1975
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Continuation of "The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle" tour |
1975-01-05 - THE STONE PONY, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Guest performance by Bruce (and some members of The E Street Band) during a show by The Blackberry Booze Band (led by Southside Johnny and Steven Van Zandt).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-01-12 - THE STONE PONY, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Guest performance by Bruce (and some members of The E Street Band) during a show by The Blackberry Booze Band (led by Southside Johnny and Steven Van Zandt).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-01-19 - THE STONE PONY, ASBURY PARK, NJ
No set details known.
Guest performance by Bruce (and some members of The E Street Band) during a show by The Blackberry Booze Band (led by Southside Johnny and Steven Van Zandt).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-02-05 - THE MAIN POINT, BRYN MAWR, PA
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / MOUNTAIN OF LOVE / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / WINGS FOR WHEELS / I WANT YOU / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / SHE'S THE ONE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / JUNGLELAND / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / FOR YOU / BACK IN THE U.S.A.
One show, held as a benefit for the ~270-seat coffeehouse, with Springsteen & The E Street Band the sole act on the bill. The show was emceed by DJ Ed Sciaky and began just after 9.00pm. It was broadcast by WMMR-FM, but not as a true simulcast, rather it was broadcast on about a two-hour delay the same night. Interestingly, Springsteen almost backed out of his promise to allow the show to be broadcast. He wanted to play new songs that were still unfinished - songs that may not be ready for a large radio audience. It took a concentrated effort by Sciaky on the day of the concert to talk Bruce around. An attendee review of the show from 1975 by critic David Fricke states the show took place on February 3, but this appears to be an error by Fricke given detailed interview comments by Sciaky and the recollections of other attendees. Press reports suggest that Springsteen raised over $1,000 for the Main Point. The complete show was broadcast and the listed 18-song setlist represents the entire concert. Not only is it one of the longest (160 minutes) single-show gigs up to this point but it's one of the most compelling performances of Springsteen's entire career. There are spellbinding renditions of "Incident On 57th Street", "New York City Serenade" and "For You" (in the solo piano arrangement), the earliest known performances of "Mountain Of Love" and "Thunder Road" (with work-in-progress "Wings For Wheels" title/lyrics) plus a wild, majestic version of Chuck Berry's "Back In The U.S.A.". "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "A Love So Fine" includes an interlude of "Shout". Contrary to myth the police siren heard at the conclusion of "Incident On 57th Street" is an audio prop that had been utilized at a few of Bruce's shows just prior to this one, i.e. it was not a real vehicle.
1975-02-06 - WIDENER FIELD HOUSE, WIDENER COLLEGE, CHESTER, PA
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / MOUNTAIN OF LOVE / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / I WANT YOU / WINGS FOR WHEELS / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / JUNGLELAND / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / BACK IN THE U.S.A. / FOR YOU
Setlist may be incomplete or out of order.
One show, held in the 1,500-seat Widener Field House, with Springsteen & The E Street Band the sole act on the bill. This first of two consecutive nights at Widener was not quite a sellout. Due to the notoriously bad sound in the school's Field House, Mike Appel had engaged a local contractor to install echo-suppressing material along the walls and roof of the Gymnasium. A few hours before the show Appel learned that this material was highly flammable and a mad scramble ensued to re-position the material to be out of possible reach of the crowd. This caused the start of the opening night's show to be delayed for over 90 minutes. The material functioned reasonably well and the over-two-hour show was a roaring success. The school's newspaper reported that Suki Lahav had to be treated for exhaustion after this show, although she recuperated in time for the following night's performance. The 16-song setlist listed is sourced from the video and newspaper reviews and may be the complete set, although it is possible that one or two songs are missing and it's likely that the order is not correct. As noted in the Montgomery Gazette, "Incident On 57th Street" opened the show, and a two-song encore of "Back In The U.S.A." and "For You" (played by Springsteen alone at the piano) brought the proceedings to a close. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-02-07 - WIDENER FIELD HOUSE, WIDENER COLLEGE, CHESTER, PA
4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / FOR YOU / WEAR MY RING AROUND YOUR NECK
Incomplete setlist.
One show, held in the 1,500-seat Widener Field House, with Springsteen & The E Street Band the sole act on the bill. This second night at Widener was a sellout. "A Love So Fine" includes an interlude of "Shout". Set features a stunning solo piano version of "For You".
1975-02-18 - JOHN CARROLL GYM, JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY, CLEVELAND, OH
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / GROWIN' UP / WINGS FOR WHEELS / BORN TO RUN
Incomplete setlist.
One show, with Springsteen & The E Street Band the sole act on the bill, and held in the 2,000-seat John Carroll University Gymnasium. This concert was originally scheduled for February 27 but moved forward due to a studio session booked at The Record Plant in New York City. Beginning at 8:30pm, the concert began with WMMS DJ Kid Leo's introduction before Springsteen's first song "Incident On 57th Street". According to the University's campus newspaper The Carroll News, "Growin' Up" was the third song of the set, while those present recall both "Thunder Road" (in its early "Wings For Wheels" form) and "Born To Run". A Brucebase reader who attended comments that he and his fellow University Club fraternity members sold tickets, helped set up the stage and the band's equipment, sat through the soundcheck, and ushered the concert. The event was organized by Tim Russert, a 1972 JCU graduate and former University Club president, Russert was later known in the U.S. as host of NBC-TV's Meet The Press and became a close friend of Springsteen's. Bruce and the band were paid $2,500 for the night's work, and Russert even worked as a roadie, helping out the fraternity members. Russert said a few years back in an interview, "I made enough money (from the concert) to pay for my second year of law school."
1975-02-19 - UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM, PENN STATE UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY PARK, PA
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / MOUNTAIN OF LOVE / BORN TO RUN / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / WINGS FOR WHEELS / SHE'S THE ONE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / JUNGLELAND / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / A LOVE SO FINE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE / WEAR MY RING AROUND YOUR NECK / FOR YOU / TWIST AND SHOUT
Setlist may be incomplete.
One show, double bill, with Springsteen & The E Street Band headlining and Jae Mason opening. Springsteen's first-ever show at Penn State (two scheduled appearances in 1973 had been cancelled). The listed 19-song setlist, which is likely to be complete, or near to, is taken from an attendee recollection combined with information articulated in reviews of the gig in two college newspapers. It's likely that this setlist is not in the correct song order. "For You" is performed solo piano.
1975-02-20 - SYRIA MOSQUE, PITTSBURGH, PA
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT)
Incomplete setlist.
One show, double bill, with Springsteen & The E Street Band co-headlining with Richie Havens (who opened). This was an official school event (sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh Program Council) but held off-campus in the nearby Syria Mosque. Havens and his entourage were late arriving into Pittsburgh from the previous night's gig, so the show's start was delayed for over an hour. Rich Engler was the promoter for the show, and he recalls this show in his book Behind the Stage Door: A Promoter's Life Behind The Scenes (See the Eyewitness tab for his story).
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-02-21 - JOHNSTON HALL, MORAVIAN COLLEGE, BETHLEHEM, PA
Cancelled concert (due to recording sessions for the Born To Run album), never rescheduled. Early, pre-cancellation posters for this date exist.
1975-02-23 - WESTBURY MUSIC FAIR, WESTBURY, NY
Soundcheck: MOUNTAIN OF LOVE / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / MOUNTAIN OF LOVE / NEEDLES AND PINS / SOOTHE ME / DOES THIS BUS STOP AT 82ND STREET? / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / DOES THIS BUS STOP AT 82ND STREET? / INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / I WANT YOU / SHE'S THE ONE / JUNGLELAND / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / FOR YOU / WEAR MY RING AROUND YOUR NECK / QUARTER TO THREE
One show, double bill, with Springsteen headlining and Jae Mason opening. This is an extraordinary performance, similar in scope to the February 5 gig at The Main Point. Amazingly, it was not even close to a sellout. Westbury was a revolving stage performance (as were the 1974 Phoenix gigs). To accentuate the atmosphere Bruce ordered Mike Appel to install a functioning Ferris Wheel on stage as an effect prop, the plan was scrapped only at the last moment, after Appel told Bruce that the cost was going to be more than their performance fee. A Brucebase reader who attended comments: "the stage would turn once to the right and then back all the way to the left. Sitting in the back you had to wait for Bruce to come around again. During the encores the stage stopped, that's why you can hear people yelling 'turn the stage' near the end of the show". "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Kitty's Back" includes a snippet of "Soothe Me" in the midsection. "New York City Serenade" includes a bit of "Backstreets" in the introduction. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "A Love So Fine" includes an interlude of "Shout". "For You" is the solo piano version.
1975-02-27 - JOHN CARROLL GYM, JOHN CARROLL UNIVERSITY, CLEVELAND, OH
Concert rescheduled to February 18 due to an already booked recording session at The Record Plant in New York City.
1975-03-01 - MEN'S GYM, SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, SYRACUSE, NY
Cancelled, never rescheduled. Cancelled due to extended mixing sessions for the Born To Run album.
1975-03-02 - PLATTSBURGH STATE UNIVERSITY, PLATTSBURGH, NY
Cancelled, never rescheduled. Cancelled due to extended mixing sessions for the Born To Run album.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-03-07 - PAINTERS MILL MUSIC FAIR, OWINGS MILLS, MD
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / BORN TO RUN / I WANT YOU / SHE'S THE ONE / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY)
Incomplete setlist.
One show, double bill, with Springsteen & The E Street Band headlining and Buzzy Linhart opening. "Born To Run" is the recollection of an attendee, and does not appear on the audience tape. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. Brucebase reader Paul attended the show, and recalls that there were two or three guys dressed as monks in the audience. They sported Friar Tuck haircuts and wore robes, one in white and the others in brown. During one of the songs toward the end of the set, one of the brown robes came on stage and gave Bruce his knotted girth rope. In a Baltimore Sun interview, Bruce called him the freaky friar. Two nights later while waiting to get in outside Constitution Hall, Paul saw the group again.
1975-03-08 - DAR CONSTITUTION HALL, WASHINGTON, DC
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / GROWIN' UP / I WANT YOU / SHE'S THE ONE / JUNGLELAND / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / FOR YOU / WEAR MY RING AROUND YOUR NECK / QUARTER TO THREE
One show, double bill, with Springsteen & The E Street Band headlining and Orleans opening. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "A Love So Fine" includes an interlude of "Shout". "For You" is the solo piano version.
1975-03-09 - DAR CONSTITUTION HALL, WASHINGTON, DC
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / I WANT YOU / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / WINGS FOR WHEELS / WEAR MY RING AROUND YOUR NECK
Incomplete setlist.
