Sirius XM Satellite Radio has its own 24/7 channel dedicated to the music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band called E Street Radio. The channel plays a ton of the Boss including rare recordings and live performances. This Friday, E Street’s guest DJ is going to be NBC News anchor and fellow Jersey kid Brian Williams.
Williams has a long, connective history with Springsteen’s music, having seen him perform at various clubs along the Jersey Shore back in the early to mid 70’s. During his guest spot Williams will share his memories of those early days and hand pick many of his favorite Springsteen tunes.
Here is a video clip preview from Sirius XM Satellite Radio’s YouTube channel where Williams discusses the loss of his brother, the connection between Springsteen and Indie music, as well as the album art form:
Here is another clip where Williams waxes nostalgic about growing up on the Jersey Shore:
“Things wouldn’t have gone the way they did for me without an upbringing on the Jersey Shore. I pity those who weren’t part of it because let me tell you it’s not one of those gauzy music memories that comes gets better with every passing year it WAS great and we KNEW it was great at the time.”
In defense of Brian Williams’ hyperbole check out the following mind-blowing clip of Bruce and the boys performing “It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City” from 1975. The performance is included on the official Springsteen DVD release Hammersmith Odeon London 75 that was packaged with the incredible 30th Anniversary release of Born To Run. Long-time Springsteen fans say the shows in Jersey from this era were even better:
Williams said about the DJ experience:
“It was a very personal and intense experience to host this show, and I think that comes through on the air,” said Williams. “As a native of the Jersey Shore (Exit 114), I first saw Bruce in 1975. While my seats have gotten better over the years, the music never changed. It’s the soundtrack of my life — it’s as great today as it was back in the day.”
Brian Williams’ guest appearance will debut on Friday at 4:00 P.M. EST and then rebroadcast on Saturday at 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Tramps like us!
