These two guys seem to have somewhat of a mutual-appreciation society. Here's a bit of Prince/Springsteen trivia:

1. Bruce seems to have first seen Prince live on the 1999 Tour. He commented to Rolling Stone around this time that (along with Little Steven - who was then just launching his solo career) Prince was his favorite live performer of the day. Bruce seemed particulary enamored of the segment where Prince performed on a bed that rose from the stage.

2. Bruce is rumored to have soundchecked "Little Red Corvette" at some point.

3. Prince watched Bruce's St. Paul Born in the U.S.A. show from sidestage and was invited by Springsteen to guest. Prince demurred, citing Bruce's grip over the crowd. He also told Rolling Stone that he was impressed with the way Springsteen took charge of his band. Prince was also sighted in the audience at Bruce's Minnesota Tunnel of Love show.

4. Bruce joined Prince on stage at the L.A. stop of the Purple Rain Tour. Along with Madonna (who danced, played a tambourine and possibly sang), he performed on "Baby, I'm a Star" in the encore (Bruce played guitar). I have not heard the tape, but apparently before The Boss solos, Prince says, "Play somethin' funky, Bruce!".

4. Prince included the riff from "Born in the U.S.A." in an '80s medley he played at one point in his live show.


5. Prince took in a Rising Tour show in Europe on the arena leg in '02 (Germany?).


Got any Springsteen questions? I will do my best to answer them. No subject is too trivial.

They are both great artists. It's always good to read threads on which the appreciation from one artist to the other imerges. Great stuff.

Did you know that Bruce and Prince supported Terence Trent D'Arby after the sales and critics on Neither Fish Nor Flesh were a major dissapointment. TTD almost hang his guitar in a tree and was at a point of quiting making music. Thanks to Bruce and Prince he found the incouragement to continue, for that he thanked them on Symphony Or Damn.

Did you also know that TTD performed with Bruce and The E-Street Band in June 1993. They performed 4 songs together, my favourite is Many Rivers To Cross. The sound of their 2 voices come together on that one is amazing.

Bruce and Prince are without a doubt the best live acts ever,to me!!
I'n not much into TTD ,but yes I like what he did with Bruce!!
Good to see a Boss fan here,by the way!..

GertjandeR said:

Yes, I'm aware of both of these facts. The TTD appearance (which actually was with Springsteen and his '92-'93 backing band) was quite controversial, as segments of the crowd started "Broocing" during one of his numbers. When Bruce returned to the stage, he tore a strip off the offenders and supposedly was majorly pissed the rest of the night.

I wish there was a picture/ video of this moment
*
[Edited 12/13/04 14:49pm]

jn2 said:

There's a still (courtesy of Yours Truly) in the gallery. It was published in not-so-blurry form in MOJO Magazine in '95.

June 1984 Prince went to see Bruce Springsteen and Clarence Clemmons on the Born In The USA tour opening at the St. Paul Civic Center in Minneapolis. Prince went backstage to talk with Bruce and Clarence Clemmons. Prince got the idea of having a horn player in The Revolution. Soon saxophonist Eric Leeds was on the Purple Rain tour.

saw TTD at first avenue in 95', i had my hands on the stage. he basically invited the whole crowd to paisley afterwards. while at paisley he and prince walked around with little interference from guest. DJ Jules was spinning in the mainroom so i decided to go and get my mack on before the two of them hit the stage. They never did. rumor has it they jammed alone on aucustics all night.

Mar10world said:

WOW, would have been a dream come true when you could have witnessed that. For me it would.

Ace said:

I'm not going to look through all 300-some pages of photos. Can you please post the photo you're talking about? Thanks.

jfs said:

here it is :



just chuck Bruce into the search engine bit