New Archive: November 24, 1975 Hammersmith Odeon London

Springsteen's first European tour culminates in a breathtaking return to London's Hammersmith Odeon for a 22-song set that is one of the standout shows on the Born To Run tour. London 11/24/75 features eight changes from opening night at Hammersmith six days prior, "Growin' Up" plus seven covers: "Pretty Flamingo," "Sha-La-La," "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck," "When You Walk In The Room," "Twist And Shout," "Carol" and "Little Queenie." Outstanding versions of "Thunder Road," "Lost In The Flood," "It's Hard To Be A Saint In The City, "For You" and "Quarter To Three" round out this triumphant performance.

56 comments

56 Comments

Louisa

Dec 08, 2020

I am listening to this show since Friday and am really loving it, and I am also thinking about what makes 1975 shows such a different experience. There's something transient about Bruce, something naughty in his voice and there's the eager attitude... Maybe it is just his youth or the strong Jersey/NY accent that makes Bruce sound more like a character playing a role on stage than the actual Bruce person being present there at the time?

I feel like this process continued throughout the Darkness tour, and he finally formed the stage Bruce we know during the River tour? I feel like listening to one of his sub-characters and am I'm having such fun getting to know this young fella.

The Pretty Flamingo intro - when he is explaining what had happened after the two years - I start laughing every time.

Also, I'm not clever enough to point out what exactly produces that distinctive 70's sound, but it's there, so splendid.

riverdude4

Dec 08, 2020

Replying to

Great comments. You’re so right, this was young Bruce who was playing music and having fun first and foremost as opposed to the later seasoned performer who like it or not became a corporate entity as all major world touring artists inevitably do.

whispered secret

Dec 07, 2020

I don't usually bother with these archive shows, I know it's an unpopular opinion round here but, generally speaking, I am happier listening to the studio albums, the exception being for shows I was at - I love reliving those moments. However, having seen the set list, read your comments and read @Mario Brega's review, I decided to go for this one.

It is just wonderful, can't think of anything else to add.

Scott Peterson

Dec 08, 2020

Replying to

I love the archive shows, but if I were for some reason forced to pick between his massive live catalog or his much smaller studio catalog, I would pick the studio releases and it wouldn't even be a tough choice for me.

karenburke247

Dec 09, 2020

Replying to

Hmmmm maybe I should pick this one up.....

Jerseyfornia

Dec 10, 2020

Replying to

@Scott Peterson I'd go the same way, so I'm glad it's a choice that won't ever have to be made.

Dec 07, 2020

I like the one guy who recognises Pretty Flamingo from the opening organ riff.

Buddhabone

Dec 06, 2020

This release is fantastic. Everything about it. Setlist, performance, he's on and so is the band. This one is now in the top 5 of all time for me. Just unreal.

Then you add Sandy and For You. two songs from '75 that never really connected for me. But now. OMG so good.

The Imposter

Dec 06, 2020

The first Hammersmith concert is my go to '75 live release. I prefer that focused "down to business" approach over the "loose" US leg performances where he "fools around" and more or less preach to the choir. For that reason I am a little on the fence about buying this archive release.