Follow that dream...

Old-News from around the world


1998

December 23 1998
Christmas party

Bruce held his annual Christmas party on December 21st at The Rumrunner in Seabright where he joined Bobby Bandiera for a rendition of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (new single hype!) amongst others.

December 8 1998
E Street Reunion 1999 / Amnesty Concert Paris

It was announced today that Bruce Springsteen will tour with his old pals the E Street Band marking his first dates with them in nearly a decade. First Springsteen talked about the tour in a German interview:

Q: "When will the E Street Band reunite? And there are rumours that it might be next year."
A: "Really? (It's easy.) We've been talking about it and I've spoken with the guys pretty recently, and I think part of putting this record together
was a nice sort of reconnection for everybody. And, hopefully, I'm gonna have a good announcement for my fans pretty soon. You know, we're still working on it, and those people that have to iron out -- you know, everybody's got their own lives now and different jobs, and so people in
the process are sort of trying iron those things out. But, hopefully, very soon I'll be able to announce something that makes fans happy."

This statement was followed by a press release from Shore Fire Media:
Jon Landau Management has confirmed that Bruce Springsteen intends to begin a worldwide tour with the E Street Band in the summer of 1999.The concerts will mark the first time since 1988-89's "Human Rights Now! Amnesty International Tour" that Springsteen and the E Street Band have embarked on a major series of performances. All additional details will be announced after the first of the year.

And don't forget this one:
In a similar vein, Springsteen's camp has confirmed that he will be joining the line-up of Thursday's Amnesty International concert for human
rights defenders at Bercy Stadium in Paris. The concert marks the 50th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights, and will also
feature Alanis Morissette, Radiohead, Shania Twain, Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, and Tracy Chapman. Plans for a show in Oakland later this year have been scrapped.

November 12 1998
Inductees for the 1999 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The 1999 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced, and, to no one's surprise, Bruce Springsteen is included in this year's class. Joining Bruce in the Class of 1999 are Paul McCartney, Dusty Springfield, Curtis Mayfield, Del Shannon, Billy Joel, and The Staple Singers. The Early Influencer Inductees are Bill Wills and His Texas Playboys and the non-performer inductee is George Martin.

November 12 1998
Bruce Springsteen: A Secret History

UK TV appearance : BBC2, Saturday December 5th at 23.35 for 60 minutes

Filmed over three days at Thrill Hill Recording, The Saint in Asbury Park & in & around Asbury Park & Freehold NJ. As well as an exclusive, lengthy interview (including a full explanation of the 1993 "karaokae" incident") with Bruce the programme will feature a new exclusive performance of Born In The USA,plus never before seen footage of many Tracks songs & others. There will be glimpses of Bruce’s childhood homes, the Elks Club in Freehold where he made his performing debut, the Student Prince, the Stone Pony, Palace Amusements, the Circuit & others (all contemporary footage)

Interview conducted & programme produced by Mark Hagen, Executive Producer BBC Music Entertainment. Producer of Top of the Pops 2. Also regular contributor to Mojo, Country Music International and presenter of VH1 Country.

Programme directed by Steven Goldmann. Canadian director whose videos for Faith Hill’s This Kiss and Kathy Mattea’s 455 Rocket both won the CMA’s Best Video Award.

November 12 1998
Springsteen Live appearance

November 4 1998 : Club 251, West Palm Beach, FL with Clarence Clemons

1 Shake, Rattle & Roll
2 Got My Mojo Working
3 Pink Cadillac
4 Down The Road Apiece

October 27 1998 : The Saint, Asbury Park, NJ

1 Born In The USA
2 Born In The USA
3 Unknown Blues Song

Apparently these performances were filmed for promotional purposes for TRACKS, a source from the bar reported.

November 5 1998
DRIVE ALL NIGHT # 27 - Summer/Fall 1998 released

Our newest issue is on the way... just right before TRACKS - The contents... (coming soon)

November 1 1998
Bruce's birthday party

On October 11, Springsteen finally celebrated his (Sept. 23) birthday with a party in Colts Neck, which had been postponed several times due to bad weather. A country band provided the entertainment, and Bruce played a set with them, including "Shake Rattle and Roll," "Jambalaya," "Mystery Train," "All I Have to Do is Dream," "Chicken Shack Boogie," and "Red Headed Woman." Guests included Little Steven, Max Weinberg, Jon Bon Jovi and Sheryl Crow. The birthday jam was Springsteen's first known public performance since the Elaine Steinbeck Tribute on April 4.

