Streets of Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen

In early 1993, director of the movie 'Philadelphia', Jonathan Demme, asked Bruce Springsteen to write a song for the in-progress film. In June 1993, after the conclusion of his tour, Springsteen did so. It was recorded with Springsteen supplying almost all of the instrumentation, with bass and background vocals from his band member Tommy Simms.

The song would achieve greater popularity in Europe than it would in the United States. While it peaked at number 9 in the US Billboard Hot 100, it was a number one hit single in Germany in France. It peaked at number 2 in the UK and number 6 in the Netherlands.

I bought this vinyl single after searching for it for months - and refused to buy the cd-single. It was a hard time for vinyl single collectors: the format was becoming quite extinct during that year, numerous titles weren't even released on the format anymore. Finding this single was a sweet victory.

My collection: 7" single no. 2093

Found: Record fair, Amsterdam, April 16, 1994

Cost: 8 guilders

Tracks: 'Streets of Philadelphia' / 'If I should fall behind (live)'