One show, double bill, with Springsteen & the E Street Band headlining and Orleans opening. This was the final gig of the long Wild & Innocent Tour, which had begun way back in September 1973. The partial setlist listed is known from attendee recollections. This would be violinist Tzruya "Suki" Lahav's final live guest appearance with Springsteen, because she, along with then-husband Louis Lahav, moved back to Israel permanently, later in March. At the time of this show, a few other possible concerts for March-April were being negotiated by manager Mike Appel, including one at Notre Dame University. It seems the priority of the new album sessions won out and the majority of the gig negotiations were abandoned before any contracts were signed.
End of "The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle" tour |
1975-03-13 - ALEX COOLEY'S ELECTRIC BALLROOM, ATLANTA, GA
Cancelled show, rescheduled to August 21. One of three dates planned at the Electric Ballroom with Springsteen & the E Street Band headlining and English rock band The Pretty Things opening. Springsteen was first listed as a "Coming Soon" attraction in a January 23, 1975 advertisement in The Signal, student newspaper of Georgia State University. The gigs were then advertised in the February 13, 1975 issue of The Great Speckled Bird, an underground counter-culture newspaper based in Atlanta as well as The Signal. However, by the following week the dates had been cancelled, presumably due to ongoing studio sessions, with KISS taking Springsteen's place. An advertisement in the March 13 issue shows that KISS themselves were eventually replaced by country-rock band Cowboy and undercard Isotope, a British jazz-rock band.
1975-03-14 - ALEX COOLEY'S ELECTRIC BALLROOM, ATLANTA, GA
Cancelled show, rescheduled to August 22, 1975. See the previous night's listing for details.
1975-03-15 - ALEX COOLEY'S ELECTRIC BALLROOM, ATLANTA, GA
Cancelled show, rescheduled to August 23, 1975. See March 13 listing for details.
1975-05-09 - FELT FORUM, MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK CITY, NY
Cancelled, never rescheduled. One show, 8pm. A Madison Square Garden "Coming Events" leaflet indicates that this show was scheduled. It was cancelled, presumably due to recording sessions for the Born To Run album. This date could well be one of the shows that Mike Appel was negotiating (see March 9 listing), but never signed. The leaflet advertises events from March 10, so may have been printed towards the end of February. Felt Forum was the original name for the venue now known as The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
1975-07-11 - GENEVA THEATRE, GENEVA, NY
This concert had originally been scheduled for July 12, but then moved forward to July 11. However, due to delays in completing the new album, this gig was first bumped back to July 18 and then delayed again and played on July 22. Tickets for July 12 were never used; a new set was printed for July 11 and then changed by hand.
1975-07-12 - GENEVA THEATRE, GENEVA, NY
This concert had originally been scheduled for July 12, but then moved forward to July 11. However, due to delays in completing the new album, this gig was first bumped back to July 18 and then delayed again and played on July 22. Tickets for July 12 were never used; a new set was printed for July 11 and then changed by hand.
1975-07-18 - GENEVA THEATRE, GENEVA, NY
This concert had originally been scheduled for July 12, but then moved forward to July 11. However, due to delays in completing the new album, this gig was first bumped back to July 18 and then delayed again and played on July 22. Tickets for July 12 were never used; a new set was printed for July 11 and then changed by hand.
1975-07-19 - CONVENTION HALL, ASBURY PARK, NJ
A concert for this date was mentioned in the newspaper, along with other announcements. Later a correction was published stating the show was tentatively included in the summer line-up, but a final deal was never made.
1975-07-19 - RECORD PLANT, REHEARSAL ROOM, NEW YORK CITY, NY
Set details unknown.
The lone Born To Run Tour rehearsal, held in a room on the floor above the Record Plant's recording studio and condensed into one marathon 19-hour session that started at 3.00pm on July 19 and didn't finish until 10.00am on July 20, with the opening show in Providence only ten hours away! According to Bruce, "Clarence and I were finishing the "Jungleland" sax solo, phrase by phrase, in one (room), while we mixed "Thunder Road" in another, singing "Backstreets" in a third as the band rehearsed (for the Tour that was to begin that evening) in a spare room upstairs."
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 "Born to Run" tour |
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| See also Tour Statistics for show listing and songs performed. Please note: Tour premieres for the "Born To Run" tour (including the "Chicken Scratch") are marked in bold, although since several setlists are unknown this information may not be correct. In some cases these will be premieres to the best of our knowledge. |
1975-07-20 - PALACE CONCERT THEATER, PROVIDENCE, RI
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / KITTY'S BACK / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / SHA-LA-LA / QUARTER TO THREE
Opening night of the Born To Run Tour and the live debut of Steve Van Zandt as a member of The E Street Band. Bruce can be heard introducing Van Zandt to the audience during the show. Despite promoting the yet to be released Born To Run, the set only includes three songs from the album: the premieres of "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" and the now-completed "Thunder Road" (in the full-band arrangement), as well as "Born To Run". First known performance of the Shirelles' "Sha-La-La". "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party", "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of Isaac Hayes' "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection, and "A Love So Fine" includes an interlude of "Shout".
1975-07-22 - GENEVA THEATRE, GENEVA, NY
Soundcheck: NEEDLES AND PINS / YOU REALLY GOT ME / CRY TO ME / LET THE FOUR WINDS BLOW / SOOTHE ME / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / (YOUR LOVE KEEPS LIFTING ME) HIGHER AND HIGHER
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / SHA-LA-LA / QUARTER TO THREE
This concert had originally been scheduled for July 12, but then rescheduled to July 11. However, due to delays in completing the new album, the gig was bumped back to July 18, delayed again, and finally scheduled to July 22. Tickets for July 12 were never used; a new set was printed for July 11 and then altered to the correct date by hand. "She's The One" makes its tour premiere, in place of "Thunder Road", dropped for the first time on the tour. During the show Bruce jokes to the crowd about new member Miami Steve messing up his parts in the songs, lyrics and dance steps. The soundchecked arrangement of "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" is different to later concert versions. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party", and "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a brief "Come A Little Bit Closer" intro and a snippet of Isaac Hayes' "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection, but cuts out during the band introductions. "A Love So Fine" features interludes of "Soothe Me", "Baby Workout", and "Shout".
1975-07-23 - THE MUSIC INN, STOCKBRIDGE, MA
SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / GIMME THAT WINE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / FUNK SONG / KITTY'S BACK / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / SHA-LA-LA / QUARTER TO THREE
This show, commonly referred to as taking place in Lenox, MA, actually took place just across the town line in Stockbridge, amongst the barns and outbuildings of the Wheatleigh estate. All press and marketing materials used the closer and more populous Lenox, however. The outdoor, daytime event includes a couple of rarities: the last known rendition of "Gimme That Wine" and the first circulating in-concert performance of "Funk Song", an early Springsteen-composed instrumental that had been a staple of The Bruce Springsteen Band in 1971-72 (no live renditions from that era are circulating, but a rehearsal take from early 1972 is). Interestingly "Funk Song" would be performed on two other known occasions during the following two weeks (July 28 and August 8), but seemingly never again after that. Unusually "Spirit In The Night" opens the set, rather than "Incident On 57th Street" which has been ever-present in the opening slot so far this year and is dropped for the first time on the tour, as is "New York City Serenade". "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "Thunder Road" is full band. "A Love So Fine" includes an interlude of "Shout". A Brucebase reader who attended this concert comments: "It was outdoors in a natural amphitheater. The show didn't start until just before sunset, so we were treated to this amazing changing backdrop, from full light at the outset, through a spectacular, fiery sunset and then ending up in darkness with Bruce's typical great use of stage lighting. Bruce broke a guitar string and he didn't have any backup. That's what caused the band to perform "Gimme That Wine". While the band played Bruce re-strung his guitar on stage. Miami Steve performed the soundcheck and the first half of the show without anything on his head, don't believe that's happened since!" See our News tab for a review from Yale University's Daily News.
1975-07-25 - KEYSTONE HALL, KUTZTOWN STATE COLLEGE, KUTZTOWN, PA
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE
"The E Street Shuffle" includes "It's All Right" in the introduction and "Having A Party" in the outro. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "A Love So Fine" includes a passage from the Isley Brothers' "Shout". A fan recalls "I was at either the 25 or July 26 show at Kutztown, PA. The memorable thing about this show was that they had filled the gym floor with blue folding chairs for seating. During the show everyone was standing on the chairs jumping and dancing. When the show was over at least 1/3 of the chairs had collapsed and lay in broken ruins on the floor." "Sha-La-La" and "Quarter To Three" are each dropped from the set for the first on the tour.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-07-26 - KEYSTONE HALL, KUTZTOWN STATE COLLEGE, KUTZTOWN, PA
Soundcheck: BLINDED BY THE LIGHT
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / CAROL / QUARTER TO THREE
Set includes the first confirmed version of Chuck Berry's "Carol", although Bruce introduces the song by saying he's been playing it for ten years. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Thunder Road" is full band. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "A Love So Fine" includes a passage from the Isley Brothers' "Shout".
1975-07-28 - CARTER BARRON AMPHITHEATRE, WASHINGTON, DC
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / SHE'S THE ONE / FUNK SONG / BORN TO RUN / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / CAROL / A LOVE SO FINE
The first of three shows at Carter Barron Amphitheatre, a 4,200-seat open-air venue located in Rock Creek Park. This show was seriously disrupted by heavy rain that delayed the start, and as a result the concert did not finish until after midnight. WHFS-FM DJ Donald "Cerphe" Colwell, who'd MC'd an in-station Springsteen performance (see listing for June 2, 1973) as well as these three shows, has commented about the infamous storm-affected show. "About an hour into his performance", said Colwell, "it began raining. This was an outdoor show and because Carter Barron is inside a National Park, everything is controlled by the U.S. Park Police. They have rules and regulations regarding shows in the rain and they wanted it stopped. Bruce paced around backstage pleading for the show to go on. The rain started and stopped three times… finally, the stage was dried off and a soaked-to-the-skin audience got the performance of their life. People who were there still e-mail or call my radio show to reminisce about that legendary, rainy night." Evidence strongly suggests that Cerphe's recollections are not totally accurate. Analysis of the tape, attendee recollections, and press reports indicate that the start was delayed due to torrential rainfall just as the show was about to begin, not when the show was in progress. Further rain fell just as the stage was dried off after the initial rainstorm passed, resulting in another delay before Springsteen and the band finally took to the stage at around 10-10.30pm, some two hours after the scheduled 8.30pm start time. Moisture in the air would interfere with Springsteen's guitar throughout, leading him to repeatedly apologize for delays - there was an upside to this though in an extended version of the rare 1971 instrumental "Funk Song" while he retuned his guitar. A beautiful "Incident On 57th Street" opens the set, with only Roy Bittan's piano accompanying Springsteen. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". Other highlights include "It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City" and an excellent (sadly cut short) "New York City Serenade". Cerphe's story that the show was stopped is accurate and can be heard on the tape. Following "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" (which includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection) an announcement that the show is over is made from the stage. It's hard to hear the exact words, but "it's very very very late" is clear, as is "we're sorry, but we cannot offer anymore this evening". This announcement predictably provokes a strong reaction from the crowd, which apparently refused to leave. After a time, however, Bruce and the band return to the stage for a spirited three-song, twenty-minute encore to the remaining 200 or so. Springsteen can be heard thanking the parks department for allowing him to continue. The closing "A Love So Fine" includes an interlude of "Shout". Please note that the setlist listed here was previously listed under 1975-07-29 - the radio interview from the following day and a newspaper review from the Washington Post confirm that the date listed on 'Talent & Feeling' is incorrect.