October 29 1998
DRIVE ALL NIGHT # 27

Happy Halloween - Our newest issue is in print. Delievering to our members starts next week... just right before TRACKS....

October 29 1998
Springsteen/McCartney - May 15 1999

On November 18th in Wildwood, NJ, Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen will have a joint press conference to announce that May 15, 1999 will be the date
that the two of them will will be putting on a benefit concert that will aid Breast Cancer research.  When the concert comes about, there is a 50/50 chance
that Ringo and George will appear with Paul.  Ringo is in negotiations already and with George's recent cancer episode, he seems a likely participant.  The
E-Strret band is still up in the air.  The group putting together this show is currently working to get Elton John (he agreed to appear in an earlier show
that was subsequently cancelled), Billy Joel (he also agreed to appear but could not perform due to throat problems), and there have been intimations that
Paul McCartney will use his influence to persuade Fleetwood Mac to get together for this show. 
by Gordy

October 7 1998
Official Press Release by Columbia Records

"Bruce Springsteen: Tracks", a four CD set containing 66 songs and over four hours of material, will be released by Columbia Records on November 10th, 1998.
The collection spans Bruce Springsteen's entire 25 year career as a recording artist. (Europe release on November 9th)

liner notes:
"During the long intervals between my record releases, as I was spending more and more time in the studio, when I met a fan on the street I was often asked, What are you guys doing in there? I regularly pondered that question myself. What we were doing in there was making a lot of music, a lot more music than I could use at any one time.  As a result, my albums became a series of choices -- what to include, what to leave out?  I based my decisions on my creative point of view at the moment -- the subject I was trying to focus on, something musical or emotional I was trying to express.   In certain instances, as on Darkness on the Edge of Town, Nebraska and The Ghost of Tom Joad, these choices crystallized the album I was making. On some of my other records the reasons I had for choosing one song over another, in hindsight, feel a good deal less significant.One of the results of working like this was that a lot of music, including some of my favorite things, remained unreleased. This collection contains everything from the first notes I sang in the Columbia recording studio, my early and later work with the E Street Band, through to my music in the 90s.  It's the alternate route to some of the destinations I travelled to on my records, an invitation into the studio on the many nights we spent making music in search of the records we presented to you.  I'm glad to finally be able to share this music; here are some of the ones that got away."

Bruce Springsteen
September 1998

Read the whole Press Release

October 6 1998
Springsteen at London's Royal Court
by Badlands

Well the rumours that Bruce was in London turned out to be true as he emerged into Court 17 at London's Royal Courts Of Justice today at the beginning of two cases being held simultaneously (Springsteen v Flute International and Springsteen v Masquerade). Bruce, wearing a black suit, grey/green shirt and black tie did not speak in court today, whilst his barrister put foreward his arguments that all of the "Prodigal Son" material was owned by him and not by the various companies that have got involved in this saga over the last few years. Later in the week he will give evidence on his own behalf and amongst witnesses he is hoping will turn up on his behalf is none other than Mike Appel.

September 29 1998
Springsteen Box-Set

Tracks 1973 - 1998

SONY UK PRESS RELEASE

Bruce Springsteen is currently working on mixing and mastering a collection of previously unreleased songs for an absolutely unique boxed set.
"TRACKS" will come as a 4CD set - incorporating "65-70" songs and a 60-80 page full colour booklet that will be housed within the box. It is
understood that the booklet will feature lyrics, notes about each of the songs, and liner notes.
A high production video is being planned for one of the tracks, and is guaranteed to generate huge amounts of exposure. We will be working this
track, and a selection of others from the album, vigorously at radio.
Bruce intends to back this up with a series of key interviews in major publications and we are also investigating major TVs.
Marketing:
Press ads in Q, Mojo, Uncut, Times, Guardian, Telegraph.
Radio advertising on Virgin and XFM, TV advertisingon VH1, National Flyposting.
This is just a news release. Much more detailed information on this
release and our plans for it will be available soon.

