent of some of the solo material that he would go on to record in the spring of 1972. "Don't Look Back" is about a struggling, previously successful singer and perhaps could be autobiographical, at least in part.
Part of the final verse reads: They'll take you, they'll make you and break you until you're almost gone / And they'll throw you to the street hounds to pick your bones / Till you're so damned stoned and confused and you can't sing nothing but the blues / You're just another winner whose turn it was to lose / Now them days for you are over and you're lucky to have survived / Here you go again with another rock n roll band, just playing to keep yourself breathing…
1971-10-29 - ST. JEROME SCHOOL, WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band headlining, New Jersey band Highway billed second and unspecified 'others' also listed as performing. Francine Daniels likely made her debut with the band (replacing Barbara Dinkins) at this show or at the Upstage later in the evening.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-29 - THE UPSTAGE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One (informal) show, with Springsteen and members of his band taking part in jam session with numerous other Asbury Park musicians. Francine Daniels likely made her debut with the band (replacing Barbara Dinkins) at this show or at St. Jerome School earlier in the evening. This was the second-to-last night The Upstage was open - the club closed for good on October 30. There was a similar jam session show on the final night, however, Bruce and his band did not attend because they were performing a gig in Richmond.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-30 - VCU NEW GYM, VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
GOT MY MOJO WORKING / LIVING ROCK AND ROLL / TALKING ABOUT MY BABY / HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN / THE BALLAD OF JESSE JAMES
Incomplete setlist.
One show, triple bill, with The Bruce Springsteen Band supporting headliner Cactus. The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was originally scheduled to headline with Cactus second billed. However, Butterfield cancelled a couple of weeks beforehand and Springsteen was substituted. Though not mentioned on the gig poster (see our News tab), also on the bill and opening the show with a 45-minute performance was local band Morning Son (John Mulkins, David Waddle and Steve Knopp). Audio evidence suggests the Bruce Springsteen Band lineup for this show was the core five-piece band, plus the vocal duo of Delores Holmes and Francine Daniels (who'd recently replaced vocalist Barbara Dinkins). Bruce would later utilize the melody from "Talking About My Baby" for his far superior 1972 composition "Janey Needs A Shooter". The ladies are heard on the three Springsteen compositions but not the two cover songs.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-10-31 - NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY, LONG BRANCH, NJ
No set details known.
One triple bill Halloween show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band headlining. Support bands were Tumbleweed and Black Forrest Rhodes. This is believed to be the final show to features Delores Holmes, Francine Daniels, and Bobby Feigenbaum, effectively ending the "big band" period for The Bruce Springsteen Band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-04 - POCKETFUL OF TUNES INC., NEW YORK CITY, NY
BABY DOLL / SONG FOR ORPHANS
Incomplete setlist.
Bruce's first-ever meeting with future manager Mike Appel, held at Wes Farrel's publishing company, Pocketful of Tunes, located at 39 West 55th Street, New York City, New York, where Appel was employed. Tinker West, who knew Appel through the group Tumbleweed (aka Montana Flintlock), organized the get-together and drove Bruce to New York City for the meeting. Bruce performed 2, 3 or 4 songs (accounts differ), some on piano, some on acoustic guitar. Only Appel and West were present at this first meeting. Appel has stated in interview that he was not particularly impressed by what he heard at this initial audition but did see raw creativity in the lyrics of "Baby Doll". Another song played was "Song For Orphans"; the titles of other songs performed are unclear, these may be the only two. The meeting ended with an agreement to keep in touch but no commitments from either party. The next Springsteen-Appel meeting, in February 1972, would elicit a dramatically more enthusiastic response from Appel.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-12 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-13 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
AIN'T THAT PECULIAR (with Southside Johnny) / BLESS MY SOUL (with Southside Johnny) / DARKNESS, DARKNESS (with Southside Johnny) / THE BAND'S JUST BOPPIN' THE BLUES (with Southside Johnny) / I REMEMBER (with Southside Johnny) / WHEN YOU DANCE
Setlist likely incomplete and may be inaccurate.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. Comments made by Bruce regarding video footage being shot during the show positively link this audio to The Student Prince, but the date is not certain. Prior to beginning "I Remember" Springsteen can be heard informing the audience that a gentleman named Mark Romanski is present and filming. Romanski, a friend of Steven Van Zandt, was filming as part of a course project he was taking at University. Sadly all the film footage was destroyed in the early 1970s. It is believed this filming was undertaken at one of the November 1971 shows, although the specific date has not been determined. The first five songs exhibit continuity and are clearly part of the same set. "When You Dance" is from this show but it seems to be the final song of the evening. "Bless My Soul" is also known by the title "You Sure Can Dance". Southside Johnny is a guest and handles the lead vocal on "Ain't That Peculiar". Southside's harp playing can be heard on all the songs except for "When You Dance".
