For Christmas, Bruce Springsteen has released a new live album, albeit one that is very bittersweet for the band and fans alike. The recording is of Springsteen and E Street Band’s November 22nd, 2009 concert in Buffalo, which marked Clarence Clemons’ final live performance with the band. The fan favorite saxophonist passed away in June 2011 from complications of a stroke.
The concert’s 34-song setlist boasted a full performance of Springsteen’s 1973 debut, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J, including the first live renditions of “Mary Queen of Arkansas” since 2002 and “The Angel” since 1996. Other noteworthy moments included the live debut of “Restless Nights” from 1998’s Tracks, the tour debut of “I’ll Work For Your Love” from 2007’s Magic, and the first live performance of “Merry Christmas, Baby” since 2004.
The album is available for purchase digitally on CD through the band’s website. While listening to the recording, be sure to read why Springsteen and the E Street Band are deserving of the accolade for 2016’s Best Band.
Setlist:
Wrecking Ball
The Ties That Bind
Hungry Heart
Working on a Dream
Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J
Blinded by the Light
Growin’ Up
Mary Queen of Arkansas (First performance since 2002)
Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street?
Lost in the Flood
The Angel (First performance since 1996)
Play Video
For You
Spirit in the Night
It’s Hard to Be a Saint in the City
Waitin’ on a Sunny Day
The Promised Land
Restless Nights (Live debut)
Surprise, Surprise
Green Onions (Booker T. & The MG’s cover)
Merry Christmas, Baby (Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers cover) (First time live since 2004)
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (Harry Reser and His Orchestra cover)
(I Don’t Want to) Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes (Chuck Willis cover) (Sign request)
Boom Boom (John Lee Hooker cover) (Sign request)
My Love Will Not Let You Down
Long Walk Home
The Rising
Born to Run
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out (Not on written setlist)
Encore:
I’ll Work for Your Love (Tour debut)
Thunder Road
American Land
Dancing in the Dark
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher (Jackie Wilson cover)
Rockin’ All Over the World (John Fogerty cover)
