This is superb from The Boss.
With so much spin, hype and publicity surrounding every new album that’s released, it’s easy to become wrapped up in the myth of “the next big thing” in music. This being said, there are two undeniable things that every artist strives for throughout their career; an impressive back catalogue of albums and a a strong rapport with their fans.
Very few artists have the ability to enthral, captivate and move an audience quite like Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band do, take a look at their recent sold-out gigs at Croke Park for further proof of this, but despite the fact that The Boss has reigned supreme for over 40 years, there was once a time when he was just an emerging artist from New Jersey that was eager to make his impression on the world.
Springsteen’s three hour-long gigs are legendary, and in the superb documentary Springsteen: In His Own Words, he shared a wonderful anecdote about why he doesn’t care for things like hype and fame.
In 1975, Springsteen and the E Street Band played the Hammersmith Odeon, London and it’s clear that he absolutely despised being labeled as”the next fucking big thing.”
In his own words: “It’s the kiss of death, it’s usually better to let the audience decide that one. I’m frightened and I’m pissed, really pissed. I’m embarrassed for myself and I’m offended for my fans. This is not the way it works. I know how it works, I’ve done it. Play and shut up. My business is show business and that’s the business of showing, not telling. ”
What a man.
The whole documentary is available here and it’s highly recommended. Here’s a taste.
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