The 'so far' unofficial tracklist :

Disc 1 (The Early Years to Darkness)
Mary Queen Of Arkansas
Saint In The City
If I Was The Priest
Growin' Up
Does This Bus Stop At 82nd Street?
Bishop Dance (Live)
Hey Santa Anna
Seaside Bar Song
Zero And Blind Terry
Linda Let Me Be the One
Thundercrack (Live)
Rendezvous
Give The Girl A Kiss
The Iceman
Bring On The Night
So Young And In Love
Hearts Of Stone
Don't Look Back
Disc 2 (The River period)
Restless Nights
A Good Man Is Hard To Find
Roulette
Doll House
Where The Bands Are
Loose Ends
Living On The Edge Of The World
Wages Of Sin
Take 'Em As They Come
Be True
Rickie Wants A Man
I Wanna Be With You
Mary Lou
Stolen Car (alternate take)
Born In The USA (acoustic)
Johnny Bye Bye
Shut Out The Light
Disc 3 (Born In The USA to Tunnel Of Love)
Cynthia
My Love Will Not Let You Down
This Hard Land
Frankie
TV Movie
Stand On It
Lion's Den
Car Wash
Rockaway The Days
Brothers Under The Bridges 1983
Man At The Top
Pink Cadillac
Two For The Road
Janey, Don't You Lose Heart
When You Need Me
The Wish
The Honeymooners
Lucky Man
Disc 4 (The 90s through to Tom Joad)
Leavin' Train
Seven Angels
Give It A Name
Sad Eyes
My Lover Man
Over The Rise
When The Lights Go Out
Loose Change
Trouble In Paradise
Happy
Part Man, Part Monkey
Goin' Cali
Back In Your Arms Again
Brothers Under The Bridges 1995


July 23 1998
Springsteen Back Catalog
by Joe Schwind

I heard this evening that all of the back catalog is on schedule for an early '99 release. Good news right? I also have it on pretty good authority that there will extensive bonus tracks as well. Why no B-Sides on the Box?
Probably because they're being saved for the remasters.

Wonder if "Roulette" will be stuck at the end of TOL..... or The River?
Will the entire BIUSA record plus all those B-Sides fit on one CD? We may find out early next year.

Wed, 22 Jul 1998 from: Tom Ucko
E-Streeters May Be Reluctant

Saw this article in Rock Village:
We have spoken to some former members of the E Street Band over the past year about the always-circulating rumors of an E Street Band reunion. Here's what some of the   members had to say:   Sax player Clarence Clemons, "The Big Man," has gone on  to a career in acting (he's had roles in "The Sentinel" and "Nash Bridges") but  when we asked him if he'd like to get back together with the E Street Band, he  was enthusiastic. He did note, however, that if the band reunited, they'd  probably play 2 or 3 hour shows instead of the 4 or 5 hours shows they did in  their earlier days: "It was very exciting to do those long shows, which will  never happen again, I'm quite sure. You would think it would be an exhaustion,  but it was never an exhaustion; we loved what we were doing, and when you love  what you do, it goes fast."   E Street drummer Max Weinberg wasn't too sure
that he'd want to be involved with Bruce's usual touring schedule, which can  keep him and the band on the road for a year or more. That may be because Max  has the best gig of any of the former E Streeters - as the band director on  "Late Night With Conan O'Brien." Here's what he told us: "The focus of my  professional life now is of course working with my band on 'Late Night With  Conan O'Brien.' But it was always fun to play with the E Street Band. The  hallmark of that band was, whenever we played, we always had a lot of fun."   E  Street bass player Gary Tallent now lives in Nashville, and occasionally produces bands, but is mostly a family man these days. He told us that all the  former E Street members are happy with their current lives, and may not want to  return to the old band: "Everybody's just kind of reinvented themselves as individuals, and to try and reinvent the band just might be not the highest  priority on everybody's list. But it remains to be seen. I mean, I don't think
anybody's completely opposed to the idea."   One of the "newest" members of the  E Street Band is guitarist Nils Lofgren, who joined after the release of the  1984 album, Born In The USA. He told us that joining the band was the best thing that could have happened to him, and although he encouraged Bruce to try different things when he fired the E Streeters, he'd love to reunite: "(Joining the E Street Band) was just a gift from heaven. (I'm) still a proud member of  the band, we don't do a lot of work anymore!I miss playing with the E Street  Band. When Bruce called and said he was going to try some different things, I
encouraged him."