1975-07-29 - WHFS STUDIO, BETHESDA, MD
Brief, 15-minute in-station interview (no musical performance) with DJ Damian Einstein (not Donald "Cerphe" Colwell as previously listed). Topics explored during the interview include the previous days rain affected show, Suki Lahav (the unprepared DJ asks if she is still playing the glockenspiel) and the explosion sound at the start of the studio take of "Lost In The Flood", Steven Van Zandt's sole contribution to Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.
1975-07-29 - CARTER BARRON AMPHITHEATRE, WASHINGTON, DC
No set details known.
Second night of three at Carter Barron Amphitheatre in Rock Creek Park.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-07-30 - CARTER BARRON AMPHITHEATRE, WASHINGTON, DC
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / SHE'S THE ONE / THUNDER ROAD / BORN TO RUN / UP ON THE ROOF / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / CAROL / A LOVE SO FINE / QUARTER TO THREE
Setlist may be incomplete.
The third of three shows at Carter Barron Amphitheatre. Potentially complete setlist (although it is likely that "4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" was played after "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)"). Includes what may be the first performance of The Drifters' "Up On The Roof", which Springsteen sung while sat at the lip of the stage. A beautiful arrangement with a "Thunder Road-esque" piano introduction and understated accompaniment from the band. There are only seven known performances of the song, and none after Bruce's stand at New York's Bottom Line in the middle of August 1975. The encores of "Carol", "A Love So Fine" and final song "Quarter To Three" are not included on the tape, but rather the recollections of attendees. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Thunder Road" is full band. "Incident On 57th Street" is just Roy Bittan's piano accompanying Springsteen's vocals. "Kitty's Back" includes a pronounced "Moondance" section. "Growin' Up" and "4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" are each dropped from the set for the first known time on the tour. The tape from which this setlist is taken could potentially be from the previous night, but circumstantial evidence leads us to place it here.
1975-08-01 - THE MOSQUE, RICHMOND, VA
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / SHE'S THE ONE / THUNDER ROAD / GROWIN' UP / UP ON THE ROOF / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / CAROL / QUARTER TO THREE
"The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Thunder Road" is full band. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "A Love So Fine" includes both "Having A Party" and "Shout" in the midsection. "Born To Run" is dropped from the set for the first known time on the tour.
1975-08-02 - CHRYSLER HALL, NORFOLK, VA
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / SHE'S THE ONE / THUNDER ROAD / BORN TO RUN / UP ON THE ROOF / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / TWIST AND SHOUT
Incomplete setlist.
Set includes the third of only seven known "Up On The Roof" and a very long twenty-minute "Kitty's Back". "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". A contributor to the Greasy Lake website recalls that "Twist And Shout" was the closing song. If accurate, other attendees do not recall this song being played, this would be a tour premiere. "Thunder Road" is full band.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-08-08 - AKRON CIVIC THEATRE, AKRON, OH
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / THEN SHE KISSED ME / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / UP ON THE ROOF / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / BACKSTREETS / FUNK SONG / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / A LOVE SO FINE / CAROL / QUARTER TO THREE
This is a healthy (and quite unique), 19-song performance and an important show in historical terms because it exemplifies the changing nature of the setlist that took shape in August as the Born To Run album neared its promotional and official release dates. First known performance of "Backstreets" and one of the last of "New York City Serenade" for the tour. It is also the last known performance of the rare instrumental "Funk Song" (previously played on July 23 and July 28). Tour premiere for "Then She Kissed Me". "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "A Love So Fine" features both "Having A Party" and "Shout".
1975-08-09 - SYRIA MOSQUE, PITTSBURGH, PA
THEN SHE KISSED ME / UP ON THE ROOF
Incomplete setlist.
An article in the Beaver County Times from December 10, 1975 mentions the two listed songs were performed. Singer/songwriter Joe Grushecky has mentioned in interview that this gig was the first time he'd seen Springsteen perform live, although the two were not introduced to one other until 1981.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-08-10 - ALLEN THEATRE, CLEVELAND, OH
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / UP ON THE ROOF / BORN TO RUN / SHE'S THE ONE / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / FOR YOU
Incomplete setlist.
Set includes another appearance of "Up On The Roof" (the sixth of seven known) and the tour premiere of "For You", played by Springsteen alone at the piano. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party".
1975-08-13 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
THUNDER ROAD / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / BORN TO RUN / SHE'S THE ONE / BACKSTREETS / JUNGLELAND
Incomplete setlist.
First of two separate admission shows. Opening of an historic five-night (ten-show) residency at the club. Springsteen & The E Street Band had previously played a three-night (six-show) residency here in July 1974. Bottom Line co-owner Allan Pepper was offered the chance to host Bruce and the band at the club by Sam McKeith (Bruce's booking agent at William Morris) one morning by phone. Columbia Records bought a quarter of the 500 tickets available for the stand, a perfect opportunity to expose employees and journalists to the upcoming talent of Springsteen. It is known that the show opened with "Thunder Road", played by Springsteen alone at the piano. The set also includes only the second known performance of "Backstreets" and the first documented appearance of the tour for "Jungleland".
1975-08-13 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
FOR YOU / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / NIGHT / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BORN TO RUN / SHE'S THE ONE / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE
Second of two separate admission shows. Opening of an historic five-night (ten-show) residency at the club. Springsteen & The E Street Band had previously played a three-night (six-show) residency here in July 1974. Bottom Line co-owner Allan Pepper was offered the chance to host Bruce and the band at the club by Sam McKeith (Bruce's booking agent at William Morris) one morning by phone. Columbia Records bought a quarter of the 500 tickets available for the stand, a perfect opportunity to expose employees and journalists to the upcoming talent of Springsteen. The show features the first known live performance of "Night", and the earliest known recording of "When You Walk In The Room". Opener "For You" is played by Bruce alone at the piano. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. Both "Kitty's Back", which includes a brief snippet of Stevie Wonder's "Nothing's Too Good For My Baby", and "New York City Serenade" are extended 19+ minute renditions. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. First show on the tour at which "A Love So Fine" is confirmed not to be played.
1975-08-14 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THEN SHE KISSED ME / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / NIGHT / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / QUARTER TO THREE
First of two separate admission shows. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Kitty's Back" includes a brief excerpt of "Nothing's Too Good For My Baby". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-08-14 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
No set details known.
Second of two separate admission shows. The late show's setlist is undocumented.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-08-15 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THEN SHE KISSED ME / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE
First of two separate admission shows. Show broadcast live by New York's influential WNEW-FM. "Thunder Road" is performed in the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-08-15 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THEN SHE KISSED ME / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / (GET YOUR KICKS ON) ROUTE 66 / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / FOR YOU / THUNDER ROAD / BORN TO RUN / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / SHE'S THE ONE / NEW YORK CITY SERENADE / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / QUARTER TO THREE / TWIST AND SHOUT
Second of two separate admission shows. The listed setlist has been contributed to Killing Floor by an attendee. Final known appearance for "New York City Serenade" until 1999. "For You" is performed solo piano and "Thunder Road" is performed full band. The setlist would also include the only known 1975 performance of the rhythm and blues standard "(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66". In an interview with forward.com, Max Weinberg recalled an event at the Bottom Line: "On August 16, 1975, we were playing a club in Greenwich Village that is not there any longer, called the Bottom Line. In those days, we played two shows a night. Our second show was going to be live on radio station WNEW-FM. Between shows I was scouting the club for a potential close, impersonal relationship. I found a smoking hot girl. I started playing to the girl. She was picking up the beat. Bruce was ready to stop but I was the only one that missed the signal to stop. He finally stopped me by taking the drumsticks out of my hand and then pretending to choke me. Needless to say, he was not in a good mood. Bruce had given everyone in the band nicknames. Mine was Mighty Max. When he introduced the band during "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)", which was broadcast live on the radio, he introduced me as the Not So Mighty Max. After the show, I knocked on his dressing room door to apologize, feeling like a third grader called to the principal. I have never taken my eyes off since. You never know what Bruce will do on stage." It's obvious that Max's recollections are not totally accurate since the live radio broadcast took place on August 15, not 16, and was of the early show, not the late as Max stated. However, the incident during the band introductions is not apparent in the radio broadcast. It may have occurred during the late show, unfortunately there is no recording in circulation.
1975-08-16 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THEN SHE KISSED ME / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / SHA-LA-LA / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / UP ON THE ROOF / QUARTER TO THREE
First of two separate admission shows. The show is a sixteen-song set that includes the first confirmed performance of Ike & Tina Turner's early '60s hit "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" and the last confirmed performance of "Up On The Roof". "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Thunder Road" is the slow arrangement with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals and a portion of "Pretty Flamingo" in the introduction. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of Isaac Hayes's "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-08-16 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
THE E STREET SHUFFLE / JUNGLELAND
Incomplete setlist.
Second of two separate admission shows. There is no complete setlist known for the late show, but the two songs listed are from an attendee recollection. See our Gallery tab to view some of Cliff's excellent photographs from the late show.
1975-08-17 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THEN SHE KISSED ME / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / FOR YOU / KITTY'S BACK / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / QUARTER TO THREE
First of two separate admission shows. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "For You" is solo piano. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" features a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. A fan remembers: "We had tickets for both shows on August 17 so they let us stay between shows. We grabbed the seats right at Bruce's feet for the finale. It was the first time that I noticed that Bruce's sneakers didn't match. He sang half of "Spirit In The Night" sprawled out on our table. I remember letting a photographer come in a take a bunch of photos while leaning on me and crouching between our seats. Years later I found out how good he was when I discovered the classic photo of my wife staring up at Bruce in Hilburn's book (somewhere around page 84). Rolling Stone used it for the inside cover in the Greatest Shows of All Time issue, Hendrix at Monterrey was the cover. Several years after that another shot of Christine turned up on Legends on VH-1 as well as a great shot of my best friend and I from the early show."
