Book Read Free

Springsteen on Springsteen: Interviews, Speeches, and Encounters

Page 48

by Jeff Burger


  Robin and the Hoods, 104

  Robinson, Smokey, 280

  and the Miracles, 280

  “Rock and Read” (Percy), 246–61

  Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

  acceptance speech, 283–87

  induction of backing musicians, 279–80

  induction of Dylan, 158

  induction of Orbison, 158, 283

  induction of U2, 306

  performances at, 192, 229–30

  Springsteen’s induction, 262

  “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

  Acceptance Speech” (Springsteen), 283–87

  “Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay” (Danny and the Juniors), 386

  rock-and-roll spirit, 92

  Rock magazine article, 3–7

  rock music

  age of musicians, 350

  cathartic effect, 258

  death themes, 292

  development of, 342, 386–87

  as motivator, 92

  positive impact, 258

  power of, 240

  relationship with audience, 325–26

  Rolling Stone articles, 15, 45, 68, 71, 97, 109, 121, 153, 154, 157, 177, 396

  Rolling Stone reviews, xii, 8, 293, 384

  Rolling Stones, 11, 30, 57, 105, 123, 133, 179, 187, 198, 370, 394

  “Roll of the Dice,” 161, 167, 182

  “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight),” 17, 22, 35, 48, 73, 74, 109, 114, 131, 142, 149, 156

  Rose, Charlie, 262–80

  Rosemont Theatre, 209

  Rosito, Diane, 31, 33

  “Roulette,” xii

  Roxy concerts, 45–46

  RTE 2FM interview, 184–88

  “Running Scared” (Orbison), 390

  Russell, Leon, 7

  Sam and Dave, 77

  Sancious, David, 23, 26, 64, 286

  “Sandy.” See “Fourth of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)”

