As much an anthem for Pittsburgh as anything Bruce ever wrote for New Jersey, “Pumping Iron” is a surefire setlist bet any time Joe Grushecky and Bruce play together.
Bat for Lashes turns in a mic drop cover of Bruce’s “I’m on Fire.” It’s even more yearning and steamy than the original, but more spiritual as welll.
Never “officially” covered in concert, Bruce soundchecked Hank Williams’ classic during the Tunnel of Love Tour. Take a listen inside.
“Factory” ranks among the best of Bruce’s early song-writing, with lyrical economy and an instrumental track both spare and ornate–it’s a marvel of restraint and emotional bravery.
Bruce recorded a home demo of “I Don’t Know” in 1979. What’s it about? Like the song says…
Love it or hate it, Shovels & Rope certainly captures the bravado and unraveling desperation of Bruce’s classic anti-hero.
At his only appearance to date in India, Bruce joined The Epidemics on stage and contributed his harmonica stylings to their song “Up to You.” It ended up being integrated into the released studio track.
Oakland ’07 was a solid early-tour outing with a fantastic main set (if a lackluster encore)–and it was my last show with Danny Federici.
Backed by a full choir, in the presence of the President and First Lady, Sting paid tribute to his good friend at the 2009 Kennedy Center Honors.
Although it’s believed that Bruce played blues classic “I’m Sitting on Top of the World” on multiple occasions, only one recording and definitively dated performance survives. Listen to it inside.