1975-08-17 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THEN SHE KISSED ME / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / instrumental / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / SHA-LA-LA / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / SHE'S THE ONE / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE / TWIST AND SHOUT
Second of two separate admission shows. The 19-song setlist listed has been supplied by a contributor to Killing Floor. The identity of the "instrumental" is uncertain, but it could be "A Love So Fine". A fan remembers: "We had tickets for both shows on August 17 so they let us stay between shows. We grabbed the seats right at Bruce's feet for the finale. It was the first time that I noticed that Bruce's sneakers didn't match. He sang half of "Spirit In The Night" sprawled out on our table. I remember letting a photographer come in a take a bunch of photos while leaning on me and crouching between our seats. Years later I found out how good he was when I discovered the classic photo of my wife staring up at Bruce in Hilburn's book (somewhere around page 84). Rolling Stone used it for the inside cover in the Greatest Shows of All Time issue, Hendrix at Monterrey was the cover. Several years after that another shot of Christine turned up on Legends on VH-1 as well as a great shot of my best friend and I from the early show."
1975-08-21 - ALEX COOLEY'S ELECTRIC BALLROOM, ATLANTA, GA
SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / GROWIN' UP / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / TWIST AND SHOUT
Incomplete setlist.
Opening night of a three-night, three-show residency at this newly-opened (1974) club owned by legendary Atlanta promoter Alex Cooley. The show was originally scheduled for March 13, 1975 but was moved, presumably due to recording sessions. Apparently after the opening night's show Bruce approached Cooley and, as Alex has mentioned in an interview, "he asked me if we could shut down the cash registers because they were making too much noise. That's the only time I ever did that." The very incomplete four-song setlist listed is courtesy of a review in The Great Speckled Bird, a counterculture underground newspaper based in Atlanta from 1968 to 1976. The reviewer attended two of the three shows at the Ballroom, the final night and one other - he does not state whether the four songs listed are from August 21 or August 22.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-08-22 - ALEX COOLEY'S ELECTRIC BALLROOM, ATLANTA, GA
No set details known.
Originally scheduled for March 14, 1975 but was moved, presumably due to recording sessions. The second night of Springsteen's three-night residency at the club.
1975-08-23 - ALEX COOLEY'S ELECTRIC BALLROOM, ATLANTA, GA
SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / DOES THIS BUS STOP AT 82ND STREET? / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THEN SHE KISSED ME / FOR YOU / KITTY'S BACK / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / TWIST AND SHOUT
Setlist may be incomplete.
Final night of Springsteen's three-night stint at the club. Show was originally scheduled for March 15, 1975 but was moved, presumably due to recording sessions. First confirmed "Does This Bus Stop At 82nd Street?" for the tour, and last known "Then She Kissed Me" until 2008. As throughout the tour, "For You" is solo piano. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. The tape begins with "Spirit In The Night", but in all likelihood "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" actually opened but is missing from the circulating recording. Aside from the absent opener, the listed setlist is probably complete.
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BORN TO RUN (August 25) |
1975-08-29 - UNIVERSITY CENTER PATIO, UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, MIAMI, FL
Cancelled concert, never rescheduled. Outdoor event due to start at 8.00pm. Exact reason why the concert was cancelled is unclear, Miami University's student newspaper indicates it was a scheduling issue, with Bruce and the band planning to tour in Europe. However, this doesn't quite gel with Springsteen's touring schedule as we know it. Springsteen cancelled despite signing a contract.
1975-08-31 - BOARDWALK, ASBURY PARK, NJ
Phil Ceccola conducts an extensive interview and photo session with Springsteen while the two of them walk around town together, with Bruce acting as historian and tour guide. The interview was never published, although some of Ceccola's photos from the afternoon were.
1975-09-04 - THE MAIN POINT, BRYN MAWR, PA
BORN TO RUN
Setlist may be incomplete.
Prior to the resumption of the southern leg of the Born To Run Tour Springsteen was giving media interviews in New York and Philadelphia to coincide with the Born To Run album release. Bruce paid a visit to the Main Point during a Jackson Browne residency. Browne was expanding on the example set by Springsteen earlier in the year (February 5) and was performing a five-night/ten-show solo benefit (starting on September 3) for the financially struggling club. Springsteen may have been present on the opening night but he definitely did not perform. However on the second night (Thursday, September 4) Bruce took the stage during Browne's show and performed a solo acoustic rendition of "Born To Run". There is no evidence that the sometimes noted "Thunder Road" was performed on this night or any other night during Browne's residency. A brief report in The Villanovan student newspaper does note that Springsteen performed "a few brief numbers", so it is likely that there are other songs we don't know about. Springsteen was not present at Browne's final show (September 7) which was simulcast on WMMR-FM and is widely circulating on boots.
1975-09-06 - THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, NEW ORLEANS, LA
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / SHA-LA-LA / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE / TWIST AND SHOUT (with Boz Scaggs)
Bruce's first ever appearance in Louisiana. Boz Scaggs guests on guitar and backing vocals for the closing "Twist And Shout". The end of "The E Street Shuffle" includes a line from "Pretty Flamingo", which will debut the following week in Houston, as well as "Having A Party". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals."Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. A photo taken at this show is later used to promote the May 13, 1976 show in New Orleans.
1975-09-06 - YA YA LOUNGE, NEW ORLEANS, LA
Bruce and Steve went to the club after their gig at the Performing Arts Theatre. Steve and Bruce are caught joking with "Fats" Houston, a famous New Orleans Grand Marshall.
1975-09-07 - YA YA LOUNGE, NEW ORLEANS, LA
No set details known.
One show - and truly unique, as the entire E Street Band give a full-length performance without Springsteen. This gig was organized by Miami Steve and advertised as The E Street Band (minus Bruce). In exchange Lee Dorsey (owner of the club) had agreed to provide guest vocals on the debut Southside Johnny album that Van Zandt was to start producing in December. Brucebase reader Wayne comments: "Miami Steve led the band to open the show singing a few '50s rock & roll songs. Then Lee Dorsey came out and they backed him on a few of his hits. During the break I remember talking to Garry Tallent and I asked him where Bruce was and he told me that Bruce had travelled on ahead to the next city."
1975-09-09 - ELECTRIC BALLROOM, DALLAS, TX
Cancelled show, potentially rescheduled and moved to the Dallas Convention Center Theater on September 16. This date is known from a promotional radio spot that was aired on Dallas's KZEW in the weeks leading up to the scheduled date. The Electric Ballroom was a dance hall located in the industrial district of Dallas, and it seems plausible that demand led the show to be moved to the larger Theater in downtown Dallas.
1975-09-11 - TEXAS HALL, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, ARLINGTON, TX
Cancelled show, never rescheduled.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-09-12 - MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, AUSTIN, TX
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE / TWIST AND SHOUT / I FOUGHT THE LAW
"The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Kitty's Back" includes the spaceship story (which runs for 3.45). "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "Twist And Shout" closes out with a brief "Save The Last Dance For Me". The final encore of Bobby Fuller's "I Fought The Law", Springsteen's first performance of the song, is missing from the circulating audio, but is confirmed by an eyewitness and by a (mostly negative) review in the September 14 Austin American-Statesman.
1975-09-13 - MUSIC HALL, HOUSTON, TX
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE / CAROL - LUCILLE / TWIST AND SHOUT
Earliest known complete "Pretty Flamingo", previously it had only been used as part of other songs. Opener "Incident On 57th Street" and "Thunder Road" are slow versions with Roy on piano and Bruce on vocals and, for the latter, harmonica. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Kitty's Back" includes a snippet of "Nothing's Too Good For My Baby". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes the "Come A Little Bit Closer" introduction and a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. The encores include an unusual medley of "Carol" and "Lucille". NME reviewer Charles Shaar Murray writes of "Spirit In The Night": "…sitting there dangling his legs off the edge, and as he comes to the line "Ran into the lake in just his socks and his shirt", he changes "lake" to "pit" and – kthunk – right on the word "pit" he drops down into the photo pit (which doesn't actually have any photographers in it, just a coupla black cops looking totally confused). The words "in his socks and shirt" come with agonized slowness from nowhere – no-one can see him, where the hell did that sonovabitch get to? – until you see fingers clawing at the other lip of the pit and arms reach down and haul Springsteen up until he's perched, on the edge right up against the front row. He turns his head and peeks over his leather shoulder with a real sly "Heyyyyyyyyy, man" street grin, and wriggles out of the front row's clutches, drops back into the pit and hauls himself back on to the stage just as we band rampages back into the chorus with Springsteen wildly strutting back and forth across the stage."
1975-09-14 - MUSIC HALL, HOUSTON, TX
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / A LOVE SO FINE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE / TWIST AND SHOUT
The last known "So Young And In Love" / "A Love So Fine" (Bruce's Junior Walker groove he plays under several titles) until its resurrection over 20 years later in 2000. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. According to a fan who was there, the last track was played after the house lights came on. Bruce came back on stage with the line "Hey! Where ya going? We ain't done yet!" "The E Street Shuffle" is dropped from the set for the first confirmed time on the tour.
1975-09-16 - DALLAS CONVENTION CENTER THEATER, DALLAS, TX
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE / CAROL
Show is possibly rescheduled from September 9. Bruce sings the opening lines of Lloyd Price's "Stagger Lee" as an introduction to "Spirit In The Night". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes the "Come A Little Bit Closer" introduction and a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "Kitty's Back" includes a snippet of "Nothing's Too Good For My Baby".
1975-09-17 - CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
No set details known.
Bruce's first ever appearance in Oklahoma. Celebrations backstage after the show as Bruce and the boys are informed that the Born To Run album has gone to #1 on some U.S. Charts.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-09-19 - MILO BAIL STUDENT CENTER BALLROOM, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, OMAHA, NE
Concert rescheduled to September 30 and moved to the larger Civic Auditorium Music Hall in downtown Omaha. See that listing for more information.
1975-09-20 - DARBY GYMNASIUM, GRINNELL COLLEGE, GRINNELL, IA
Soundcheck: PRETTY FLAMINGO
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE
Incomplete setlist.
