Bruce Springsteen/Kyoto, Japan 1985

The huge hit of the album “Born In The USA”, which can be called a social phenomenon, made Springsteen’s first performance in Japan possible. The performance in Japan in April 1985 was mainly held in Tokyo and Osaka, but the one day in between was recorded in Kyoto on April 19th. Until now, only the incompletely recorded item “Come Out Tonight” was released from this performance, and even including the LP items, it was the most unfortunate day during the Japanese performance. but! Finally, an item that boasts the complete recording of the Kyoto performance and the highest sound quality will be released. The sound quality of audience recording using the low generation master that appeared this year is very wonderful. It can be said to be a recording that combines clearness and a lively sound image, and realistically captures Springsteen’s popular fever, which reached its peak in Japan at this time. Moreover, what made the Kyoto performance different from other performances at that time was that it was held in a gymnasium large enough to accommodate less than 10,000 spectators. In 1985, when the Tokyo Dome had not yet been built, the Tokyo performance used Yoyogi Olympic Pool and Osaka Castle Hall, large venues at the time, but the Kyoto Prefectural Gymnasium held about 8,000 people, which is equivalent to a hall level from an American perspective. It was an unusually large venue. There is no doubt that the moderately sized venue contributed to this wonderful high quality recording. Moreover, as the “Born In The USA” tour exploded in popularity, small arenas, usually stadiums, were the norm, and in Europe it was so large that Springsteen’s solo concert was held in an outdoor festival square. . However, members of Blues and the E Street Band were overjoyed at the first hall class gig in a long time, which happened to take place in the East.This was a “bonus” that was included in the Japan tour. It seems that he accepted it. The show at a venue that is a good size not only for the audience but also for the performers, even in the upper atmosphere typical of this tour, conveys a peaceful atmosphere. Not only on this day, but due to regulations that required the closing time of the venue to be strictly adhered to, Springsteen’s set list was shortened by a few songs from his usual performances, but the performance time and venue were just right. I think the size also matched. Anyway, Springsteen and the E Street Band take a break from their usual large-venue live shows and put on a very relaxed and exciting rock’n’roll show. Keeping in mind that this is a place where English is not widely understood, we omitted songs with long narratives, but you can’t miss the fact that Springsteen sings “Kyoto night” properly at Cadillac Ranch, which always incorporates place names. It is no exaggeration to say that the opening that starts with that glorious Born In The USA is a sight that truly symbolizes the Western music scene of the mid-1980s. A legendary day where that powerful stage was held at a gig-level venue only in Japan, the Kyoto performance, which has never been satisfying until now, will finally appear. This tour was sometimes referred to as a marathon show, but it was just long enough to fit on two discs, so you wouldn’t get tired of listening to it, and the fast pitch was perfectly adjusted.A rare sight of Springsteen’s first visit to Japan. Please enjoy your day! Live at Kyoto Furitsu Taiikukan, Kyoto, Japan 19th April 1985 TRULY AMAZING SOUND Disc 1 1. Born In The USA 2. Badlands 3. Out In The Street 4. Johnny 99 5. Atlantic City 6. The River 7. Working In The Highway 8. Prove It All Night 9. Glory Days 10. The Promised Land 11. My Hometown 12. Thunder Road Disc 2 1. Cover Me 2. Dancing In The Dark 3. Hungry Heart 4. Cadillac Ranch 5. I’m On Fire 6. No Surrender 7. Bobby Jean 8. Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) 9. Born To Run 10. Ramrod 11. Twist And Shout / Do You Love Me Bruce Springsteen – Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica Roy Bittan – Piano, Keyboards Clarence Clemons – Tenor & Baritone Saxophones, Backing Vocals, Percussion Danny Federici – Organ, Accordion, Keyboards Garry Tallent – Bass, Percussion Max Weinberg – Drums Nils Lofgren – Guitar, Backing Vocals Patti Scialfa – Backing Vocals, Percussion