July 21 1998
Payback time for Bob Dylan, continued

If the rumors are true that we'll see Bob Dylan holding the speech at Bruce's inauguration into the Hall of Fame, it will be a return-favor to Bruce who, in 1988, did the same for Bob Dylan. The rumors say that Dylan have been asked by the Hall of Fame committee to prepare a speech if Bruce should be elected.
However, the normal pattern is that the task of inducting someone into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame is carried out by someone younger than the inductee, so a more likely bet would be that the speech will be held by Bob's son Jakob Dylan of the Wallflowers. Jakob Dylan is known to have been influenced more by Springsteen than by his own father, and Bruce and Jakob have performed together on several occasions.

But any speculations at this point are rather premature. It's not even official that Bruce will be elected, although it would be a minor sensation if he wasn't. After all, Jon Landau is in the committee.

July 17, 1998
Dylan and Springsteen Ready to Open Vaults

From Wall of Sound today, July 17:
The two most important rock artists in the history of Columbia Records, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, will open the vaults for major catalog releases this fall. Expected to hit first is the long-awaited and much-rumored next installment of Bob Dylan's Bootleg Series, the first three volumes of which were released as a box set in 1991. Vol. 4 will be subtitled Bob Dylan Live 1966: The "Royal Albert Hall" Concert. As most Dylan fans know, the reason for the quotation marks is that the May 17, 1966, live recording credited for years to the famed London concert venue was in fact recorded at Manchester's Free Trade Hall.

Bruce Springsteen seems to have a particular fondness for November 10. Twelve years ago, he released his three-CD live album, Live 1975-85, on that date, the only box set to ever debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Presumably hoping history will repeat itself, sources close to Columbia have projected November 10 as the logical release date for a six-CD box set of more than 100 unreleased recordings, said to span his entire career on the label which Springsteen first signed to in 1972.

On Thursday, at a convention for Columbia Records employees in Miami, Springsteen addressed attendees and previewed at least one cut from the set, "I Wanna Be Where the Bands Are," [and also "Loose Ends" & "I Wanna Be With You"] an outtake believed to be from the River sessions circa 1979. Little specific release information was given for the box, but Springsteen did express his intentions to tour next summer, and added that he felt the crowd would be happy with his choice of bands, implying a reunion with the E Street Band.

While Columbia has not officially confirmed that the Springsteen box is coming, official teasing is underway: a full-page advertisement on the back cover of this week's Billboard, where, at the bottom of a list of upcoming label releases for the rest 1998, the word "Bruuuuuuuuuuuuce!!!" appears with no explanation

-----

Reportedly the first single from the box set, now using the working title " Bruce Springsteen: Songs 1973-1998" is a Lucky Town outtake "Trouble In Paradise" a song written for Tunnel Of Love, recorded for LT, but only now to be released.

July 7 1998
SSJ Tradewinds

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes played Tradewinds on Friday, July 3, 1998, and put on a very hot show, in more ways than one. Jon Bon Jovi played with the band the whole night, adding rhythm guitar and backing vocals, as well as co-lead vocals on "Working Too Hard." Little Steven played two songs with the band, "All I Needed Was You" and "Hearts of Stone," taking lead vocals on "All I Needed" and the guitar solo on "Hearts of Stone." However, he left abruptly after "Hearts of Stone," reportedly because he got a phone call saying Bruce was not going to play that night. But even after Little Steven left, the show was hot and Southside is definitely back in form.

July 5 1998
HOF Induction

The countdown to Bruce's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has begun: the first round of ballots were sent out last week. Some of those eligible for the first time are: Abba, Aerosmith, Montrose, New York Dolls, Gram Parsons, Queen, Rush, Bruce Springsteen, Steely Dan, and Tom Waits.

