Published: September 25, 2026 · 3:46 AM EDT
The original videotape contains four unreleased performances directed by Jeff Stein and is being offered alongside a signed Born in the U.S.A. sales plaque, with bidding open through October 22, 2026
Bruce Springsteen’s original 1984 “Dancing in the Dark” music video master, rejected before the release of the famous version featuring Courteney Cox, is being offered at auction for the first time. The recording spent 42 years in the personal collection of former Columbia Records president Al Teller and is now available through Wax Poetics, with bidding open from September 24 through October 22, 2026.
The original three-quarter-inch U-matic videotape contains four complete performances directed by Jeff Stein, whose credits include The Who documentary The Kids Are Alright. The footage runs for just over 18 minutes and shows Springsteen performing alone against a dark background, with E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons appearing toward the end. Columbia Records rejected the concept, which was subsequently replaced by Brian De Palma’s concert-style video featuring Courteney Cox.
Teller received the master from Springsteen's manager, Jon Landau, in June 1984 and kept it in a filing cabinet for more than four decades. The tape was inspected for playability in 2026, with all four performances reportedly remaining in excellent condition.
The auction also includes a plaque signed by Springsteen commemorating 20 million worldwide sales of Born in the U.S.A., offered together with the original videotape as a single lot. Bidding closes October 22 at 3 p.m. ET, with the seller's proceeds benefiting organizations supporting music education in public elementary and secondary schools.
Read: Bruce Springsteen Turns 2026 Philadelphia Tour Finale Into Land of Hope and Dreams Concert Film
The auction transfers ownership of the physical videotape and signed plaque, but not the copyright or public exhibition rights to the unreleased footage, which remain with Sony Music Entertainment. The original master is accompanied by documentation establishing its provenance from Teller's collection.
Watch Bruce Springsteen’s official “Dancing in the Dark” music video, directed by Brian De Palma and featuring Courteney Cox, below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: Bruce Springsteen