  “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” 186

  “Saturday Night at the Movies” (Drifters), 219

  Saturday Night Live (TV show), 161, 162

  Sausalito, California, 252

  Scaduto, Anthony, 52

  Scher, John, 99

  “School Is Out” (Bonds), 22

  Schreuers, Fred, 121

  Sciaky, Ed, 69–80

  Scialfa, Patti (wife), 179, 208, 211, 290, 342

  career, 187, 291

  in E Street Band, 132, 136, 226, 287, 323

  length of relationship, 372

  marriage, 161, 170, 174, 192, 236, 287

  performing with Springsteen, 181, 226

  Scorsese, Martin “Marty,” 348, 349, 354

  Scott, Roger, 141–54

  Scott, Toby, 285

  Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Beatles), 159, 306

  “Secret Garden,” 192

  security guards, 79, 94–95

  Seeger, Pete, 320, 397

  Seeger Sessions. See We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions

  Seger, Bob, 111–12

  September 11

  attacks, 293, 294

  Serious Moonlight (Bowie), 141

  session musicians, 27

  Sex Pistols, xii, 111, 159, 306, 388, 392

  sexuality, 221, 227, 245

  “Shake Your Booty” (K.C. and the Sunshine Band), 100

  Sha Na Na, 113

  “Sherry Darling,” 74, 108, 114, 143, 372

  “She’s About a Mover” (Sir Douglas Quintet), 139

  Shockmobile, 80

  Simms, Tommy, 166

  Simon, Carly, 315n

  “Sinaloa Cowboys,” 215, 250–51

  Slane concerts, 188

  Slash, 166

  Sleater-Kinney, 315

  “Slim Slow Slider” (Morrison), 110

  Smith, Bessie, 9, 98

  Smith, Huey “Piano,” 96

  Smith, Patti, 75–76

  Social Distortion, 170

  social issues

  activism, 260–61

  indirect approach to, 258

  as subject matter, 227, 235–36, 276, 291

  “Something in the Night,” 114

  “Song for Adam” (Browne), 109–10

  Songs (Springsteen), 262, 277

  songwriting. See also lyrics

  band vs. solo material, 289

  channeling negative experiences, 270

  characters and lyrics, 75, 250, 253

  collaboration, 375

  compared to performing, 263

  difficulty of, 270

  Dylan’s influence, 273

  editing process, 228–29

  frequency, 275–76

  inspiration for, 61, 316, 370

  learning, 5

  as means to present moral questions, 251

  political implications, 274–75

  purpose of, 256, 263, 296

  research for, 295

  rock vs. solo material, 249–50

  speed of, 24, 295

  spirituality, 309–10

  storytelling, 25, 369

  topics of songs, 250–51, 276

  Sopranos, The (TV show), 278, 286, 291

  Soul, Jimmy, 108

  Soul Asylum, 196, 205

  “Soul Man” (Sam and Dave), 393

  soul music, 393

  South by Southwest Music Festival speech, 384–98

  Southside Johnny, 70, 87, 103, 187, 267

  “Spare Parts,” 224

  Spector, Phil, 41, 108, 123, 318, 390

  speeches

  at Barack Obama Rally, 333–35

  at John Kerry Campaign Rally, 304–5

  New Jersey Hall of Fame, 330–32

  Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 158–60, 283–87, 306–11

  at South by Southwest Music Festival, 384–98

  Spheeris, Jimmy, 28

  Spinal Tap (film), 231

  Spin article, 320–29

  “Spirit in the Night,” 5, 23, 46–47, 181

  Springsteen, Adele Ann (mother), 90–91, 344

  on Dylan, 158–59

  guitar purchase, 283

  love of music, 57, 273, 389

  move to California, 252

  at New Jersey Hall of Fame, 330

  relationship with son, 267–69

  at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 283

  work attitude, 214, 274, 284

  Springsteen, Bruce

  “Boss” nickname, 66, 111, 138, 218

  education, 5, 14, 85–86, 102, 248

  importance of music, 11, 14, 18, 32, 105, 188

  influence, Dylan’s, 20, 30, 159–60, 271–73, 346, 394–95

  influence, Elvis’s, 57, 105, 123, 147, 273, 370, 388–89

  influences, 16, 22, 30–31, 77–78, 105, 196, 208, 223, 248–49, 351, 361, 370, 389–93