July 2 1998
Benefit for Breast Cancer Research & Awareness

This article appeared in The Press, an Atlantic City, NJ, newspaper, on Thursday, June 25, 1998:

WILDWOOD -- A concert promoter has signed a deal with Mayor Fred Wager to stage two beach concerts featuring Hanson and a third benefit concert that could bring some of the biggest names in the industry to the island.
Appealing to a more mature crowd, "nationally recognized performers" will play at a Benefit for Breast Cancer Research & Awareness on Sunday, Aug. 23. The contract says Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt are among the musicians being asked to perform.
Concert producer Richard Borders of Keyport said none of those acts have committed in writing, and Joel will not perform. An early concert lineup will be announced in about two weeks, and tickets will go on sale shortly afterward, Borders said. Some rock musicians who normally play with a band are contemplating rare solo performances, and one group that disbanded six years ago is considering reuniting in Wildwood, Kaye said.
"The only thing that would create more of a stir (than a reunion of the undisclosed band) would be if Jerry Garcia came back to play with the Grateful Dead on that beach," Kaye said.

The promoter expects to sell 65,000 tickets to the benefit concert at $25 each.

Tue, 30 Jun 1998 from: "Robert K. Stiens"
Bruce HBO shows?

From 6/30/98 La Times

'Joad' Coming to Tube?: Bruce Springsteen's "The Ghost of Tom Joad" may be coming to TV. HBO and the singer-songwriter are working on a deal that would lead to a series of films, each based on a song from the 1995 album, which--evoking the central character of John Steinbeck's Dust Bowl-era "The Grapes of Wrath"--examined the plight of Latin American immigrants in contemporary California. Among the vivid songs: "The Line," about a Border Patrol officer falling in love with an immigrant woman; "Balboa Park," about undocumented homeless kids in the San Diego area; and "Sinaloa Cowboys,"
dealing with orchard workers involved in illegal drug manufacturing. (All three songs were inspired by stories in The Times.) Representatives of both Springsteen and the cable channel confirmed that the venture is in discussion, but no time frame has been set either for production or airing, nor have any directors, writers or actors been signed.

Sun. May 24 1998
Grushecky Trio Review

What a hell of a show...
The two concerts in Switzerland are over. It was definitely something special. Thanks for coming. Read our german concert-review...

Sun. May 24 1998
Where It's At - TV Show

MTV-style quick-edit philosophizing hits network television, with ''Where It's At: The Rolling Stone State of the Union.'' The two-hour special, made in honor of Rolling Stone magazine's 30th anniversary, is one of those pastiche documentaries about the rock 'n' roll nation, circa the millennium, with lots of angry and alienated youth Statements and a bit of wry context delivered by their classic-rock elders.

The best ''Where It's At'' has to offer are a couple of intimate live performances. Springsteen is particularly haunting as he plays ''The Ghost of Tom Joad'' and ''Across the Border,'' and Apple seems to go into an emotional trance as she sings ''Never Is a Promise'' alone at the piano. ''Where It's At'' is directed with style by Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, the pair best known for the documentaries ''Brother's Keeper'' and ''Paradise Lost,'' but they seem to be recycling the young America that MTV has been staking out for years.

Remarks: Springsteen also play "Across the Border" and gave a short interview  (...on the power of music to unite).

Wed. May 20 1998
Bruce on Rolling Stone Magazine - TV Show

Kevin P. McClave

Bruce is supposed to appear on "Where It's At: Rolling Stone's State of the Union". The show is to celebrate the magazines 30th anniversary. Bruce is said to be performing "The Ghost of Tom Joad" and "Across the Border" both with a *band* (though I can certainly envision this band being similar to the backing he used in Asbury Park in '96).

 The show is scheduled for May 21st on ABC and is two hours long.

Sunday, May 10 1998
DRIVE ALL NIGHT  - Exclusive Grushecky Interview

Read our interview with the man from Pittsburgh and make sure that you remember the dates of his two promo-concerts in Switzerland... 

