Outside of perhaps Bob Dylan, few rock and roll artists have been written about, and studied from as many different angles as intensely as Bruce Springsteen.
He has been the subject of several books, from official and semi-official biographies by the likes of writers like Dave Marsh, Robert Santelli, and Backstreets Magazine founder Charles R. Cross, to the more weightier fare examining his impact on culture like Robert Coles' Bruce Springsteen's America.
Yet, of the many words, and numerous books written about this American icon over the years, none of them are quite like this one.
In For You: Original Stories And Photographs By Bruce Springsteen's Legendary Fans, editor Lawrence Kirsch has assembled hundreds of amazing photographs taken by the fans themselves, and covering every phase of Springsteen's extraordinary career, into a beautiful coffee table book. Accompanying the photographs, are personal stories told by the fans — usually recalling memories of a favorite tour or show.
Springsteen fans — the so-called nation of "Bruce Tramps" that have been known to follow the man on tour from coast to coast — are of course legendary for their devotion which often borders on obsession. They, and by that I mean "we," are like no group of fans outside of maybe the Deadheads.
Which needless to say, makes for some great storytelling in this book. The stories told here are heartfelt, poignant, and occasionally even humorous — much like the songs of the man they honor here themselves.
At this point I should also include something of a disclaimer on this review since one of the stories told in this book is by yours truly. It appears on page 33 of the book, and talks about my very first Springsteen concert, which I was basically dragged out to see by a friend back in 1975. Next spring, I'll be attending my 33rd and 34th Springsteen concerts in Seattle and Portland.
In that story, I also touch upon a few other memorable Bruce shows I've seen, such as the time in 1980 I saw Bruce in Portland on the same day Mount St. Helens had one of its many eruptions that year. To commemorate the event, Bruce included what I am pretty sure is the only time he has ever performed the American folk standard "On Top Of Old Smokey," in his set, changing a key line to "I know that she's smoking, I hope she don't blow."
Article comments
1 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Nice write-up, Glen. Just like you were "basically dragged out to see" your first concert, I did the same to unsuspecting ice-water-in-their-veins friends who dug in their heels -- but who came back converts from the experience, strangers no more.
2 - Glen Boyd
"Like trying to tell a stranger about rock and roll," once you see, you really do "believe in Magic."
Thanx Gordon!
-Glen
3 - Beverly
This describes this wonderful book perfectly-from the community, to the spritual feeling we get when we travel from place to place with friends and family. Nothing really compares, and this book really GETS IT. Thanks for the review and for also GETTING IT.
I too am in the book....but it would not matter. It's beauty and joy in writing.
4 - Adam Goldberg
Loved the review, fantastic Glen! I got a copy a few days ago and I have to say, I love this book. it's really special and so phenomenal to see such an outpouring of emotions from fans. Reading this book, you realize, rock and roll isn't just a kind of music, it's a means of connection, a formal of emotional sharing that can occur between fans.
5 - Scott
I have to agree that this is truly a great book! The photography is incredible " up to professional standards " capturing many of the performances that are legendary such as Winterland ’78, Boston Music Hall in ’77 and the “Firecracker” show in ’78. That just scratches the surface. The layout and art direction are first class. As far as the individual stories, I think any Bruce Springsteen fan will find themselves relating to a lot of what is written. This is one purchase that was worth every cent.
6 - larry kelley
Rec'd a great birthday present recently, the new Bruce book, "For You," and immediatly was blown away by the photography. It's hard to imagine over 300 photos of the same person holding your interest throughout. But this book does.
Bruce is so active on stage that he is a photographer's delight. And this book, consisting of essays and photos from his fans, captures the Boss both in concert and off stage in a beautiful collection of rare, unpublished photos amounting to a visual biography.
He runs,he kneels, he jumps, he falls, he leaps from tall pianos, hangs upside down on mike stands, and even plays softball.
My favorite shot is a 2-page spread of Bruce throwing his guitar into the air, where it hangs in permenent suspension above the stunned audience.
The articles are nostalgic recollections and in many cases feature great writing and rare insights.
Anyone with a rock & roll heart will love this book.
7 - alessandro
Glen, finally got the book and saw your spot. It really is amazing to see myself there - part of the Springsteenian cultural fabric no matter how small. It's also thoroughly satisfying to be next to two BC brothers as you put it.
The stories in there are truly amazing. It's an original take on rock.
Was that really Wendy on page 28?
Wonder if Bruce will ever read it.
8 - Another review of the book
Another review of the book
9 - CB
Anyone interested in selling their copy? Out of print.