Held in the school's 1,000-seat Darby Gymnasium, with only 200 seats available to the non-student public. Bruce's first ever appearance in Iowa. There were wildfire rumors in the weeks leading up to this concert that hundreds of crazed New York and New Jersey Springsteen fanatics were planning on traveling 1,200 kilometers to sleepy Grinnell to gate crash the sold-out show. The event quickly became dubbed as 'The Springsteen Invasion' (note the pre-event promo cartoon on our News tab). Fearing trouble college officials hired a large contingent of police and security officers to keep order. It turned out to be a hoax, as no undesirables turned up and the concert went off without incident - and to overwhelming praise. Complete setlist for this show is not known. The listed eleven songs are culled from an attendee recollection combined with titles articulated in a post concert review of the show in the student newspaper. The titles are in the correct performing order but there were four or five additional songs sandwiched among them. "Pretty Flamingo" was played at the soundcheck but not during the show. "Incident On 57th Street" is semi-solo; "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. Springsteen went into the crowd during "Spirit In The Night". During "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)", which featured the "Come A Little Bit Closer" intro, Bruce jumped (the student newspaper says "fell") off the stage into the crowd. Carlson Smith, a co-organizer of the event, has told Brucebase that Springsteen's services were procured for only $2,500, further adding "we signed the deal the previous June, just before leaving for summer vacation. It probably would have been easy for Bruce to get out of the contract, as by this time they were getting a much higher appearance fee. His management should be commended in honoring their commitment to us. When they arrived they actually seemed eager and happy to play."
1975-09-21 - GUTHRIE THEATER, MINNEAPOLIS, MN
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / BACKSTREETS / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / QUARTER TO THREE
A sellout and a very rare treat for the lucky 1,800 attendees - this was a genuine "theatre-in-the round" stage set up and performance. Bruce's first ever appearance in Minnesota. Show features a very long "The E Street Shuffle" (which includes "Having A Party"), the reappearance of "Backstreets" (last played during the Bottom Line stand in August), and Manfred Mann's "Pretty Flamingo". Bruce sings the opening lines of Lloyd Price's "Stagger Lee" as an introduction to "Spirit In The Night". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals.
1975-09-23 - HILL AUDITORIUM, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, ANN ARBOR, MI
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHA-LA-LA / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE / CAROL / TWIST AND SHOUT
Held in the school's Hill Auditorium. Bruce's 26th birthday and he delivers an extra special performance, among the best on the Born To Run Tour. Unfortunately the circulating audio ("Ann Arbor 1975") doesn't do the show justice. "Thunder Road" is the opening song in the slow arrangement featuring Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals, the introduction to "Spirit In The Night" includes the opening lines of Lloyd Price's 1958 hit "Stagger Lee". "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Kitty's Back" contains a snippet of "Nothing's Too Good For My Baby", "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" starts off with "Come A Little Bit Closer" and includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection, "Quarter To Three" is played, stopped, started up again, stopped and started up again a final time, and the first known "Detroit Medley" contains a short piano solo by Roy during "Jenny Jenny", includes "Back In The U.S.A." and does not return to "Devil With The Blue Dress" before it ends. See our News tab to read an interesting review of the show from The Michigan Daily, which includes the final sentence "…another step towards the day when the name Bruce Springsteen will become a household word."
1975-09-25 - AUDITORIUM THEATRE, CHICAGO, IL
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHA-LA-LA / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE
Setlist may be incomplete.
A possibly complete seventeen-song setlist is known, thanks to a combination of audience recollections and newspaper reports. Opening song "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals.
1975-09-26 - HANCHER AUDITORIUM, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA, IOWA CITY, IA
MEETING ACROSS THE RIVER / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE
First confirmed performance of "Meeting Across The River". "Spirit In The Night" includes the opening lines of Lloyd Price's "Stagger Lee" as an introduction. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes the "Come A Little Bit Closer" introduction and a snippet from "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-09-27 - AMBASSADOR THEATRE, ST. LOUIS, MO
MEETING ACROSS THE RIVER / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / PRETTY FLAMINGO / SHE'S THE ONE / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BORN TO RUN / NIGHT / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY
Bruce's first confirmed appearance in Missouri. Show includes another "Meeting Across the River", the rare "desert" intro to "Kitty's Back" and a record length "The E Street Shuffle" (including "Having A Party"). "Spirit In The Night" includes the opening lines of Lloyd Price's "Stagger Lee" as an introduction. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes the "Come A Little Bit Closer" introduction and a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-09-28 - MEMORIAL HALL, KANSAS CITY, KS
MEETING ACROSS THE RIVER / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / SHE'S THE ONE / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BORN TO RUN / NIGHT / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE
Bruce's first ever appearance in Kansas. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes an instrumental snippet of "Kansas City" in the introduction, followed by the "Come A Little Bit Closer" introduction and a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. Attendance was 1,450.
1975-09-30 - CIVIC AUDITORIUM MUSIC HALL, OMAHA, NE
MEETING ACROSS THE RIVER / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / DETROIT MEDLEY / QUARTER TO THREE
Incomplete setlist.
Bruce's first ever appearance in Nebraska. The concert was originally scheduled to be held on September 19 at the Milo Bail Student Center at the University of Nebraska, but due to demand was moved to the Music Hall venue attached to the Civic Auditorium in downtown Omaha. Tickets for university students were $3.00 and paid attendance was 1,645. An attendee recalls that "Meeting Across The River" opened the show, and "Backstreets" was also performed. A newspaper review of the show also mentions that "It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City" and "Kitty's Back" were played - the article goes into some detail about the concert, see our News tab to read it. A very positive review in The Creightonian, student newspaper of Creighton University, adds "Detroit Medley" and "Quarter To Three" to the setlist. At this point in 1975 the hype machine had really started to build momentum, just a month before the Time / Newsweek covers. Jim Recalls: "Bruce was heckled by audience members perhaps not convinced that Springsteen deserved the hype, but by the end of the show he had won the crowd over."
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-02 - UPTOWN THEATRE, MILWAUKEE, WI
MEETING ACROSS THE RIVER / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / PRETTY FLAMINGO / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / extended bomb scare interruption/intermission / LITTLE QUEENIE / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / SHA-LA-LA / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE
Bruce's first ever appearance in Wisconsin is the famous 'bomb scare show'. Just 45 minutes into the concert a bomb threat is phoned in to the theatre, and the night's MC Bob Reitman (disc jockey for WQFM) is forced to enter the stage after "Thunder Road" (which is the slow version featuring Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals) to inform the crowd of the threat, asking them to return in three hours time. The police search the theatre and find no bomb, so the band return at midnight for another two hours on stage. Bruce and the boys passed the time during the delay in a nearby bar (according to Bruce, the Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee) and as the show gets back underway it's evident that Bruce has had a few drinks - repeatedly and hilariously asking the audience "are you loose?!" during an outrageous "Little Queenie" (the first circulating version of this song with the E Street Band - see our Media tab to hear it). There is also an exceptionally long rendition of "The E Street Shuffle" that includes a 14-minute introduction and "Having A Party" in the outro. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes the "Come A Little Bit Closer" intro and a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. See our News tab to read a pair of news articles with a little more detail about the events.
1975-10-03 - RIVOLI THEATRE, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Cancelled show, known only from an advert in the Indianapolis Star of September 14.
1975-10-04 - COLE FIELD HOUSE, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK, MD
Cancelled show as Springsteen is not yet ready to make the transition from 5,000-6,000 seat halls to bigger venues. The Cole Field House held 14,000, and the University were unwilling to reduce seating to 10,000 by blocking off an area of the hall. Bruce felt that large venue would provide poor acoustics.
1975-10-04 - MICHIGAN PALACE, DETROIT, MI
TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG / QUARTER TO THREE / LITTLE QUEENIE / TWIST AND SHOUT
Set opens with "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" and includes an exceptional encore with a very spirited "Detroit Medley", the first rendition of The Temptations' "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" (sung as a duet with Miami Steve, in its only tour appearance) and the second of four known tour performances of "Little Queenie". "Spirit In The Night" includes the opening lines of Lloyd Price's "Stagger Lee" as an introduction. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. Bruce would later comment that this night was the first time in his life that he did not want to get up on stage. In an interview with Robert Hilburn for the Los Angeles Times, Bruce felt that the promotion for Born To Run was overwhelming him. "I felt that I had lost a certain control of myself", he told Hilburn, "There was all the publicity and all the backlash. I felt that the thing I wanted most in my life - my music - being swept away and I didn't know if I could do anything about it. I could see how people get into drinking or drugs, because the one thing you want at a time like that is to be distracted - in a big way I was lucky. I had my band, which was people I had grown up with." As a side note, this story has occasionally been incorrectly attributed to Bruce's February 15, 1977 show in Detroit, particularly in Rob Kirkpatrick's Magic in the Night: The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen. However, Hilburn's original article is clearly referring to this show. A critical ear could perhaps detect a slight drop in the energy of Springsteen's performance compared to other shows around this time, although the encore is one of the best of the tour to date. It's interesting that Bruce chose to open with the upbeat "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", instead of the usual "Meeting Across The River", "Thunder Road" or "Incident On 57th Street", all played in slow, downbeat arrangements. This is also the first show of the tour confirmed not to include "It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City".
1975-10-00 - UNKNOWN LOCATION, LAFAYETTE, IN
Cancelled show, known only from a November 1975 Street Life article, covering the Milwaukee Bomb Scare show, reporting that Bruce cancelled tour dates in Memphis, Lafayette, and Nashville. We've made the educated guess that this refers to Lafayette, Indiana, based on the tour itinerary and the populations of various candidates at the time, but the cancelled date may have in fact been in a different city of that name.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-00 - UNKNOWN LOCATION, NASHVILLE, TN
Cancelled show, known only from a November 1975 Street Life article, covering the Milwaukee Bomb Scare show, reporting that Bruce cancelled tour dates in Memphis, Lafayette, and Nashville.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-00 - UNKNOWN LOCATION, MEMPHIS, TN
Cancelled show, known only from a November 1975 Street Life article, covering the Milwaukee Bomb Scare show, reporting that Bruce cancelled tour dates in Memphis, Lafayette, and Nashville.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-10 - MONMOUTH ARTS CENTER, RED BANK, NJ
Cancelled show (before any advertising took place or tickets sold), rescheduled to the following night. The original intention was to play single show gigs on October 10 and 11. This was then changed to a two-show booking on October 11.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-11 - JAI ALAI FRONTON, MIAMI, FL
Cancelled concert. The show was rescheduled several times - first arranged for October 11, then November 14, before finally ending up on November 11.