  interests, 99–100

  love of music, 84, 88

  musical tastes, 30–31, 170, 195, 315–16, 342

  personal values, 56–57, 74, 88–89, 239

  philosophy of life, 82–84, 88–89

  pictured, 55, 125, 301, 398

  Springsteen, Bruce, childhood daydreaming, 154

  family life, 102, 126, 214–15, 227, 268, 269, 331, 351–52

  guitar playing, 90–91, 154, 283–84

  Springsteen, Bruce, early career

  audition with Hammond, 9, 15, 98, 270–71

  background, 5–6, 11

  as backup act, 13, 113, 340

  confidence, 271, 350

  finances, 13, 14, 15, 17–18, 20, 21, 28, 33

  goals/dreams, 7, 17–18

  performing as an unknown, 313n

  reluctance to discuss songs, 17

  reputation, 98

  serious outlook, 218–19, 240

  songwriting, 11, 22–23

  touring, 7, 19

  Springsteen, Bruce, family life building relationships, 188

  California home, 179

  children, 174, 179, 184, 186–87, 342, 352–53

  desire for full life experience, 226–27

  divorce, 16
1, 242

  extended family, 363–64, 373

  marriages, 155, 158, 161, 170, 174, 179, 242

  parenting, 171–72, 201, 244, 268, 269, 342, 373

  Springsteen, Bruce, as performer

  band relationship, 6

  changing sets, 150–51

  connecting with audience, 66–68, 152, 156, 176, 220, 300, 326

  expressive ability, 16

  guitar playing, 76–77, 90–91, 194–95

  harp playing, 46

  intensity, 126, 142–43

  judging performances, 113

  popularity, 123

  rehearsal process, 166

  responsibility to fans, 119

  stage presence, 3, 7, 47

  versatility, 26

  vocal range, 16

  Springsteen, Bruce, personal traits

  appearance, 9, 21, 26, 104, 126, 166, 221, 313, 340, 343

  artistic integrity, 143, 168–69

  attention to detail, 49, 143

  building relationships, 170–71, 173

  charisma, 10, 87, 106, 179

  introspective nature, 126, 144, 169, 193, 222, 340

  isolation, 173

  lack of vices, 142

  observative nature, 270

  perfectionism, 112, 140, 289

  personality, 23, 31, 105–6, 133

  positive attitude, 121

  satisfaction with life, 118, 137–38

  self-preservation, 352

  sense of democracy, 157

  sex appeal, 34–35

  talkative nature, 19, 111, 169

  terminal niceness, 111

  Springsteen, Bruce, work life

  career luck, 88, 176–77, 373

  changing arrangements, 26

  doing one’s best, 112, 118, 140, 146, 151, 164

  editing process, 37, 228–29, 289, 371

  finding purpose, 146, 193, 252–53, 258, 263, 296, 354

  intensity, 360

  motivation/reward, 107, 146, 152, 193, 230, 360

  promoting records, 54–55, 73

  responsibility to fans, 124–26

  work schedule, 357

  Springsteen, Douglas (father), 90–91, 250

  death of, 262, 284

  military draft, 153

  move to California, 252

  relationship with son, 243, 267–68, 284, 344

  trips to Mexico, 251

  working life, 102, 124–25, 214, 274

  writing about, 75, 108, 268

  Springsteen, Evan James (son), 161, 171–72, 186–87, 287, 290, 316, 342

  Springsteen, Jessica Rae (daughter), 161, 171–72, 179, 186–87, 287, 290, 316–17, 342

  Springsteen, Sam (son), 161, 287, 290, 342, 381

  “Springsteen … The Boss Is Back” (Hackett), 293–97

  stage presence, developing, 328

  stage show

  awareness of audience, 314

  building tension, 35

  changing sets, 150–51, 182–83, 341

  criticism of, 46–47

  goals, 257–58

  importance of playing live, 376

  indoor vs. outdoor shows, 175–76, 188

  intensity, 126, 142, 179, 225, 277

  keeping it present, 182, 290

  length of, 35–36, 108, 110, 126, 142, 179, 263–64

  mood of, 135, 142–43, 182

  narrative storytelling, 317

  older material, 156, 176, 180

  planning, 166, 340–41

  popularity, 123–24

  rehearsal process, 166

  solo appearances, 209–10, 213, 222–23, 313–14, 317–18

  stagecraft, 314–15

  stretcher routine, 100–101, 315n

  surprises, 183, 317

  thematic depth, 179

  Stardust Memories (film), 220

  Starkweather, Charlie, xviii, 132, 134

  Starr, Edwin, 175

  “State Trooper,” 325, 329

  Steel Mill, 11

  Stefanko, Frank, xx, 105

  Steve Paul’s The Scene nightclub, 104

  Stewart, Jon, 379

  Stewart, Rod, 4, 7, 16, 379

  “Stolen Car,” 202

  Stone Pony nightclub, 365

  Stone Roses, 315

  storytelling, 369

  St. Paul concerts, 142

  “Straight to Hell” (Clash), 329

  Strauss, Neil, xv–xvi, 191–208

  “Street Fighting Man” (Rolling Stones), 132, 133

  “Street Hassle” (Reed), 120

  “Streets of Fire,” 85

  “Streets of Philadelphia,” 262

  Grammy awards, 191, 192, 210

  public reaction, 235–36, 238

  subject matter, 191, 200, 276

  writing process, 223, 229, 276

  stretcher routine, 100–101

  Strummer, Joe, 316, 329

  Student Prince nightclub, 6, 47, 64

  Styler, Trudie, 204

  success

  dangers of, 230, 239–40

  effect on life vs. living, 172

  need for reflection, 368–69

  power of, 164

  society’s definition, 256

  Springsteen’s definition, 107

  Suede, 315

  Suicide (duo), 317, 317n Summer, Donna, 375

  “Sunday Bloody Sunday” (U2), 309

  “Sunday Morning Coming Down” (Kristofferson), 395

  Sunday Times (London), 122–27

  Sun Sessions, The (Presley), 306

  surfing, 103

  Sutphin, Doug, 169–70

  “Sweetheart Like You” (Dylan), 159

  Sweeting, Adam, 292

  Sydney Morning Herald, 155–57

  synthesizers, 138–39

  Taliefero, Crystal, 181

  Tallent, Garry, 23, 25, 62–63, 66, 266, 278, 286

  T.A.M.I. Show, The (film), 394

  taxes, 299, 358

  Taxi Driver (film), 348

  Taylor, James, 7, 315n, 370

  telethons, 294

  television, 197, 240, 253, 256, 388

  television appearances, 161, 185

  Teller, Al, 284

  Tempe, Arizona, concert (1980), 108

  Temple of Soul, 381

  “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” 46, 114

  Their Satanic Majesties Request (Rolling Stones), 30

  Them (band), 31, 386

  therapy, 173–74, 203–4, 224, 362

  “This Land Is Your Land” (Guthrie), 351, 396–97

  Thriller (Jackson), 141

  “Thunder Road,” 46, 73, 109–10, 131, 136, 193, 195, 267, 290, 315n, 318–19

  “Ties That Bind, The,” 108

  Time cover, 41, 43–44, 123, 210, 358

  Tinker. See West, Carl “Tinker”

