The No Nukes concerts are some of the most noteworthy performances in Springsteen history. At the time, Springsteen was just turning 30 years old ("over the fucking hill," as he jokes during the show, making one reflect on how lucky we are to still have him performing with the same incredible gusto at 72) and had not performed since the end of his Darkness on the Edge of Town tour.
Springsteen was superstitious about filming his performances, believing that the camera was not capable of capturing his and the E Street Band's palpable in-person magic. But the high-quality release of The Legendary 1979 No Nukes Concerts proves him wrong.
This restoration perfectly captures the wild fervor of Springsteen's youth and the incredible precision of the E Street Band. He and his bandmates—Clarence Clemons, Steven Van Zandt, Max Weinberg, Roy Bittan, Danny Federici, and Garry Tallent—perform with sharp dynamism. For the unconverted, the concerts provide ample evidence as to why Springsteen is considered one of the greatest live acts of all time. Longtime fans will be thrilled to embark on another transformative, euphoric, and emotionally cathartic musical journey. The intimate filming gives you the feeling of having a front-row seat.
The Legendary 1979 No Nukes Concerts mixes two separate No Nukes shows on September 21 and 22, 1979, although Springsteen obsessives would have enjoyed seeing both versions—even if the setlists were similar. Nevertheless, longtime Springsteen collaborator Thom Zimny combines them with his trademark fluidity. The quality of the footage is crisp and stunning and perfectly paired with Bob Clearmountain's impeccable audio remix.
Springsteen fires off like a cannon with his passionate opening numbers from Darkness—“Prove It All Night,” “Badlands,” and “The Promised Land—galvanizing the audience with his indomitable energy. His performance of "The River” is one of the film’s highlights, bringing to haunting life the anguish of his heartbroken blue-collar worker trying to make it work for his growing family. Springsteen's masterpiece “Jungleland” also stands out. It is such a joy to see a young Springsteen in reverent awe of Clarence Clemons' epic saxophone solo. The pair also capture the pleasures of true kinship during "Rosalita" when they play off one another with great affection and humor.
Springsteen's cover of Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs' “Stay” with Jackson Browne, Rosemary Butler, and Tom Petty is another unique addition to this set. The finale performances of "Quarter to Three" and "Detriot Medley" have a manic enthusiasm unmatched by any other artist. As Springsteen bounces around the stage like a jackrabbit—jumping on pianos and flinging his body from side to side—it becomes clear why he is renowned for his live acts. The Legendary 1979 No Nukes Concerts preserves the joyous exuberance that makes Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band truly legendary. Editor's Choice.