In an electrifying moment that captivated fans, Bruce Springsteen made an unexpected appearance at Zach Bryan’s concert last night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The two artists shared the stage to perform “Atlantic City,” a classic track from Springsteen’s iconic 1982 album Nebraska. Fans captured the moment on video, showcasing the chemistry between the two musicians, highlighting the magic of live performances.
Although their friendship blossomed only last year, Bryan has been a lifelong admirer of Springsteen. He even sports a tattoo of a Springsteen lyric – “deliver me from nowhere” from the Nebraska song “State Trooper” – inked on his left arm. Bryan openly expressed his admiration, declaring, “That’s my favorite record ever written.” This sentiment resonates deeply, especially as he has embraced a similar raw and stripped-down approach in his own studio projects.
This is not the first time Springsteen has surprised audiences alongside Bryan. They debuted a duet titled “Sandpaper” during a two-song encore in March 2024 at Brooklyn's Barclays Center. This collaboration later found its way onto Bryan’s Great American Bar Scene album, marking a significant milestone for Springsteen as it became his first appearance on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
READ MORE: Explore Our Ranking of Bruce Springsteen Albums
Bryan’s admiration for Springsteen transcends the Nebraska album. He has also paid tribute by covering “I’m on Fire,” a standout track from Springsteen’s 1984 album Born in the U.S.A.. Bryan even shared a humorous yet telling jukebox litmus test that he and his band perform. “To this day, we have this bit, me and my band, where we’ll go into a bar — there’s TouchTunes now, right?” he shared with Rolling Stone. “We’ll go in and put ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ on repeat 200 times – and see who leaves. The people who stay around, we’ll hang out with them.” This playful approach showcases both his love for music and his desire to connect with like-minded fans.
Catch the Moment: Zach Bryan Meets Bruce Springsteen
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During his first performance alongside his idol, Bryan made a memorable statement by wearing a Springsteen T-shirt, illustrating the profound respect he holds for Springsteen. The admiration was mutual, as Springsteen traveled across the country during his West Coast tour to join Bryan. He swiftly learned the song “Sandpaper” and delivered an unforgettable performance before jetting back for his own show in San Francisco.
On that night, Caleb Followill from Kings of Leon also joined Bryan for a rendition of “Atlantic City.” However, the joy Bryan experienced while performing with Springsteen was palpable and infectious. While introducing them on stage, Bryan expressed, “One of them is Caleb Followill from Kings of Leon, one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met – and one of the greatest men to ever exist … a New Jersey native … Mr. Bruce Springsteen!” This heartfelt introduction resonated with the audience, who were already chanting Springsteen’s name in excitement.
Experience the Performance of Bruce Springsteen and Zach Bryan Performing ‘Atlantic City’ Live
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Dedicated fans will attest that while his studio albums are remarkable, his live concert performances represent another vital aspect of his artistry, often considered even more essential to understanding his musical legacy.
Gallery Credit: Michael Gallucci
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