Bruce Springsteen releases new song originally intended for a Harry Potter film
It was originally written for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Last updated 12th Aug 2019
Pop icon Bruce Springsteen is known for his hits such as 'Dancing in the Dark', 'Streets of Philadelphia', 'Born in the USA', and he's back with a new song. After a few years away from the charts, he has just released a song originally intended for a Harry Potter film.
The song, which never made the final cut of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001, now features on a new film about Bruce Springsteen, Blinded By The Light, which is now in cinemas.
The soundtrack to the movie features 12 of Bruce's songs, including the one rejected by the Harry Potter film, 'I'll Stand By You', with lyrics including, 'Together we’ll chase those thieves that won’t leave you alone, Out from the under the bed, out from over our home.'
In an interview with the BBC, back in 2016, Bruce confirmed the song was written for the Harry Potter franchise saying, "You’d have to ask them why they didn’t use it.
“It’s very uncharacteristic of something I’d sing myself," he explained, "At some point I’d like to get it into a children’s movie of some sort.”
Based on a true story, and directed by Gurinder Chadha, who directed Bend It Like Beckham, the film, Blinded by the Light, is about British teen of Pakistani decent who discovers The Boss' music.
WATCH: The trailer for Blinded By The Light
*This trailer contains some strong language*
Now take a look at singers who made cameos in films:
David Bowie, Zoolander
Legendary singer David Bowie played a crucial part in the original Zoolander film, briefly starring as himself to judge the "walk-off" between Derek and Hansel. Actor Ben Stiller later said he was "in shock" that David agreed to be in it.
Gwen Stefani, The Aviator
No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani portrayed 1930s actress Jean Harlow in the film starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Director Martin Scorsese cast her as his daughter was a huge No Doubt fan.
Alanis Morissette, Dogma
'Ironic' singer Alanis Morissette portrayed the character of God in the Ben Affleck/Matt Damon flick, with director Kevin Smith calling her "otherworldly" and "ethereal."
Jarvis Cocker, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as the lead singer of wizarding band The Weird Sisters, who perform at the Yule Ball. The band also featured Jarvis' Pulp bandmate Steve Mackey as well as Jonny Greenwood and Phil Selway from Radiohead.
Ian Brown, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The Stone Roses singer Ian Brown had a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo in the third installment of the Harry Potter films as a wizard stirring his drink with magic whilst reading 'A Brief History of Time' by Stephen Hawking sat in the Leaky Cauldron pub in the fictitious village of Hogsmeade.
Brown told NME, "The director is a friend of my girl and he said, 'I've got a part if you want it. I asked my sons, and they were like, 'Do it!' I did it for my sons. My brief was to be a romantic, bohemian wizard. I was into that."
Madonna, Die Another Day
After providing the title track for 2002 James Bond flick Die Another Day, Madonna also appeared in the film very briefly as fencing coach Verity who tutors Olympic hopefuls and tells Pierce Brosnan's Bond, "I see you handle your weapon well."
Dave Grohl, The Muppets
Nirvana and Foo Fighters musician Dave Grohl starred in the 2011 reboot film The Muppets as a drummer in rival band the Moopets named Animool. He later had a drum-off with Animal a few years later in the TV series.
Enrique Iglesias, How I Met Your Mother
Enrique starred in the series as Robin's exotic lover Gael who incites jealousy from Robin's ex-boyfriend Ted.
Jennifer Lopez, How I Met Your Mother
JLo had a brief cameo as a love interest for Barney Stinson, an author named Anita.
Carrie Underwood, How I Met Your Mother
The last of our HIMYM cameos, country singer Carrie Underwood starred as a love interest for Ted, a pharmaceutical representative who kept him hanging on.
Macy Gray, Spider-Man
'I Try' crooner Macy Gray featured very briefly as herself performing at a concert in the first Spider-Man film in 2002 starring Tobey Maguire as the main man.
Adele, Ugly Betty
Adele starred in beloved American sitcom Ugly Betty back in 2009 as herself taking part in a photoshoot for Betty.
You can hear songs by Bruce Springsteen on Greatest Hits Radio
You can listen on DAB digital radio, online at www.greatesthitsradio.co.uk, or via the Greatest Hits Radio app. You can also listen on your smart speaker by saying 'Play Greatest Hits Radio' on Alexa, or 'Play Greatest Hits Radio on tune-in' on Google Home.