Bruce Springsteen releases recording of 1978 show at Capitol Theatre

Bruce Springsteen is releasing his Sept. 20, 1978 concert at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic in MP3 and CD form.

As part of Bruce Springsteen’s ongoing effort to release remixed, remastered recordings of concerts from throughout his career, he is issuing his show at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic on Sept. 20, 1978 — Night Two of a three-night stand that was part of the Darkness on the Edge of Town Tour. (Night One was broadcast live on WNEW-FM and other radio stations, and has been widely bootlegged.)

MP3’s are currently available, and CDs can be pre-ordered, and will be shipped the week of Jan. 8. Also, a free MP3 of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” from this show is being offered. Visit live.brucespringsteen.net.

The 3,200-capacity Capitol Theatre was significantly smaller than many of the venues Springsteen played on the Darkness on the Edge of Town Tour. He and the E Street Band had performed there once in 1974, and played a short surprise set as part of Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes’ New Year’s Eve show there in 1977, but the 1978 concerts represented their only extended stand there.

Here is the show’s setlist:

SET ONE
“Good Rockin’ Tonight”
“Badlands”
“Spirit in the Night”
“Darkness on the Edge of Town”
“Independence Day”
“The Promised Land”
“Prove It All Night”
“It’s My Life”
“Thunder Road”
“Jungleland”

SET TWO
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
“Fire”
“Candy’s Room”
“Because the Night”
“Point Blank”
“Kitty’s Back”
“Incident on 57th Street”
“Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)”

ENCORE
“Born to Run”
“Tenth Avenue Freeze-out”
“Detroit Medley”
“Twist and Shout”

In an essay included in the new CD, Erik Flannigan writes:

“It’s just me and you tonight,” says Bruce before launching into the show-opening cover of “Good Rockin’ Tonight.” If night one in Passaic was playing to Bruce’s entire east-coast fanbase listening on the radio, night two was playing for himself and many of his longtime Jersey fans.

What follows is an electric, 22-song performance that delivers much of the core ‘78 tour set along with special selections for those stalwart local supporters, including a long, band-showcasing “Kitty’s Back”; the galvanizing cover of the Animals’ “It’s My Life” (frequently played at 1976-77 shows but uncommon in ‘78); and a very rare live coupling a la the album of “Incident on 57th Street” into “Rosalita” which justifiably brings the house down. Smashing stuff.