April Fools: The Gaslight Anthem to tour as backing band for Bruce Springsteen

NJ–based The Gaslight Anthem will be touring with fellow New Jersey musician and icon Bruce Springsteen. The band will be taking the place of Springsteen's long standing backing band the E–Street Band for a string of select dates along the east coast. The tour kicks off on January 5, 2009 at the famous Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ.

Though the planned shows will consist almost entirely of Springsteen's classic catalog, we've received word that the Boss himself has been working with Brian Fallon in an effort to incorporate a few of the Gaslight Anthem's tracks into the set, mainly those referring to the act of dancing, or females named Maria. We'll keep you updated on more specific details and dates as they become available.

This isn't the first time The Boss has worked with bands. Arcade Fire joined him on stage at a number of shows in 2007. Meanwhile, hip hop star Nelly has also expressed a desire to work with Springsteen.

The Gaslight Anthem is currently holed–up in a studio in Los Angeles, working on their SideOneDummy debut, and follow–up to this year's Sabot Productions EP, Señor and the Queen. Bruce Sprinsteen continues to tour in support of last year's LP, Magic.