Detroit, MI, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Morphine’s live album ‘Bootleg Detroit’ is set to debut on vinyl for Record Store Day 2025, celebrating the band’s artistic legacy and honoring late frontman Mark Sandman. Captured live during a 1994 performance, the remastered album includes 12 iconic tracks and will be available in a limited run of 5,800 copies, making it a collectible piece for fans.
Detroit, MI – Morphine’s acclaimed live album, Bootleg Detroit, is set to make its vinyl debut in celebration of the band’s legacy. Originally recorded in 1994 during a performance at St. Andrew’s Hall, the live set is being reintroduced to fans on Record Store Day 2025, marking a significant moment for both the band and its late frontman, Mark Sandman.
Approved by Sandman before his tragic death in 1999, the album features a collection of 12 tracks encapsulating Morphine’s unique eclectic noir-rock style, characterized by the combination of slide bass, saxophone, and jazzy drumming. The remastered vinyl will be pressed on translucent milky-clear vinyl and is limited to 5,800 copies, making it a collector’s item for fans of the band.
Initially released on CD in 2000, Bootleg Detroit showcases songs from Morphine’s prime era, including fan favorites such as “Cure For Pain,” “Come Along,” and “Head With Wings.” The album features seven tracks from their 1993 release, Cure for Pain, as well as two songs from their debut album, Good, released in 1992, along with additional works from their catalog.
The live recording captures the raw energy of Morphine’s performance, allowing listeners to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the concert through audience reactions—a factor that some may consider enhances the charm of the album despite the audience recording sound quality.
Side one of the vinyl features tracks such as “Mary,” “Candy,” “Sheila,” and “Claire,” culminating with “My Brain,” which is a spoken-word piece by Sandman. Side two includes notable tracks such as “Head With Wings,” “Thursday,” and the title track from Cure for Pain, thus offering a comprehensive glimpse into the band’s artistic journey.
The release of Bootleg Detroit serves not just as a revival of a live performance, but also as a heartfelt tribute to Sandman, who died onstage from a heart attack in Italy. His contributions to the album, including mixing and cover art design, are critical elements that underscore its significance, connecting fans to the band’s music and history.
For many fans and music lovers alike, the anticipation surrounding this vinyl release reflects a desire to celebrate Morphine’s artistic legacy. The debut on Record Store Day will not only revive Sandman’s impactful tunes but also offer a concrete piece of musical history that fans can hold in their hands.
Overall, Bootleg Detroit stands as a documentation of a pivotal moment in Morphine’s career, highlighting their innovative sound and the connective power of live music. With a limited run of vinyl poised for release, fans are encouraged to seize the opportunity to add this distinctive recording to their collections.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Detroit Gears Up for Record Store Day 2025
Additional Resources
- Tinnitist: Classic Album Review – Morphine: Bootleg Detroit
- Under the Radar: Bootleg Detroit Review
- DownBeat: Messages From The Fringe
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Morphine Band
- Google Search: Morphine Bootleg Detroit
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