  “Too Much Monkey Business” (Berry), 316

  Top 40 radio, 196, 370

  Toronto International Film Festival, 345–56, 367

  “Tossin’ and Turnin’” (Lewis), 106

  “Tougher than the Rest,” 166

  tours/touring

  Amnesty International Human Rights Now tour, 289

  Australia tour, 377

  Born in the U.S.A. tour, 131, 142, 162, 164, 165, 170, 173, 176

  Chicago tour, 33, 79–80, 340

  cost of touring, 126–27

  Darkness tour, 54

  demanding pace, 13, 105

  Devils & Dust tour, 312

  downtime, 364

  early career, 7, 13, 19

  European tours, 122, 123, 126, 175, 339

  keeping it present, 182

  Nebraska tour, 212

  positive aspects, 87

  reunion tour, 278, 288–92

  River tour, 108, 110, 141, 144

  stress and fatigue, 19, 27, 122, 126

  Tom Joad tour, 209–13, 218–21, 231, 235

  Tunnel of Love tour, 369

  Working on a Dream tour, 339

  Townshend, Pete, 307

  Tracks collecti
on, 261, 262, 263, 265, 266, 276, 277, 372, 378

  “Tramp the Dirt Down” (Costello), 172

  Travis, George, 285

  Travis Shook (jazz quartet), 79

  Tucker, Ken, 292

  “Tumbling Dice” (Rolling Stones), 30

  “Tunnel of Love,” 318

  Tunnel of Love, 169, 202

  concept, 158, 164, 171, 227

  solo vs. group material, 222, 369

  success, 163, 165

  Turner, Steve, xvi, 8–12, 339–44

  “Two Hearts,” 108

  Tyler, Andrew, 41–53

  U2, 159, 186, 306–12, 387

  “U2 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

  Speech” (Springsteen), 306–12

  “Umbrella” (Rihanna), 324

  Underworld, 317n Upstage nightclub, 6, 61–62, 104

  “Used Cars,” xviii, 172

  usefulness, 146, 189, 193, 297

  values, American, 299, 333–35, 343

  Van Zandt, Steven (aka “Miami Steve,” “Little Steven”), 47, 64, 71, 88, 95, 147, 151, 348, 386

  acting career, 278, 291

  background, 63

  in Disciples of Soul, 131

  in E Street Band, 63, 136–37, 286–87

  reaction to publicity, 322

  three-minute songs, 371

  Vega, Alan, 317

  Velvet Underground, 328

  venues

  indoor vs. outdoor, 175–76

  size of, 33–34, 175, 219

  Verges motorcycle gang, 228

  Vibratones, 25

  Victory tour (Jacksons), 141

  video

  “Atlantic City,” 150, 157

  challenges of, 149–50, 156–57, 256–57

  “Dancing in the Dark,” 149, 150, 157, 374

  of Darkness performance, 376–77

  HBO concert special, 289

  “Nebraska,” 149

  “Rosalita,” 150

  Vietnam, songs about, 145, 264–65, 318

  Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), 247, 374

  Vincent, Gene, 280

  and the Blue Caps, 280

  Vinyard, Marion, 284

  Vinyard, Tex, 284

  Wainwright III, Loudon, 11, 370, 393

  Waits, Tom, 45

  Walker, Jerry Jeff, 103

  “Walking the Dog” (Thomas), 22

  Wall of Sound technique, 41, 390

  “Was Bob Dylan the Previous Bruce Springsteen?” (Turner), 8–12

  Wayne’s World (film), 162

  We (Zamyarin), 326–27

  “We Are the World,” 236

  “Wear My Ring” (Presley), 70

  “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” (Animals), 102, 249, 391

  Weinberg, Max, 63–64, 136, 139, 286, 291, 363

  Wellstone, Paul, 305

  Wembley Arena concert, 122, 123

  “We’re a Winner” (Impressions), 393

  We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions, 319, 320

  West, Carl “Tinker,” 51–52, 103, 284

  Westcott, Mark, 110–11

  West Side Story, 109

  “What Ever Happened to Bruce?”

  (Entertainment Weekly), 180

  “What’s Goin’ On” (Gaye), 159, 273

  Wheeler, Harold, 23

 

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