Sundance Blues Band, "Why’s It So Hard" 1972- 01-21

The mesmerizing “Why’s It So Hard”, written by Bruce Springsteen but sung here by Southside Johnny 1972-01-21 live at The Captain`s Garter, Neptune NJ. (Now The Headliner). This is probably one the earliest known existing recordings of Southside Johnny Lyon singing lead vocals. David Sancious’ organ playing on this track is nothing short of spellbinding. Southside Johnny (vocals) Steven Van Zandt (lead guita) Bruce Springsteen (rhythm guitar) Vini Lopez (drums) Garry Tallent (bass) David Sancious (organ) From BruceBase: The Sundance Blues Band made their commercial debut on April 30th 1971.The original line-up featured Southside Johnny (harp), Van Zandt (lead guitar and vocals), Lopez (drums and vocals), Tallent (bass) and Joe Hagstrom (rhythm guitar). Springsteen made several brief guest appearances during early May 1971, before Hagstrom left the band in the same month and was replaced shortly after by Springsteen. Bruce made his debut as a fully-fledged member on May 15th and would remain in the band until mid-July, when he departed to devote his energies to the newly formed Bruce Springsteen Band. The Sundance Blues Band would continue regardless, with David Sancious installed in place of Springsteen. The last known performance of the band was January 23rd 1972. One show, triple bill, with The Sundance Blues Band opening for Inferno and headliner Ruby Falls & The Rock City Band. This was the opening of a three-night residency for the Sundance Blues Band, and the group’s only-ever performances at this venue. The line-up of the Sundance Blues Band for this residency was Southside Johnny, Van Zandt, Tallent, Lopez and David Sancious. Springsteen, who had only just returned from a month-long stay in California, joined the band onstage for elements of this and the following two nights shows.

Added 11 Sept 2026