Sunday, May 3 1998
DRIVE ALL NIGHT # 26 - Spring 1998 released

Member-Alert:  Check your Mailbox. Our newest issue is on the way... The contents... DAN 26

Saturday, May 2 1998
MTV Unplugged ... not yet

On the heels of a flurry of rumors that had Bruce Springsteen agreeing to perform an MTV Unplugged session early next month comes word that the proposed event has been postponed at least until September or October, and perhaps indefinitely. Sources tell that planning for the taping got underway late last week and early this week, but scheduling problems cropped up immediately. An initial rumored date of May 7 was then changed to May 14, and now the session is apparently off the calendar entirely.

Friday, May 1 1998
Rumours about CD-boxset

We don't like rumours, but this one goes around 'n' around for weeks. Taken from newsgroups... (no comments)

Springsteen has spent much of the last couple of weeks going through the archives with Toby Scott and Chuck Plotkin with the intention of releasing an outtake box set this Christmas. It also looks like Bruce is doing overdubs on the outtakes when appropriate. Right now the rumors say 6 discs holding anywhere from 80 to 100 songs. Release date probably mid October to mid November. More fuel for the rumor mill . . .
http://www.wallofsound.com/news/stories/2854index.html

Sunday, April 5 1998
Elaine Steinbeck Tribute

The Tribute to Elaine Steinbeck was simply wonderful! The staff of The Bay Street Theatre, her friends, family and performers did a fantastic job of paying tribute to a most remarkable woman. The stage at the theatre was named the Elaine Steinbeck stage and the evening chronicled Elaine's life, her work in the theatre and her contributions to the Bay Street Theatre. Elaine showed up at the theatre the day it opened and said that she "wanted to be their friend" and there was no job she wouldn't do (over the years she has helped with every aspect of the theatre, including grabbing a paint brush when needed). She's been a long time resident of Sag Harbor and it turns out that we have mutual friends in town (which led to even more insight in to her remarkable life from friends that were also on hand). The evening begin with a piano accompanist on the newly named stage and the recorded words of Elaine over the sound system. Black and white photographs of Mrs. Steinbeck were lit as she told of each part of her life. When she spoke of the first time she heard the words to the song "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" she exclaimed: "What is this junk!" - and out walked Bruce (with no introduction needed) guitar and harmonica in hand. Bruce played the song with so much emotion (and "feeeeeeeeling, everything's going my way"). Bruce did not speak at this time except to introduce the next performer. I'll skip to the end of the show where Bruce came out again (I feel bad doing this because all of the other tributes were excellent as well). Near the end of the tribute, Gary Sinese came out and sat on a black stool on a dimly lit stage and performed the scene in which Tom Joad speaks to his mother (I think you know the one) from the Grape's of Wrath (Gary has played the Tom Joad character over 400 times and Elaine was a friend who also granted him permission to use the screenplay for "Of Mice and Men"). When Gary completed his reading, Bruce walked to the stage from his seat next to Mrs. Steinbeck in the audience - he whispered "This is for you Elaine" and sung an intimate version of the "Ghost of Tom Joad". After the song, Bruce paid tribute to Elaine and said that he should have played "Red Headed Woman" because "Blondes are fun, but when it comes to gettin' the dirty job done you need a red headed woman" (I had told my wife before the show that Bruce will no doubt find the perfect songs to fit the evening - but it won't be Red Headed Woman - certainly not knowing Mrs. Steinbeck is a red head and that Bruce would ever make that comment). After the show, many of us went to a dinner for Elaine's friends and friends of the theatre. It was an evening full of interesting conversation and of course Bruce was as friendly and accessible as ever.

- Chris

Saturday, 04 04 1998
DAN Concert Review : Elliott Murphy

Philipp wrote about Murphy's fantastic gig at the Albani, Winterthur. Check it out...

Sunday, March 15 1998
Drive All Night Press Release
from Silvio

...like always... we're working hard on our homepage. In the next few days (weeks) we offer more brandnew pages for your pleasure. Check it out.

DAN & Albani proudly presents ELLIOTT MURPHY - March 30 1998 at the Albani Bar Of Music, Winterthur.

