Bruce Springsteen Releases ‘Lonely Night in the Park’ From ‘Born to Run’
Bruce Springsteen’s Vault of Unreleased Music
Bruce Springsteen’s treasure trove of unreleased songs continues to captivate fans. Following the release of seven albums in the compilation Tracks II: The Lost Albums, he has yet again dived into his archive to unveil “Lonely Night in the Park,” an outtake from the iconic Born to Run album, honoring its 50th anniversary.
The Journey of “Lonely Night in the Park”
The track was laid down at New York’s Record Plant over two days in May 1975 and almost found its place on the Born to Run album. Springsteen had noted it numerous times in his track sequences, even facing discussions with Jon Landau over whether it should replace “Meeting Across the River.”
In a 1990 interview, Mike Appel, Springsteen’s former manager and co-producer of Born to Run, shared his experiences during the album’s production. He described rejecting some tracks by expressing that their lyrics fell short, emphasizing his strong opinions on what should make the final cut.
Rediscovery and Recent Additions
Despite being a largely forgotten piece for many years, “Lonely Night in the Park” emerged from obscurity when it aired on SiriusXM’s E Street Radio in 2005, in line with the album’s 30th birthday. The credits for this recent release list Steve Van Zandt and Ron Aniello on guitar, indicating that some new touches were added while retaining Springsteen’s original vocals from 1975.
Celebrating the 50-Year Milestone
To celebrate the landmark anniversary, the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music will host a symposium at Monmouth University’s Pollak Theatre on September 6. This event promises panels, presentations, and discussions featuring members of the E Street Band, music historians, and industry veterans, fostering a collaborative sharing of insights.
Later in the evening, fans can catch an expanded lineup of Max Weinberg’s Jukebox performing at the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Weinberg has hinted at some exciting surprises for attendees.
Further Exploration with New Literature
If you’re eager to enhance your understanding of Born to Run, Peter Ames Carlin has published a new biography titled Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run. It includes fresh interviews with Springsteen, Landau, Appel, and various E Street Band members, shedding light on the creative process behind this legendary album.
As fans gather to honor the legacy of Born to Run, what aspects of Springsteen’s music resonate most with you?