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-14 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-19 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40-minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time). An 'unravel-the-Springsteen-song-titles' table mat puzzle (see the Gallery tab) was produced by the club for use during this month-long residency. The eleven songs titles mentioned are "Cowboys Of The Sea", "Down To Mexico", "Just Can't Change", "I Remember", "Like A Stranger", "Magic Loving", "Maria", "No Way", "Make Your Mind Up", "When You Dance" and "Funk Song" (more commonly known to fans by the title "The Band's Just Boppin' The Blues" or "Secret To The Blues"). Interestingly these eleven songs range from Steel Mill-era creations ("Just Can't Change") to recently written material showcasing Springsteen's rapidly developing lyric skills ("Cowboys Of The Sea"). Two of these songs ("Maria" and "No Way") are not known from any circulating audio.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-20 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-21 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-23 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. This was an unusual show in that it was held midweek (Tuesday). The early closing time allowed Bruce time to travel to nearby Linden to join in on a late night jam.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-23 - NEW PLAZA THEATER, LINDEN, NJ
JEFF'S BOOGIE / EVERY DAY I HAVE THE BLUES
Incomplete setlist.
One four hour show. Bruce makes an unadvertised guest appearance at this quadruple billing concert featuring local groups The Rich Baron Band, Taylors Mills Road, Tumbleweed and Psychotic Blues Band. Bruce had been invited to the gig by Pat Karwin, the lead guitarist of Tumbleweed and participates (on lead guitar) in a 30-minute end-of-show 'jam' that included a line-up of Springsteen, Karwin, and members of the Psychotic Blues Band. Bruce participates on extended versions of The Yardbirds and B.B. King classics listed. Tinker West organized and managed the sound equipment for this show.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-24 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. This was an unusual show in that it was held midweek (Wednesday), Thanksgiving holiday eve.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-26 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-27 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-11-28 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time). Steven Van Zandt also performed solo in the afternoon, billed as 'The Hoochi-Koochi Guitar Player'.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-12-03 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
SWEET MISS SALLY / SHE'S LEAVING / KEY TO THE HIGHWAY / SURE CAN FEEL THE PAIN
Setlist incomplete and may be inaccurate.
One show with The Bruce Springsteen Band the lone act on the bill. A typical performance at The Student Prince consisted of three or four 40-minute sets with healthy breaks in between. From a historical standpoint, the key tracks are "She's Leaving" (later recorded as a solo demo - here it's performed with the band) and the excellent "Sure Can Feel The Pain". "Sweet Miss Sally" is sometimes titled "Mistress Annie" by some sources. The listed partial setlist is taken from a circulating audience tape; although we have placed it here, it is uncertain which show the recording reflects. See the Recording tab for details.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-12-04 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
IF I WAS THE PRIEST
Setlist incomplete and may be inaccurate.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time). In an interview with Ed Sciaky (see November 3, 1974) Bruce commented that he played "If I Was The Priest" (which Bruce said he wrote in late '70 - early '71) at one of the shows during this residence at The Student Prince, although the specific gig is not known.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-12-05 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time). Steven Van Zandt also performed solo in the afternoon, billed as 'The Hoochi-Koochi Guitar Player'.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-12-10 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-12-11 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
COMING HOME / WALKING THE DOG / ONLY YOU KNOW AND I KNOW
Incomplete setlist.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time). The listed partial setlist is from an audience recording that probably dates from this December period and probably comes from this venue. Precise details cannot be determined.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-12-12 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time). Steven Van Zandt also performed solo in the afternoon, billed as 'The Hoochie-Koochie Guitar Player'.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-12-17 - THE LEDGE, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ
MARY LOUISE WATSON / SHE'S A WOMAN / WALKING THE DOG / THE BALLAD OF JESSE JAMES / WHEN YOU DANCE
Incomplete setlist.
One show, triple bill, with the five-member Bruce Springsteen Band headlining. Undercard acts are Southern Conspiracy and Powerhouse. Held at 'The Ledge', a club/coffeehouse located within the school's Student Union facility.
1971-12-18 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1971-12-19 - STUDENT PRINCE, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
One show, with The Bruce Springsteen Band the sole act on the bill. A typical Bruce Springsteen Band gig at this club consisted of four 40 minute sets separated by healthy intermissions (2½ hrs total playing time). This was the final-ever Bruce Springsteen Band gig at The Student Prince. Just a day or two following this show Springsteen drove out to California to visit his parents in San Mateo. Bruce drove with Tinker West, who had business matters to attend to and family to visit in California as well. At the time of his departure, Bruce was unsure if he was going to stay in California for several months or only for several weeks. This created an up-in-the-air future for all the other band members. Further gigs were performed at The Student Prince (without Springsteen) on December 24, 25 and 26 (billed as The Sundance Blues Band) and on December 31 (billed as 'Blue Midnight formally Sundance Blues'). As it turned out Springsteen only remained in California for several weeks. Bruce has implied that he performed some solo acoustic gigs while in California, but no specific details or eyewitness accounts have yet emerged. Bruce returned to New Jersey in late January 1972. By this stage, however, both Garry Tallent and David Sancious had moved to Richmond, both having accepted session players jobs at Alpha Sound Studios. The Bruce Springsteen Band was rekindled and due to Sancious-Tallent commitments at Alpha Studios many of the group's February-March 1972 gigs were booked in the Richmond area.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.< Previous | Listing | Next >
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