Bruce Springsteen Performs ‘Thundercrack’ In 1973

Bruce Springsteen has unveiled professionally-shot footage featuring a performance of the powerful original “Thundercrack” from May 1, 1973. The release via The Boss’ YouTube channel follows recent uploads of “Spirit In The Night” and “Wild Billy’s Circus Story” from the same concert, which took place at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.

“Thundercrack” was debuted by Springsteen and a band that wasn’t yet known as the E Street Band back in 1972 and was played regularly through the early part of 1974. The song then disappeared from The Boss’ repertoire until 2001, when “Thundercrack” made its triumphant return during a series of Christmas concerts in Asbury Park. The full E Street Band didn’t play “Thundercrack” between March 16, 1974 and November 9, 2005. Springsteen and his band have only performed the tune 11 times in the past decade.

Watch Bruce Springsteen’s version of “Thundercrack” from May 1, 1973: