Image Credit: Solarpix/PR PhotosBruce Springsteen will visit Late Night With Jimmy Fallon next Tuesday night, Nov. 16, NBC has announced. The Boss is always an engaging interview subject, and with the awesome deluxe reissue of his classic 1978 album Darkness on the Edge of Town hitting stores that very day, he’ll have lots to talk about. Even better, Springsteen is planning to perform some of the rarities that are being released for the first time on that deluxe reissue and its two-disc counterpart, The Promise. But which band will he be playing with? The network won’t say.
The obvious choice would be Springsteen’s trusty E Street Band. A younger version of the same gang recorded Darkness back in the ’70s, of course, and anyone who’s seen Springsteen in concert with the E Street Band in the last few years knows that they still have an incredible on-stage rapport. This option would be a great one, no question.
But what about the Roots, who will be sitting just feet away from Springsteen on the Late Night stage in their role as house band? They’re one of the most versatile live crews in the land, capable of adapting to virtually any style required. I’m not exactly sure what the Roots would sound like playing Darkness outtakes, but as a fan of both acts I’d be very curious to find out.
Then again, maybe he’ll just be playing solo, or leading some crazy supergroup made up of members from both bands. (Dueling solos from Clarence Clemons and Tuba Gooding Jr.! Garry Tallent locked in a rhythm-section groove with ?uestlove!) At the moment there’s no official answer. So which band would you rather see backing Springsteen on Fallon? Hit the jump to vote in our poll.
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More from EW’s The Music Mix:
Bruce Springsteen keeps his Promise: Deluxe six-disc Darkness on the Edge of Town reissue details
John Legend and the Roots bring soulful sounds and strong messages to NYC








Have seen Bruce & E Street together live 10+ times, and I love them with all my heart, but I’m very curious to know what he’d do with the Roots. That could be incredible.
I say have them both there.
And just FYI, I doubt Clarence Clemons will be engaging in a brass solo since a saxophone isn’t a brass instrument. It’s a woodwind.
I’ve seen Bruce live twice w/ the E Street Band…it would be cool to see him w/ the always awesome Roots. I think they’re great.
SO EXCITED!
saw him three times during the Magic tour and twice during the Working on a Dream tour…he has a fiery intensity that seems downright unnatural for someone pushing 62. it was awesome.
We’ve all seen him with the E Street Band, so it could be kind of cool to see him play with The Roots. Just something different for one performance.
His newest release “The Promise” comes out Tuesday. I’m really curious to hear the songs that never made it on one of his albums.
Bruce and Gaslight Anthem would be nifty. I am 64 and have seen Bruce 82 times. At $50/ticket and that would be high since I first saw Bruce in 1969 for free. Anyway, the mere total cost would be $4100. Now this a true bargain in my opinion when it costs that much to fly just once to Tahiti. Why I couldn’t even buy a Ford Escort for all that enjoyment. Bruce has provided my friends and me just about the greatest joy possible.
Your my hero….82 times is incredible
Really people?
Have him duet with Neil Young (Jimmy Fallon)…
there is no way the E Street Band will be playing with Bruce. They are scattered around the country, and Clarence is still recovering from back surgery.
Bruce can pull E Street together for the performance and he should go for it! I am old and have adored this man from day one! If you are a true Bruce fan you should know which songs never made it. Just sayin…
Make sure to check out more on his artist website! I’m so excited for the double album to come out
After seeing Bruce live with Es Street its tough not to hope for them, but I think it would be cool to see him with the Roots too they’re an awesome group as well