1975-10-11 - MONMOUTH ARTS CENTER, RED BANK, NJ
Soundcheck: 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY)
MEETING ACROSS THE RIVER / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / NIGHT / KITTY'S BACK / THUNDER ROAD / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY
Incomplete setlist.
First of two separate admission shows (8:30pm), with Springsteen & The E Street Band the sole act on the bill and the building marquee proclaiming 'The Homecoming'. As is so often the case with Bruce's pre-1976 gigs, the fact that there were two shows on the same night has caused its fair share of confusion through the years. The partial setlist from the early show listed is from post-concert reports and from a fan present who also recalls that most of the photos in the Newsweek articles came from these shows.
1975-10-11 - MONMOUTH ARTS CENTER, RED BANK, NJ
INCIDENT ON 57TH STREET / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / QUARTER TO THREE / CAROL (with David Sancious) / DETROIT MEDLEY
Second of two separate admission shows (12:00am), with Springsteen & The E Street Band the sole act on the bill and the building marquee proclaiming 'The Homecoming'. As is so often the case with Bruce's pre-1976 gigs, the fact that there were two shows on the same night has caused its fair share of confusion through the years. A fan present recalls that most of the photos in the Newsweek articles came from these shows. "Incident On 57th Street" is the slow arrangement with just Roy on piano and Bruce on vocals. David Sancious guests on piano during "Carol". The introduction to "Spirit In The Night" includes the opening lines from Lloyd Price's 1958 #1 hit "Stagger Lee". "The E Street Shuffle" is the slow version but, unusually, does not include "Having A Party". As he did at several shows during this part of the tour, Bruce incorporates a small snatch of Jay & The American's hit "Come A Little Bit Closer" into the start of "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)", before which Roy plays a few snippets including a bit of "The Godfather Love Theme"; the song also includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-10-16 - THE ROXY THEATRE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / PRETTY FLAMINGO / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / GOIN' BACK / DETROIT MEDLEY
Setlist likely incomplete.
This was the opening of a four-night (six-show) residency at the club. This first night was a single show and, unknown to Bruce, Columbia Records had reserved many of the seats for media and industry people - a situation that Springsteen gradually became aware of during the show (by the lack of the usual audience enthusiasm) and one that he was very miffed about after the show and then mentioned to the audience at the following night's shows. The listed setlist, culled from assorted (glowing) media reviews of the show, is believed to be missing two or three songs. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. Songwriter Carole King was present at this show and Springsteen premiered and dedicated a heartfelt rendition of her 1966 song "Goin' Back" to her. Other luminaries present include Jack Nicholson, Peter Boyle, Robert De Niro, Jackson Browne, Jim Messina and Neil Diamond. It may have been at this show that De Niro heard Springsteen's "you talkin' to me?" schtick that he later famously improvised in Taxi Driver. In October 2007 Springsteen dedicated "Meeting Across The River" to Peter Boyle on what would have been his 72nd birthday (he died in December 2006), saying that they met for the first time in New York City. A fan present at all the shows remembers: "I believe it was a Columbia Records event that certainly included people from Billboard as well as anyone in the music press that would come. LA was pretty cool to Bruce before these shows and Columbia was pushing hard to get the industry folks to see him. Bruce certainly had no cult following on the West Coast, as we didn't see any of the same people up at the front of the stage from show to show. After the single show on Sunday night, my wife and I were at an IHOP on Hollywood Blvd. for a really early breakfast, when who comes in but Bruce, Mike Appel and their ladies. Bruce looked at us, laughed and said something like "I can't shake you guys". We let him eat his pancakes in peace. The next day, we bumped into the rest of the band at Disneyland! No one else seemed to have a clue who they were!"
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-17 - THE ROXY THEATRE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / PRETTY FLAMINGO / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / GOIN' BACK / DETROIT MEDLEY
First of two separate admission shows. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. Bruce sings the opening of "Stagger Lee" as an introduction to "Spirit In The Night". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-10-17 - THE ROXY THEATRE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / GOIN' BACK / DETROIT MEDLEY
Second of two separate admission shows. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-10-18 - THE ROXY THEATRE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / GOIN' BACK / CAROL
First of two separate admission shows. "Thunder Road" is performed in the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals, and "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party".
1975-10-18 - THE ROXY THEATRE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / PRETTY FLAMINGO / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / GOIN' BACK / DETROIT MEDLEY / QUARTER TO THREE
Second of two separate admission shows. "Thunder Road" is performed in the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals, "Spirit In The Night" features the "Stagger Lee" introduction, and "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-10-19 - THE ROXY THEATRE, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / GOIN' BACK / DETROIT MEDLEY / QUARTER TO THREE / CAROL
Final show of the four-night (six-show) residency at the club. This final night was only a single show. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. Bruce sings the opening lines to "Stagger Lee" as an introduction to "Spirit In The Night". "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. Last known performance for "Goin' Back". A Brucebase reader who attended comments: "The October 19 show was clearly the high point of Bruce's four night stand. It features far and away the best "The E Street Shuffle" I've ever experienced. He got the crowd singing along and just played it from there. It's right up there with some of the moments during the (early 1975) Westbury show". During "Spirit In The Night" Bruce steps out into the audience. Someone close shouts "over here!" to Bruce several times, where Bruce's reply is "you're on the wrong side."
1975-10-23 - GERDE'S FOLK CITY, NEW YORK CITY, NY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
With a five-day break in the West Coast leg of the tour, Bruce flies to New York to attend a surprise, 61st birthday party for Gerde's Folk City owner Mike Porco (who hired Bob Dylan for his first New York club gigs in 1961). Dylan turned up with a film crew as well as Joan Baez and other members of his soon-to-tour Rolling Thunder Revue. This was the first time Springsteen and Dylan had met and both formed part of a communal group that performed a filmed rendition of "Happy Birthday" to Porco. Brief audio-video excerpts of this event are seen in Dylan's 1978 movie Renaldo & Clara, though no footage of Springsteen is seen - the "Happy Birthday" segment remains in the vaults. Allegedly it was at this party the Dylan invited Springsteen to join the Rolling Thunder Revue, with Bruce allegedly turning the offer down due to his own tour commitments coupled with the fact that he wouldn't be able to use the E Street Band for his guest spots in Dylan's show.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-25 - PARAMOUNT THEATRE, PORTLAND, OR
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BORN TO RUN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / TWIST AND SHOUT
Incomplete setlist.
Bruce's first-ever appearance in Oregon but a somewhat disappointing turnout nevertheless - about 30% of the tickets remained unsold. According to a Portland journalist who attended most of the balcony area was empty. The seven songs listed above probably comprise about half of the setlist, and are courtesy of a pair of glowing reviews in The Columbian of Vancouver. The nearly three-hour set opens with "Thunder Road" and closes with four encores. One review claims that "Detroit Medley" includes "Roll Over Beethoven".
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-26 - PARAMOUNT NORTHWEST THEATRE, SEATTLE, WA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE / CAROL / TWIST AND SHOUT
Possibly incomplete setlist.
This Seattle gig was a sellout, unlike the previous night's weak attendance in Portland. Bruce's first ever appearance in Washington, and he can be heard thanking the crowd and mentioning this is his first-ever concert in Seattle (a scheduled appearance in early March 1973 had been cancelled). The setlist is culled from a number of sources: a partial audience recording that cuts in during "Backstreets", a fan who attended the show remembering that "Thunder Road", "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" and "Born To Run" were played, and a review of the show printed in the Vancouver Sun that adds "She's The One" and "The E Street Shuffle". Finally, there's a review in the Gonzaga Bulletin of Gonzaga University in Spokane that adds "Spirit In The Night" and "4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)". The resulting 16-song setlist is possibly the complete set. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection and "For You" is solo piano.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-28 - UNIVERSITY OF OREGON, EUGENE, OR
Cancelled Springsteen concert, never rescheduled. Information is sketchy but it would appear this gig was cancelled prior to any public promotion for it taking place or any tickets going on sale.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-29 - SACRAMENTO MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM, SACRAMENTO, CA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / JUNGLELAND / DETROIT MEDLEY / LITTLE QUEENIE / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
Incomplete setlist.
There were only a couple of poor turnouts during the entire 1975 leg of the Born To Run Tour - and this was one of them. Although Springsteen had by this point made a solid impact in the major cities along the west coast, he was still not well known in regional areas. The following day's Sacramento Union newspaper reported only 600 of the venue's 2,500 tickets were sold. Jonathan's recollections: "In October 1975, I was stationed at Travis Air Force Base In Fairfield, California about 45 minutes down the road (Route 80) from Sacramento. Bruce had just made the cover of Time. Unexpectedly my flight mission overseas had been cancelled and I talked my then wife (who knew nothing of Bruce) into going to see Springsteen. We arrived just before show time and figured we would have to buy tickets from scalpers if we could even get in. I was stunned to be able to buy third row floor seats at the auditorium kiosk. The reports said 600 tickets sold but I don't believe there were even 500 people actually there. (Ironically we came back the next week to see Fleetwood Mac and the place was all but sold out). Springsteen came out and spoke to the crowd. Springsteen said he would give us the same show as if the place were sold out. For the opening he sat on a metal chair and did a solo slow acoustic version of "Thunder Road". By my watch he played from about 7:40 until 12:15 AM. I don't remember the set list except he seemed to play extended versions of most of the album tunes and a couple I did not recognize. My wife was blown away not believing that one person could play that long."
A very positive review in California State University's State Hornet confirms that the auditorium was only half full, and says that lights were on at around 11pm after the show began some 40 minutes late, opening with "Thunder Road". The review adds the other songs listed above, and notes that a twelve-minute "Detroit Medley" included "Little Queenie", which would be unusual if accurate. It's perhaps more likely that it was played as a standalone song, as elsewhere the same month. Final encores were a solo-piano "For You", followed by "Quarter To Three", with the band carrying Springsteen off stage at the conclusion. The author, Bill Van Wormer, concluded the review with the following point: "The Springsteen concert could be the best concert in Sacramento this year. If you missed him, you denied yourself the talent of a fine performer. However, I'm sure this is the last and only time he will be appearing here due to Sacramento's usual lack of response to new talent. And due to the small crowd, Bruce Springsteen will probably never be back here again." As a side note, Bruce did return, but not until 1992.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-10-31 - PARAMOUNT THEATRE, OAKLAND, CA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / KITTY'S BACK / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / QUARTER TO THREE / FOR YOU / TWIST AND SHOUT / MEETING ACROSS THE RIVER / CAROL
Incomplete setlist.
