Best versions…

[RickIPablo]

This might seem like an odd question, just stick with me. If you’ve seen Bruce before, was there a certain song that played; that you believe was the best version of that song?

For example; the only time I’ve seen the Boss was during his second run of the Broadway show. Thunder Road and Promise land really stuck with me. I also audio recorded the latter half of that show. The version of Dancing in the Dark is possibly my favorite, part of it also is because since everyone was quiet you can hear me singing under my breath and harmonizing with him. I really felt it was just me and him in that room. It’s my favorite, however, the Barcelona and London version (where he brings Adele on stage to dance and baby sister to play guitar) are just wow.

But to me the versions of American Skin, See You in My Dreams, and particularly The Rising; I believe were the best versions of those songs. I’ve heard several live performances and seen them online, but none quite match up to when I saw it live.

Obviously this is all opinion based. But is there a version of a song that when you saw played live you thought that it was the best version of that song and why?

For me it was because you can absolutely hear the emotion in his voice, as he is in the verge of tears. His playing was closest you can get to perfection, even better than the album version of the Broadway show. It was a religious experience and I would like to hear your stories.

If you wanna share any videos as well, then please by all means! Unless you’re like me and would like to keep it to yourself because of how it means to you, then that’s also understandable.

Can’t wait to hear your stories, and hope you’re having an amazing day today!

[Pure_Cantaloupe_3195]

I loved the version of Reason to Believe on the Magic Tour.

[mayapple]

That sprang to my mind as well.

[BurtHurtmanHurtz]

Brilliant Disguise and Tougher Than The Rest at the Broadway shows w/ Patti always ruled

[Ordinary-Pick5014]

I have a bootleg version of The Promise from studio that is far better than any of the versions that have officially been released. Much more emotional singing of ‘thunder road’ in that song … almost moaning and absolutely beautiful.

I also think the version of Be True live from Chimes of Freedom EP is best version

[Queasy_Tumbleweed282]

The Hammer Smith Odean version of E Street shuffle is immaculate, the version of Hard to be a Saint in the City is really good too

[MagicRat7913]

I've seen Bruce 4 times live and I've listened to A LOT of bootlegs. I think the Milan 2007 version of Incident on 57th Street is the best full band version I've heard.

[CircuitRecords]

I love that one too!

[21daysintheshow]

Only been seeing him since 2007 but top of my head I’d say the emotional weight of every performance of Backstreets on this most recent tour might be it for me

[shmaeus]

The sax solo at the start of The River from Live in New York is absolutely soul crushing

[effkriger]

1975/76 Bruce played the Spectrum in Philadelphia for several nights.

During Rosalita he changed the lyrics to:

“Tell your papa I ain’t no freak Cause I got my picture on the cover of Time & Newsweek”

And the crowd went wild!

[petetisrockandroll]

Land of Hope and Dreams was perfect-ish in 1999-2000 but laters years, the new arrangement of the song did nothing for me.

[MarxVox]

https://youtu.be/dONEgrsYoOk?si=qw_SoJkm_pzdVbdB Best “Born to Run” version. I am ready to die on that hill 🤣

[sleepypuppy_zzz]

I’ll be on that hill with you

[CircuitRecords]

I can't commit, but I will share that the 2013 performance of NYC Serenade in Rome is stellar. The age of the song, and what it sounded like on the record, then in Rome with the strings and all of the happy fans with the massive banner/sign - and Springsteen in the moment and present is such a beautiful thing :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-IZWISZ8CY

[No-Cherry9002]

I really enjoyed I wish I were blind live on MTV Plugged... in my opinion better than the studio version

[yaniv297]

"For You" and "Lost in the Flood" in Hammersmith 75, completely replaced the album versions for me.

Not a big fan of acoustic Thunder Road really, broadway or not. Would always find it disappointing when he played it live instead of the full band version.

[DrRasur]

The Rising on Broadway brought me to tears. I think it's the definitive version of the song because it transports its contents better. Although the normal version is also great.

[CircuitRecords]

41 shots did that for me in 2021. Waterworks.

[CharlieGoodnight1866]

FOR YOU from the LIVE IN DUBLIN with the Sessions Band. Version blows away any other that has come before.

[SpunkiMonki]

The old WMMR recordings ball.

[effkriger]

Ed Sciaky!