Springsteen’s top 6 ‘surprise’ performances
Bruce Springsteen performed 15 songs with Joe Grushecky and the Houserocker on Saturday night at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park -- his latest surprise appearance at a Jersey Shore club -- continuing a tradition that goes back 30 years.
His most recent unexpected performance was on July 2 at the PNC Bank Arts Center when he joined Brian Wilson for Beach Boy classics Barabara Ann and Surfin' USA. And its almost not a surprise when Springsteen appears at the annual Light of Day concerts, performing long sets every year as an unannounced guest.
Bruce Springsteen aficionado Tom Cunningham, host of the Bruce Brunch on 105.7 The Hawk, says Springsteen has no particular reason for his unannounced concerts.
"He feels like playing," says "T.C," and really enjoys playing with his musical friends.
T.C. listed his 6 favorite Springsteen surprise appearances and their significance.
- 1
6/8/1984 - Stone Pony, Asbury Park
Bruce brought out the E Street Band for this warm up for the Born in the USA Tour, with the live debuts of "Glory Days," "Darlington County," "My Hometown" and "Born in the U.S.A."
- 2
5/30/1976 - Stone Pony, Asbury Park
Bruce showed up at the end of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes' first concert to join in on Southside's now classic "We're Having A Party." The concert, which was aired live on many radio stations, celebrated the release of Southside's first album, I Don't Want To Go Home.
- 3
10/3/1982 - Stone Pony, Asbury Park
Bruce bring his summer club tour to an end at his favorite club and a performance with Cats On A Smooth Surface. He did 15 songs that night including "Jersey Girl" and the live premiere of "Open All Night."
- 4
8/7/1982 - Big Man's West, Red Bank
John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band were the headliners but Bruce stole the show with a partial performance of On The Prowl. Bruce also performed the previous night.
- 5
7/22/1995 - Tradewinds, Sea Bright
Bruce jumped on stage with E Street Band members Little Steven and Max Weinberg to play "Darkness at the Edge of Town," "Murder Incorporated" and "Lucky Town" with headliners Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers.
- 6
11/3/2000 - Stone Pony, Asbury Park
It was the first of Bruce's many Light of Day performances as he played for almost two hours with Joe Grushecky. The concert also marked Bruce's first appearance at the Stone Pony since 1995.