Produced by Bill Graham, who acted as the evening's MC. At two-and-a-half hours one of the longest shows of the entire 1975-76 Born To Run Tour, courtesy of an extended, six-song encore section. Following the third encore Bill Graham came out and told the crowd the show was over. Seeing the roadies beginning to tear down, most of the crowd filed out. However after half the crowd had left the auditorium they heard wild cheering erupting back inside the hall and immediately turned around and went back - Bruce and the band were plugging in for more. Partial setlist details courtesy of the recollections of Jack Bogdanski - see our Gallery tab for a few photos from the show taken by Jack. The show got a none too complimentary review in the San Francisco Chronicle, although the reporter only managed to stay for the first twenty minutes. Reviews in the Stanford Daily and Los Medanos College's Experience were more positive, and add a few more songs to give us the very incomplete setlist listed. The reviewer in the Experience refers to "a smouldering version of an old twisting song"; this is probably "Quarter To Three". "For You" is solo piano. The final encore include an unusual placing for "Meeting Across The River", and the final song, "Carol". Please get in touch if you can help us with the setlist. It is understood that Bill Graham presented Bruce and the band with special T-shirts to celebrate both the sold-out concert and Springsteen's appearance on the front covers of Time and Newsweek. Fifty shirts depicting the cover of Time on the front and Newsweek on the back were delivered to the dressing room at the Paramount Theatre and handed out to the band and crew. One of these shirts appeared on an auction site in 2012.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-11-01 - ROBERTSON GYMNASIUM, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA, CA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / TWIST AND SHOUT
Held in the school's Robertson Gymnasium. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Spirit In The Night" includes the "Stagger Lee" introduction. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". A well-written review in the Daily Nexus, student newspaper of the University confirms that "Detroit Medley" was played. The sell-out show was confirmed as the finest seen at the school for four years. The author, Bill Loper, described it thus: "The contextual elements were flawless, and when mixed with the catalytical magic of Springsteen, the product was a moving musical experience."
1975-11-03 - GRADY GAMMAGE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM, ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, TEMPE, AZ
THUNDER ROAD / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / BORN TO RUN
Incomplete setlist.
Held in the school's Gammage Auditorium. Opening night of a sellout three-night stand. Ticket demand in the Phoenix and Tempe area (where Bruce enjoyed a fanatical following) was such that Springsteen could have easily sold out two week's worth of shows. The three songs listed here are sourced from a review in the November 5 edition of the Arizona Republic.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-11-04 - GRADY GAMMAGE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM, ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, TEMPE, AZ
No set details known.
Held in the school's Gammage Auditorium.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-11-06 - GRADY GAMMAGE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM, ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, TEMPE, AZ
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / PRETTY FLAMINGO / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / TWIST AND SHOUT
Held in the school's Gammage Auditorium. One of the more memorable - and best - shows of the Born To Run Tour. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. There were phoned-in bomb threats received several hours before the start of this show - however, after some initial panic by organizers and the Springsteen camp, the police determined that the individuals making the threats had gotten their schedules mixed up - they'd been intended for controversial ex-Vietnam veteran Lieutenant William Calley's speaking engagement in Gammage the previous night! Springsteen delivered a blistering show and worked the crowd into a complete frenzy, so much so that the large, humanity-packed balcony of Gammage began visibly swaying during the final stages of the concert. It was later reported that school officials had nearly decided to stop the show prematurely, although a post-concert engineering report gave the balcony a clean bill of health. Bruce refers to this incident when he returns to the same venue in 1996: "It's nice to be back at the Gammage… I seem to remember wrecking this place as a young man… yeah, something about the balcony, I don't know… I'm sure they got it all fixed by now, fortunately…" He went on to suggest that those seated on the balcony refrain from too much dancing. Max Weinberg recalled the same event in a 2018 interview: "We had one occasion back in the '70s to play in Tempe, Ariz., where Frank Lloyd Wright designed a performing arts center called Grammage [sic]. It was originally designed to be an opera house in Baghdad. I think it was the first and only rock concert they ever had there. The audience was so enthusiastic that they cracked the concrete in the balcony, jumping up and down."
1975-11-09 - JAI ALAI FRONTON, TAMPA, FL
Cancelled concert, rescheduled for November 10. The show was most likely bumped back a day due to the West Coast itinerary.
1975-11-10 - JAI ALAI FRONTON, TAMPA, FL
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / QUARTER TO THREE
After a cancellation and a couple of "almost-but-not quite" bookings in 1973, this Tampa gig turned out to be Springsteen's first ever performance in Florida (and Bruce can be heard acknowledging such to the audience). This show had originally been planned for November 9, but was bumped back a day, probably due to the West Coast itinerary. A sellout, with additional standing room only seats sold that day. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. See the articles on our News tab.
1975-11-11 - JAI ALAI FRONTON, MIAMI, FL
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / NIGHT / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE / CAROL
Incomplete setlist.
The show was rescheduled several times - first arranged for October 11, then November 14, before finally ending up on November 11. Disappointing turnout - about 30% of the seats remained unsold. Similar to the previous night's show in Tampa but with "For You" and final encore "Carol" included in the set. An article in the November 13 Palm Beach Post says that the show started an hour late due to a truck delivering the piano breaking down. However, the Miami News says the delay was due to an out-of-tune piano. Whatever the reason Bruce wasn't affected, playing for two hours and 40 minutes with three encores. A detailed review in The Hurricane (student newspaper of the University Of Miami) culminates in the incomplete setlist listed. The review says that the setlist includes every song from Born To Run apart from "Meeting Across The River", as well as an unidentified 1950s rock & roll number when Springsteen's guitar shorts out. Another review in The Miami Herald adds "Spirit In The Night" to the sixteen-song setlist, which may only be missing the aforementioned '50s rocker. The set also includes a slow "The E Street Shuffle", along with a solo piano "For You". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals.
End of the first leg of the "Born to Run" tour |
1975-11-13 - NEW HAVEN VETERANS MEMORIAL COLISEUM, NEW HAVEN, CT
Springsteen (accompanied by girlfriend Karen Darvin) attends Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue gig (which included Joni Mitchell's debut in the troupe). The Rolling Thunder Tour had begun on October 31. Also attending (like Bruce, as viewers only) were Patti Smith and John Prine. Dylan's film crew was present and shooting backstage, but no footage of Springsteen has ever surfaced.
1975-11-14 - JAI ALAI FRONTON, MIAMI, FL
Cancelled concert. The show was rescheduled several times - first arranged for October 11, then November 14, before finally ending up on November 11.
Start of the second leg of the "Born to Run" tour - Europe |
1975-11-18 - HAMMERSMITH ODEON, LONDON, ENGLAND
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
Bruce's first ever appearance in Europe, includes the tour's first performance of "Lost In The Flood", last played in November 1974. However, the number of incomplete or unknown setlists around October and November 1975 mean it may not be the first time the song was actually performed. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. The introduction to "Spirit In The Night" includes the opening lines from Lloyd Price's "Stagger Lee", although the official release credits them to Ahlert and Leslie's "The Moon Was Yellow (And The Night Was Young)", apparently mistakenly. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes the "Come A Little Bit Closer" introduction and a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "For You" is solo piano. Bruce's first show outside North America was turbulent. Before the show Springsteen tore "Finally London is ready for Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band" promotional posters from the walls - furious with the hype and publicity. The controversy clearly affected the performance as the DVD shows a somewhat sombre Springsteen, not the usual livewire. His mood is perhaps most evident in the introduction to "The E Street Shuffle". Normally a rambling tale, Bruce tails off after just a few sentences, going straight into the song. The show is still intense however, with outstanding versions of "Lost In The Flood" and "It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City", amongst others. Monty Python's Michael Palin was present at the show, and wrote about it extensively in his diaries. It is also known that this show was initially going to be broadcast over the radio (either live or delayed) but Mike Appel backed out at the last minute (the day of the show) as he felt that Bruce's mood at the time would not lead to a particularly good show.
1975-11-21 - STOCKHOLMS KONSERTHUSET, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
Bruce's first ever appearance in Sweden. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. A fan present is certain that the last song performed was "For You", but a Finnish newspaper review from 1975 (from music magazine Soundi) says last three tracks are as shown here.
1975-11-23 - AMSTERDAM RAI, AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE / CAROL
Bruce's first ever appearance in the Netherlands. European debut of "Carol". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "For You" is solo piano.
1975-11-24 - HAMMERSMITH ODEON, LONDON, ENGLAND
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / SHA-LA-LA / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / WEAR MY RING AROUND YOUR NECK / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM / QUARTER TO THREE / TWIST AND SHOUT / CAROL / LITTLE QUEENIE
Bruce's triumphant return to London is a completely different affair to his November 18 concert, an excellent performance with several extra encores including first tour appearance of Elvis's "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck". European debuts of "Pretty Flamingo", "Growin' Up", "Sha-La-La", "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck", "When You Walk In The Room", "Twist And Shout", and "Little Queenie". First ever performance in England and final tour appearance for "Carol". Fourth and final "Little Queenie" for the tour, not to be played again with the band until 1999 in Philadelphia. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "For You" is solo piano. "Kitty's Back" is dropped from the set for the first confirmed time on the tour.
End of the second leg of the "Born to Run" tourStart of the third leg of the "Born to Run" tour - U.S. |
1975-12-02 - MUSIC HALL, BOSTON, MA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / PARTY LIGHTS / QUARTER TO THREE
Show includes the first known live performance of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" since December 1973 - and it's the earliest rendition that is audio-circulating. There's also one of only three known performances of Claudine Clark's 1962 hit "Party Lights". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. The introduction to "Spirit In The Night" includes the opening lines of Lloyd Price's "Stagger Lee". "The E Street Shuffle" includes "Having A Party". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection.
1975-12-03 - MUSIC HALL, BOSTON, MA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
Second night in Boston includes an epic near-20-minute "Kitty's Back", "Pretty Flamingo" replacing "The E Street Shuffle" and a magnificent solo piano "For You" in the encores. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes the "Come A Little Bit Closer" introduction and a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" features an accordion solo before the track starts.
1975-12-05 - WHFS STUDIO, BETHESDA, MD
WHFS XMAS MESSAGE #1 / WHFS XMAS MESSAGE #2
Bruce, along with Clarence, Steve and what sounds like the entire E Street Band record two brief 'Christmas Greetings' promotional spots for the station.
1975-12-05 - MCDONOUGH ARENA, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, DC
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
"Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "For You" is solo piano.
1975-12-06 - MCDONOUGH ARENA, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, DC
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / PARTY LIGHTS / QUARTER TO THREE
Setlist likely incomplete.
