All the Times Bruce Springsteen Has Covered Bob Dylan

Key Points:

• In May 1971, Bruce Springsteen and future E Street Band members performed as Dr. Zoom & the Sonic Boom, with a rare clean recording existing from their May 15 show at Newark State College featuring a unique cover of “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry.”
• Springsteen’s early band evolved into the Bruce Springsteen Band by late 1971, playing many covers including “Got My Mojo Working” and “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” before transitioning to fewer covers after signing with CBS in 1972.
• Notable Dylan covers by Springsteen include “I Want You,” “Chimes of Freedom,” and “Blowin’ in the Wind,” often performed rarely or in unique live settings, with some songs disappearing from his repertoire after key band member changes.
• Springsteen and Dylan shared the stage on a few occasions, including the 1995 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame opening and Dylan’s 2003 guest appearance at Shea Stadium, highlighting their mutual respect despite limited collaborative performances.
• The Traveling Wilburys’ song “Tweeter and the Monkey Man,” co-written by Dylan and Tom Petty with numerous Springsteen references, remains unplayed by Springsteen live, though it is considered a tribute rather than a mockery of his work.