March 3 1998 : From Flynn McLean
Springsteen & Grushecky together in Pittsburgh

For the first time since the end of the October Assault tour in 1995, Bruce Springsteen played an extended set with Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers last night, March 2, 1998, this time on Joe's home turf at Nick's Fat City in Pittsburgh, PA. The set list:

Never Be Enough Time / Talking To The King (w/ Grushecky's 9 year old son playing percussion) / What Did You Do In The War / Homestead / Chain Smokin' / Labor Of Love / Murder Inc. / Idiot's Delight / Pumping Iron / Ramrod / Light Of Day / American Babylon / Brown Eyed Girl / Down The Road Apiece / Rebel Music

Joe and the Houserockers, sans Bruce, took the stage a little after 8:30 and played an hour and fifteen minutes of mostly new music from Coming Home. After a short break, the Houserockers came back, this time with Bruce. Bruce played some very intense guitar licks throughout the night, especially on Talking to the King and Murder, Incorporated. Light of Day went on and on, again with hot guitar licks, as well as the "Driving 100 miles, driving 200 miles" bit from the 1992-3 tour. When they were supposedly done with the song at one point and the band was taking their bows, Bruce inched his way back to the microphone and started the "Driving 100 miles..." bit again, starting the song again; half the band had already left the stage so they came running back on. Bruce also threw in the chorus of Land of a 1,000 Dances into the middle of Light of Day. After the show, Bruce signed autographs for about 25 people before driving off into the night.

From: Thomas Ucko
Subject: Bruce on Seeger Tribute
So, he recorded six songs all together. More fodder for the "someday" box set...

From Columbia Records Daily Dish:
ONE HAND WAIVING FEE

Bruce Springsteen is part of an all-star lineup including Judy Collins, Jackson Browne, Peter, Paul and Mary, Ani DiFranco, the Indigo Girls, actor Tim Robbins, writer Studs Terkel, and others, many of whom waived their regular fees, appearing on "Where Have All the Flowers Gone: The Songs of Pete Seeger," a two-CD tribute to the American folk legend. The Boss, who recorded six songs for the Seeger tribute, can be heard singing "We Shall Overcome" on the finished album. "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" is the first release on the new indie label, Appleseed Recordings, and is due in stores on March 17.

Official Press Release

February 1998
Count Basie again...

(RED BANK) Bruce Springsteen was among the storytellers at a national read-in held in honor of Black History Month. The Boss read Paul Laurence Dunbar's "We Wear the Mask" to the delight of the youngsters gathered at the Count Basie Learning Center in Red Bank. Springsteen, who grew up in nearby Freehold, told the Asbury Park Press that events like the read-in are important to the community. because they bring people together.
-----
Sat February 7 1998: A poetry reading from the Boss Springsteen took part in a Read-In on Saturday at the Count Basie Learning Center in Red Bank, NJ. An event coinciding with Black History Month, the Read-In has been held annually since 1989 to encourage children to read. Springsteen chose a poem called "We Wear the Mask" by African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar to read to the crowd.
According to an article by Matt Sheehan in the Asbury Park Press, here's what Bruce had to say:
"This is a poem about not feeling free to be yourself. It's about the pain of not being accepted. When I was young, I felt like I needed a mask to be accepted... so I became a musician. And it was through the magic of music that I found the freedom to be myslef. I wish all of you that freedom and acceptance."

Member request - Complete Benefit SETLIST
JON BON JOVI AND FRIENDS COME TOGETHER
Benefit Concert for Sergeant Patrick King