Set includes the second of three known performances of Claudine Clark's "Party Lights". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals and "For You" is solo piano. The audience tape does not include "Jungleland" and "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)", but it is likely that both were played.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-12-07 - MCDONOUGH ARENA, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, WASHINGTON, DC
BORN TO RUN / THUNDER ROAD / KITTY'S BACK / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / SHA-LA-LA
Incomplete setlist.
Fan present at this show reports that "He played many of the songs listed from the nights before, including "Born To Run", "Thunder Road", and "Kitty's Back", but it was a few weeks before Christmas and he also played "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town". I was not aware that he ever played that and I remember the crowd going absolutely crazy." "Thunder Road" is almost certainly the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-12-10 - DAVIS GYM, BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY, LEWISBURG, PA
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / THE E STREET SHUFFLE / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
Incomplete setlist.
The listed partial setlist (it's missing two or three songs) is from the recollection of Brucebase reader (and show attendee) Keith, who also noted that "Meeting Across The River" may have been performed. Another Brucebase reader recollects "It's My Life" being played. "The E Street Shuffle" makes its last known appearance until 2000. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. A then-member of the school's concert committee has told Brucebase: "We were incredibly lucky. We signed the contract with Springsteen's management in early September, just as his new album hit the shops, but before it climbed in the charts, we got him for just a couple of grand, but if we'd waited a few weeks the price would have been maybe 10 times that and way out of our budget range. The old Davis Gym had a 2,200 capacity but the way Springsteen's crew demanded the set-up meant we only had about 1,800 tickets available. We did all this pre-promotion that ended up being totally unnecessary. It was the first time I ever witnessed scalping. It was a massive night around campus - pre and post concert parties everywhere. The buzz lasted for a week."
1975-12-11 - WALSH AUDITORIUM, SETON HALL UNIVERSITY, SOUTH ORANGE, NJ
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / PARTY LIGHTS / QUARTER TO THREE / WEAR MY RING AROUND YOUR NECK / TWIST AND SHOUT
Set includes the last known "Party Lights" (one of only three known versions). "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "For You" is the solo piano version. This show was the focus of a four-page colour and black & white spread in the 1976 edition of the Seton Hall yearbook, the Galleon.
1975-12-12 - POST DOME, C.W. POST COLLEGE, GREENVALE, NY
Soundcheck: MOUNTAIN OF LOVE - SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / FUNKY BROADWAY / WEDDING BELLS / NEEDLES AND PINS / YOU REALLY GOT ME / CRY TO ME
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / IT'S MY LIFE / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / SHA-LA-LA / QUARTER TO THREE
First confirmed E Street Band version of The Animals' "It's My Life", although a Brucebase reader recollects hearing the song two nights earlier at Bucknell University. In the 1987 BBC documentary Glory Days, Max Weinberg spoke about the premiere of "It's My Life" when he was asked if Bruce had ever launched into a song without telling the band what he was going to play. Max said that the band had never rehearsed the song before playing it in concert, but fortunately they all knew it. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. Danny and Roy play a polka on accordion before "4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)". Great show. The show started late due to weather conditions - heavy snow resulted in heavy traffic on Long Island. The 'Roy Rogers' that Bruce mentions in the introduction to "She's The One" is (was) a fast food hamburger joint down the road from the College. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet from "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection, as well as Roy playing a snippet of "Hernando's Hideaway". "For You" is solo piano. Roy plays a very brief snippet of "Don't Be Cruel" before "Sha-La-La".
1975-12-16 - LAKER HALL GYM, STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, OSWEGO, NY
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
Held in the sold-out 3,500-seat Laker Hall. Following Springsteen's simultaneous Time and Newsweek cover stories the demand from northeastern U.S. Colleges and Universities to procure Bruce's services increased significantly. In a hotly contested bidding war State University of New York beat out rival Syracuse University for the right to hold this concert. According to newspaper coverage (see ours News tab to read) Springsteen received $15,000 for his night's work. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet from "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "For You" is solo piano.
1975-12-17 - KLEINHANS MUSIC HALL, BUFFALO, NY
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
Despite newspaper reports to the contrary, the show does not feature a unique performance of "Here Comes Santa Claus", a cover of the early 60s Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans / Phil Spector-produced hit; instead the tape confirms the expected performance of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town." This song was immediately followed by Santa making a surprise appearance onstage, clowning around with Bruce, and handing out toy instruments as gifts to the band. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. During "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)", which includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection, Bruce changes the lyrics to "I want to Kung-Fu ya, sock it to ya, I wanna be your man." "For You" is solo piano. "Quarter To Three" is the presumed show closer, but not present on the tape.
1975-12-19 - THÉÂTRE MAISONNEUVE, MONTREAL, QC
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
Bruce's first ever appearance in Canada. Setlist provided by Montreal radio station CHOM 97.7. See our News tab to read an uncomplimentary review from the Montreal Gazette.
If you have any information (eg. setlist, memories, ticket stub or other images, as applicable) regarding this date please get in touch.
1975-12-20 - NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE, OTTAWA, ON
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
Bruce's first ever appearance in Ontario. Previous information suggested that there was a delay to the start of the show, but it is now understood that the show began on time with Bruce playing "Thunder Road" accompanied only by Roy Bittan, and continued as normal with the rest of the band taking the stage for "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out". The 17-song set listed represents the complete show, and is supplied by Dave. "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" includes Clarence receiving a toy saxophone, and Bruce commenting "Santa, still getting by on that cheap shit". He later introduces "Detroit Medley" with "Meanwhile back in Detroit, where Santa never goes, because he's afraid of getting mugged…" First ever performance in Canada for "Pretty Flamingo".
1975-12-21 - SENECA FIELD HOUSE, SENECA COLLEGE, TORONTO, ON
THUNDER ROAD / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN / DETROIT MEDLEY / FOR YOU / QUARTER TO THREE
This show was originally scheduled for Seneca College's 1,000-seat Minkler Auditorium but due to ticket demand was moved to nearby University Of Toronto's 2,000-seat Convocation Hall, then switched yet again to Seneca's larger, 3,000-seat Field House. The various promotional memorabilia (see our News and Gallery tabs) tells the venue story. The listed 17-song setlist is the complete show. Final tour appearance for "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "For You" is solo piano.
1975-12-26 - THE BOTTOM LINE, NEW YORK CITY, NY
GLORIA
Bruce turns up for the late show on opening night of Patti Smith's three-night (seven-show) residency at the club. Apparently Bruce is among a group of people (including Creem magazine founder Lester Bangs) that congregate off-spotlight and supply the background chorus on "Gloria". This is the first of three low-key guest appearances at Patti Smith shows that Bruce will make over the ensuing 24 months (see November 26, 1976 and December 30, 1977 listings).
1975-12-27 - TOWER THEATER, UPPER DARBY, PHILADELPHIA, PA
TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / LOST IN THE FLOOD / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / IT'S MY LIFE / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / KITTY'S BACK / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY / THUNDER ROAD / QUARTER TO THREE / FOR YOU / BACK IN THE U.S.A. / TWIST AND SHOUT
Second appearance of "It's My Life". Final tour performance for "Lost In The Flood", in its last full-band rendition until 2000. Last known E Street Band "Back In The U.S.A." Bruce sings the opening lines of Lloyd Price's "Stagger Lee" as an introduction to "Spirit In The Night". "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals, and "For You" is the solo piano version.
1975-12-28 - TOWER THEATER, UPPER DARBY, PHILADELPHIA, PA
TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / DOES THIS BUS STOP AT 82ND STREET? / IT'S MY LIFE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / SHA-LA-LA / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY / THUNDER ROAD / QUARTER TO THREE / FOR YOU / TWIST AND SHOUT
Set opens with a slowed "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out". Last known "Sha-La-La" until August 19, 2009 in Hartford, CT. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "For You" is solo piano. "Twist And Shout" includes "Killer Joe".
1975-12-30 - WMMR STUDIO, PHILADELPHIA, PA
Bruce, Miami Steve, Garry, and Danny (and probably Roy too) pay DJ Ed Sciaky an afternoon visit and spend a half hour as Ed's "guest" DJs, spinning some of their favorite platters by the likes of The Drifters, Sam & Dave, Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Them. Ed mentioned during the program that the following night's show (December 31) at the Tower Theater is going to be recorded for "broadcast sometime in the future". We now know that Mike Appel recorded most of the December 1975 shows for possible use on a planned 1976 multi-disc live LP release that never eventuated.
1975-12-30 - TOWER THEATER, UPPER DARBY, PHILADELPHIA, PA
NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / DOES THIS BUS STOP AT 82ND STREET? / IT'S MY LIFE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT FINE / GROWIN' UP / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / MOUNTAIN OF LOVE / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY / THUNDER ROAD / WEAR MY RING AROUND YOUR NECK / QUARTER TO THREE / FOR YOU / TWIST AND SHOUT
Set includes the first "Mountain Of Love" of the tour, last played back in February. Miami Steve disappeared from the stage sometime after "It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City" and didn't return. He had the flu. "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" is the slow version, also played at the Tower Theater two days previous. Final tour appearances for "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" and "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck". "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "For You" is the solo piano version. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. "Twist And Shout" includes "Killer Joe".
1975-12-31 - TOWER THEATER, UPPER DARBY, PHILADELPHIA, PA
NIGHT / TENTH AVENUE FREEZE-OUT / SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT / DOES THIS BUS STOP AT 82ND STREET? / IT'S MY LIFE / SHE'S THE ONE / BORN TO RUN / PRETTY FLAMINGO / IT'S HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY / BACKSTREETS / MOUNTAIN OF LOVE / JUNGLELAND / ROSALITA (COME OUT TONIGHT) / 4TH OF JULY, ASBURY PARK (SANDY) / DETROIT MEDLEY / QUARTER TO THREE / THUNDER ROAD / TWIST AND SHOUT
Final slow version of "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" until the re-arranged solo piano performances at the 1990 Christic Institute shows. Last known "Does This Bus Stop At 82nd Street?" until 1993 in Red Bank and last "Mountain Of Love" until 2008 in St. Louis. "Thunder Road" is the slow version with Roy on piano and Bruce on harmonica and vocals. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" includes a lengthy mariachi-style introduction and a snippet of "Theme From Shaft" in the midsection. Steven Van Zandt leaves the stage sometime before the last three songs of the encore, as Bruce alludes to in his introduction to "Quarter To Three". Steve may have still been feeling the affects of the flu that also forced him off stage the previous night. Although many setlists are not fully known, "Spirit In The Night", "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", and "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" may have appeared at every show of the 1975 Born To Run Tour – at least, there are no shows at which we can say with certainty that they were not played.
End of the third leg of the "Born to Run" tour |
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