Bruce Springsteen Dusts off Rarities at Asbury Park Concert

Bruce Springsteen Returns to Asbury Park, Performs Rarities and Surprises

On Sunday, September 15, Bruce Springsteen returned to his hometown of Asbury Park, New Jersey, for a three-hour headlining set at the Sea.Hear.Now Festival. The iconic rock legend brought his legendary E Street Band, performing a mix of his classic hits, rare gems, and some surprising covers.

Homecoming

The concert marked a triumphant homecoming for Springsteen, born in Long Branch, approximately 6 miles from the festival site. Asbury Park holds a special place in his heart, having cut his teeth performing in local clubs throughout the ’70s. The sold-out crowd was electric as Springsteen took the stage, beginning with a rousing rendition of "Lonesome Day" from his 2002 album "The Rising."

Rarities and First-Times

Throughout the night, Springsteen delved into his extensive discography, performing several songs that haven’t been heard live in years. Some notable first-timers included "Thundercrack," "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)," and "Meeting Across the River." These performances were a testament to the Boss’s willingness to experiment and push himself creatively.

Surprises and Guests

The surprises didn’t stop there. Springsteen made a pair of unannounced appearances during the festival, teaming up with Trey Anastasio and the Gaslight Anthem for impromptu performances. With Anastasio, he tackled "Kitty’s Back," a song by the legendary drummer’s former band, Van Morrison. Later, Springsteen joined the Gaslight Anthem for a pair of tracks, "American Slang" and "History Books."

A Show for the Ages

Backed by the E Street Band, Springsteen continued to mesmerize the audience with a setlist featuring a mix of his classics and newer material. As the night wore on, he transitioned from hits like "Hungry Heart" and "Born to Run" to deeper cuts like "Atlantic City" and "Wrecking Ball." The energy remained electric, culminating in an unforgettable closing performance of "Jersey Girl," the Tom Waits-penned song that has long been a fan favorite in the Garden State.

Setlist

1. "Lonesome Day"
2. "Blinded by the Light"
3. "Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street?"
4. "Growin’ Up"
5. "The Promised Land"
6. "Spirit in the Night"
7. "Thundercrack"
8. "The E Street Shuffle"
9. "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)"
10. "Hungry Heart"
11. "Local Hero"
12. "Atlantic City"
13. "Tougher Than the Rest"
14. "Long Walk Home"
15. "Racing in the Street"
16. "Because the Night"
17. "She’s the One"
18. "Wrecking Ball"
19. "The Rising"
20. "Badlands"
21. "Thunder Road"
22. "Meeting Across the River"
23. "Jungleland"
24. "Born to Run"
25. "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)"
26. "Bobby Jean"
27. "Dancing in the Dark"
28. "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out"
29. "Twist and Shout"
30. "Jersey Girl"

Conclusion

Bruce Springsteen’s Sea.Hear.Now Festival performance was a true masterclass in rock and roll. With his band and the crowd feeding off each other’s energy, the night became an unforgettable celebration of his iconic music and a testament to his enduring power as a performer.

FAQs

Q: What songs did Bruce Springsteen play at the Sea.Hear.Now Festival?

A: Springsteen played a 30-song setlist, featuring a mix of his classic hits and rare gems.

Q: Did Bruce Springsteen play any songs that haven’t been heard live in years?

A: Yes, Springsteen performed several rare songs, including "Thundercrack," "4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)," and "Meeting Across the River."

Q: Did Springsteen make any surprise appearances during the festival?

A: Yes, Springsteen made two unannounced appearances, joining Trey Anastasio and the Gaslight Anthem for impromptu performances.

Q: Can I watch Bruce Springsteen’s Sea.Hear.Now Festival performance?

A: Yes, clips from the performance are available on our website, and we recommend checking out his full setlist and surprises.