31 January 1998 / 3.5 hour / Bruce was backed by almost the full E Street Band (Max, Danny, Clarence and Little Steven)

This Time It's For Real (All) / Two Hearts (Bruce, Steven) / Bad Medicine (Jon, SSJ) / Until The Good's Gone (Steven, Bruce) / Tenth Avenue Freeze Out (Bruce, Jon) / Broke Down Piece Of Man (SSJ, Jon) / Hard Times Come Easy (Sambora) / All Love's Glory (Patti) / There Goes My Baby (SSJ, Bandiera) / This Time Baby's Gone For Good (Steven, SSJ) / You Give Love A Bad Name (Jon, Bruce) / The Promised Land (Bruce, Steven) / All I Needed Was You (SSJ, Steven) / Someday I'll Be Saturday Night (Jon, Steven) / Bobby Jean (Bruce, Steven) / Blood On Blood (Jon) / Working Too Hard (Southside, Jon) / The Fever (SSJ, Bruce) / I Don't Wanna Go Home (All) / It's Been A Long Time (Southside, Bruce, Steven) / Wanted Dead Or Alive (Jon, Bruce) / Backstreets (Bruce, Steven) / Forever (Steven, Bruce) / Living On A Prayer (Jon) / Badlands (Bruce) / I Played The Fool (Southside, Steven) / Keep The Faith (Jon) / Born To Run (Bruce, Jon, SSJ, Steven) / Rockin' All Over The Worls (All) / Thunder Road (All)

Bruce & Steve Earle - Tradewinds - feb 6, 1998
From: "Pete Rizzuto" <rizzuto@home.com>

Well, tonight at the tradewinds in sea bright, NJ, Steve Earle played a scheduled concert. it wasn't until towards the end of the night that I realized Springsteen was standing at the back bar alone watching. when Steve and his band came onstage for the encores, Bruce was right up there with them. Steve acknowledged his appearance (after the crowd already had... this was afterall, new jersey) by simply proclaiming... "they let anyone in this place". they then launched into the encores...
(I apologize for the names/artists I might have wrong)... everybody's trying to be my baby (Carl Perkins), sweet virginia (stones), guitar town (Steve Earle), I ain't ever satisfied (Steve Earle)... then a short break... then dead flowers (stones), johnny come lately (Steve Earle).

Bruce obviously knew the two earlier Steve Earle songs, (at least the words), as he joined in on the choruses and mouthed along during the verses... on the Carl Perkins song Bruce took a lead verse and a vocal verse... shouting "they took some honey... from a tree... dressed it up and they called it Steve!". I'm glad I live in NJ.... pete

Sun, Feb 1 1998
COME TOGETHER - New Jersey All Star Band

Read a stunning report about the benefit concert held last night in Red Bank, NJ. Press Release

Wed, Jan. 28 1998
DRIVE ALL NIGHT # 25 - Special Issue released

We're proud to present our new issue. Check out the contents... DAN 25

Wed, Jan. 14 1998
Springsteen performs at benefit concert

Bruce Springsteen is supposed to play a benefit concert on January 31at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. The benefit concert is for a Long Branch police officer who was shot dead last year Nov. 20. He was murdered with a shot in the head from behind from a fugitive from Massachusetts who lived in Long Branch NJ. The police officer left behind a wife and two children (8 + 10 years old). Other perfomers are Jon Bon Jovi, maybe Southside Johnny & Little Steven and everybody else from New Jersey who ever released a record...(except Frank Sinatra...) Tickets go on salenext Friday or Saturday via Ticketmaster. Prices are from US Dollar 125 up til.... Lots of Tickets are going to other police officers... If you wanna go to the concert, then call now Ticketmaster, get a ticket and write a report about the show for Drive All Night magazine. Good luck and thank you.

check out : Press Release

Thursday, Jan. 8 1998
Drive All Night Press Release
from Philipp & Silvio

Again, the editors of DAN are working hard on the new magazine. Special issue 25 should be with you within the next three weeks. The magazine will contain live-reports from different bar-gigs from Jersey's favourites artists, CD reviews, our own story about a decade of Drive All Night Club and other surprises...

Beside the work at our magazine, we're always working on our homepage. Check out the new added pictures from Bruce's jam with Grushecky at Cheers last December.
Wanna be our first new member 1998 ?? Get the infos...

Wed, Jan. 7 1998
...again...Grammy Nomination
from Silvio Sidler, DAN

1998... more strange things happen in bruceworld. Yesterdays nominees for a grammy in the category - Best Male Rock Performance are :

Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen
Dead Man Walking - David Bowie
Cold Irons Bound - Bob Dylan
Blueboy - John Fogerty
Just Another Day - John Mellencamp

The reason is the release of the MTV Plugged album in the US in the voting year. Not bad for a song; written more than 20 years ago (...and performed in 1992...).

........Some news are taken from LuckyTown Digest. Thanks anyway...