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So, you've finally completed your official collection of a band or artist, including all their EPs and singles. What's next?
Well, you could begin your journey into collecting bootlegs from some of the most recognized artists in music history. But you might be asking yourself, what exactly is a bootleg?
Simply put, a bootleg is an unofficial recording, often of live performances, studio outtakes, or demos, that hasn't been authorized for commercial release by the artist or their record label.
These recordings often circulate amongst fans, offering rare and unique glimpses into an artist's work beyond their official discography. (And I, for one, was an ardent collector of Nirvana bootlegs back in the day, before the With The Lights Out box set kind of put that journey to rest. For now, at least.)
From random demos that never saw the light of day to the tried-and-tested live concert recording, whether from the soundboard or a fan holding up a recording device, it's a weird and wonderful world to start collecting if you're wondering, "What next?"
We've explored 13 of the more famous/infamous bootlegs that have surfaced on Discogs over time, from what's considered the godfather of the format to albums released on a format due to the overwhelming success of limited runs.
Are any of these secretly hiding away in your collection, waiting to be rediscovered?
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9. Bruce Springsteen - You Can Trust Your Car to the Man Who Wears the Star (early/mid 1970s)
You Can Trust Your Car to the Man Who Wears the Star, a Bruce Springsteen bootleg from the early to mid-1970s, gained significant popularity for its reportedly excellent sound quality, sourced from radio broadcasts of his early concerts. These recordings capture the raw energy and burgeoning talent of a young Springsteen and the E Street Band, often featuring unique arrangements and passionate performances of songs from his formative albums, making it a prized document for fans seeking high-fidelity glimpses into his legendary live shows before widespread commercial success. | Getty Images/Discogs
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10. The Rolling Stones - Live'r Than You'll Ever Be (1969)
The Rolling Stones' Live'r Than You'll Ever Be, an audience recording from their pivotal 1969 US tour, achieved notable status as an early and surprisingly high-quality live bootleg. A rave review in Rolling Stone magazine significantly amplified its popularity and collector's value, establishing it as a key document of the Stones' electrifying live presence during that era and even prompting the band to release their own official live album shortly thereafter, solidifying its historical importance in bootleg history. | Getty Images/Discogs
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11. Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moo (early 1970s)
The Dark Side of the Moo, a Pink Floyd bootleg from the early 1970s, is valued for its curated collection of early singles, B-sides, and otherwise unreleased material. This offered fans a rare opportunity to hear tracks that predated or were tangential to their official studio albums, providing a deeper insight into Pink Floyd's evolving sound and early experimental phases, making it a prized compilation for dedicated collectors seeking these hard-to-find gems. | Getty Images/Discogs
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12. Frank Ocean - "Endless" (Vinyl Bootlegs, various pressings)
While Endless was officially released as a video stream and later on CD and vinyl, initial vinyl bootlegs surfaced due to the high demand and limited official physical releases. Certain early or unique vinyl bootleg pressings can command high prices among collectors, sometimes exceeding the official releases due to their scarcity. | Getty Images/Discogs