Always a friend is a song written by Alejandro Escovedo and Chuck Prophet and released on Escovedo's 2008 album Real Animal. It is the album's opener and first single. The album was released on Back Porch Records on 24 Jun 2008 and the single was released on 22 Apr 2008.

Bruce covered the song 4 times, always together with Alejandro Escovedo. The first performance was during the magic tour and the song was officially released on the on the EP Magic Tour's "highlights".

- 2012-03-14 Austin Music Hall, Austin, TX: Bruce makes a surprise appearance at the conclusion of the 30th annual Austin Music Awards, joining Alejandro Escovedo and his band along with Joe Ely for four songs, including Escovedo's "Always a Friend".

- 2011-01-15 Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJ: Bruce guests at the 11th annual Light Of Day benefit for Parkinson's disease.

- 2010-07-23 Stone Pony (The), Asbury Park, NJ: Bruce joins Alejandro Escovedo on stage at the Pony for three songs

- 2008-04-14 Toyota Center, Houston, TX (this video): In April 2008, it was announced that Alejandro Escovedo will be managed by Jon Landau (Bruce Springsteen's longtime manager) and Barbara Carr. During the 14 Apr 2008 Magic Tour show at Toyota Center in Houston, TX, Springsteen paid homage to Escovedo stating that he "has been making great music for a long, long time". Escovedo took the stage and performed always a friend, the lead single from his then-forthcoming album Real Animal, as a duet with Springsteen.

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