7 Times Bruce Springsteen Surprised Fans

Watch unexpected but memorable performances by The Boss
Bruce Springsteen performs during the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games 2017
Bruce Springsteen Photo credit Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation
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Bruce Springsteen just turned 70 and he’s showing no signs of slowing down – just the opposite. He just released his critically acclaimed solo album Western Stars, and he’s getting ready to round up the E Street Band for a new album and tour.

Even when The Boss isn’t officially on the clock, he doesn’t stay at home for every long, especially if there’s some good music happening nearby. Springsteen is especially likely to show up unannounced if a band is playing in our around his old stomping grounds of Asbury Park, NJ.

Here’s a look back at seven memorable times Springsteen made a surprise appearance – on-stage or off – with bands big or small.

2019 - Paramount Theater, Asbury Park, NJ with Steve Van Zandt

When you’re at a concert in Asbury Park and the band launches into a Bruce Springsteen song, it’s usually not a drill, especially if an E Street Band member is already on-stage. The Boss traded lyrics with Little Steven on “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” while the crowd went wild over the surprise performance.

1988 - A street in Copenhagen, Denmark with a busker

Bruce doesn’t always need a stage to perform, and while he was on his Tunnel of Love tour in Copenhagen he took to the streets. Spectacular video still exists that shows him playing “I’m on Fire,” “The River” and “Dancing in the Dark” with a busker whose decision to bring two guitars paid off.

1987 - JFK Stadium, Philadelphia with U2

There wasn’t much in the world of rock music that was bigger than the combination of U2, Bruce Springsteen, and Philadelphia’s JFK stadium in the mid to late 80s. Bruce joined Bono and the band to cover “Stand By Me.”

2011 - Convention Hall, Asbury Park, NJ with Gaslight Anthem

Springsteen joined Gaslight Anthem on-stage halfway through their set for what his fellow New Jersey rockers called a Christmas present for fans. The December performance was not the first time Bruce shared a stage with his Garden State brethren.

2015- PNC Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ with Brian Wilson

Talk about rock royalty. Bruce joined Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson and his band, which included Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin, for “Barbara Ann” and “Surfin’ U.S.A.” Springsteen eased into the performance with backing vocals before picking up a guitar.

2019- Tribeca Grill, New York City with Danny Clinch and his Tangiers Blues Band

Springsteen sang the blues with the regional band at a cancer benefit in honor of the daughter of his co-manager. The stage could barely contain Springsteen and the other musicians, and not many people can say they’ve seen The Boss play in a more intimate setting than he did that night.

2019 - Stone Pony Summer Stage, Asbury Park, NJ with Southside Johnny

Two Jersey Shore legends reunited on-stage over the Memorial Day weekend to perform several songs including “Having a Party.” Earlier in the day, Springsteen joined E Street Band bassist Garry Tallent for an original song during his set.