1971-01-29 Upstage (The), Asbury Park, NJ (Early)

Scheduled: 21:00 Local Start Time ??:?? / End Time ??:??

Info & Setlist | Venue

First of two shows, with Steve Van Zandt & The Big Bad Bobby Williams Band the lone act on the bill. Springsteen is believed to have made a guest appearance during parts of one or both of these shows. The Big Bad Bobby Williams Band was a fairly short-lived group (November 1970 - March 1971) and consisted of Bobby Williams (drums, vocals), Garry Tallent (bass), Steven Van Zandt (vocals, guitar), David Sancious (organ) and Southside Johnny (harp, vocals). 27 minutes of very good quality soundboard audio circulate from this show, including two lengthy jam improvisations. However, this audio does not include Springsteen. The exact date of the recording is not yet known, although it's from this close-proximity time period; it is likely to be from either this January 29 Upstage gig or from a show the band performed at the Sunshine In on February 19. Van Zandt handles the vocals on both songs and his lead and slide guitar work here is phenomenal, the best representation of Van Zandt's guitar prowess available on any known audio.