The E Street Cafe Podcast

Join us in the cafe for an end of tour review from the European leg. Rosie has ensured that we have the latest ice cream delights in stock as Jeff, Dan and Mike chat through their own personal insights into the Nordic and London shows.

We also read out a few of the listener comments too. Enjoy...

Robert has co-written a song with Garry Tallent at a songwriters retreat. He has been described as 'the Scouse Springsteen' by Q Magazine. The legendary Bob Harris is a big fan of this award-winning singer-songwriter from Liverpool. AND ..... his new album Barriers is riding high in the charts alongside Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Luke Combs.

We record this episode live in the cafe with the help of Rosalita's home made chocolate cookies. For more information, check out https://robertvincentmusic.com

Who'll stop the rain? Not even Bruce had the super powers to stop the wet weather in Sunderland. North of England in May will more than likely need a poncho in your rucksack.

Jeff, Dan and Jim brave the challenging conditions to witness a 3 hour set from Bruce and the E Street Band. We manage to get some 'in the pit' conversations from a few people as well. We also name-drop a few of our listeners too as we read out your views of the Stadium of Light gig.

Once we had dried out, we meet up the morning after the night before to discuss the gig. Sit back, pour a drink and enjoy.

Roll down the windows and let the wind blow back your hair as Jeff, Mike and the cafe staff entertain you with insights into the first two European shows.

Mike tries to outfox Rosie with a left field order, but he ends up being outwitted himself by a not so nimble Weak Knees Willie!

Our listeners may be more familiar with Wesley Stace as John Wesley Harding. That guy who has been responsible for several great Bruce covers and some guest appearances with The Boss. Wesley can be often seen curating his own live show with a mixture of performing artists. One day - he hopes he can persuade Bruce to make another surprise appearance.

Tune in and listen to some brilliant tales about him and Bruce hanging out whilst we share some of his great music. For more information please visit www.wesleystace.com

Frankfurt 1981 - the River Tour. 43 years ago this week. Our own Dan French gets an invite he can't refuse. 'Meet me in Frankfurt - I have a ticket for you' says a fellow fan. What happens next? Let's just say you couldn't make it up.

No more spoilers, but let's just say that this story is legendary in E Street fan circles and we have finally persuaded Dan to recount those amazing few days.

Jeff and Dan also conduct an E Street Shuffle for each other in between the refreshments provided by Rosalita and the E Street Cafe podcast team.

Jeff, Dan and Mike get together in the cafe to have a good old chinwag about the first 3 live gigs of 2024 in Phoenix, Las Vegas and San Diego.

Also in this episode, we each choose our Top 3 Bruce albums of all time and our favourite track from each of those albums.

Rosie cooks up a couple of specials to keep the boys well fed.

What do you think of our choices? What would your Top 3 be? Let us know and we'll give you a shout-out.

May 9 1974 - Bruce Springsteen performed a show that is considered to be a watershed moment in his career. A local photographer, Barry Schneier, had seen Bruce perform a few months earlier and suggested to the promoter that Bruce should open for Bonnie Raitt that night at The Harvard Square Theatre, Cambridge, MA. The promoter agreed and Bruce was booked in to perform at short notice.

Also in the audience that night was Jon Landau, a music critic for Rolling Stone and The Real Paper. What Jon witnessed that night, and would write about afterwards, would alter Bruce's life, and indeed his own.

Not only was Barry instrumental in putting Bruce on the bill that famous night, but he was there with his camera to capture this important piece of musical history.

For more details on Barry's book 'Bruce Springsteen: Rock and Roll Future' - visit barryschneierphotography.com or any other major online store like 'you know who'!

Pull up a chair, pour your favourite drink and rewind 50 years. Enjoy.

When Dutch superfan Jeff Molenaar heard 'Sherry Darling' playing on Ally McBeal many years ago, it began a lifelong obsession with following Bruce on tour. Jeff tells the story of how pure persistence meant that 'Annie and her guy' not only got a mention at the iconic Leeds Arena gig - but they got a very special and rare song played for them by Bruce.

In part 2 of our chat with Vini 'Mad Dog' Lopez, we cover the recording of the second Bruce Springsteen album, the break up from the band, golf, Steel Mill Retro and the various reunions with Bruce and the band over the last decade or so.

Entertaining and engaging as ever - Vini regales stories from his lifelong career in Rock and Roll and we make sure he partakes in our very own E Street Shuffle challenge.

Enjoy and don't forget to leave us a nice review if you liked this double header!