Annual Bruce Springsteen Holiday Gift Guide – 2020

Posted on October 14, 2020 by admin

(Original list inspiration by Pete Chianca – Blogness on the Edge of Town)

If you’re anything like me, it’s never to early to start thinking about holiday gift shopping. Let’s face it, in the time of COVID we have little choice but to sit at home, dreaming about attending live concerts, or watching football, tweeting, checking your FB pages, repeat… But gifts must be got at some point, and if there’s a Springsteen fan on your list, you could do a lot worse than any of the items listed below:

MUSIC

By far, the most anticipated holiday offering this season is Letter to You, Bruce Springsteen’s new album and docu style film with the E Street Band.

“I love the emotional nature of Letter To You,” he said in a statement. “And I love the sound of the E Street Band playing completely live in the studio, in a way we’ve never done before, and with no overdubs. We made the album in only five days, and it turned out to be one of the greatest recording experiences I’ve ever had.” – Rolling Stone Magazine

Here is what is on the album:

In addition to nine new songs, the album also includes fresh recordings of three songs that predate Springsteen’s 1973 debut album, Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.: “Janey Needs A Shooter,” “If I Was the Priest” and “Song for Orphans.”

With no live concerts in the near future, this is the best us fans can hope for.

BOOKS

For You Original Stories and Photographs by Bruce Springsteen’s Legendary Fans

Did you miss out on owning one of the best-loved Bruce Springsteen books of the last ten years? For You Original Stories and Photographs by Bruce Springsteen’s Legendary Fans is a limited edition book first published in 2007. It has been sold out since 2009. It can occasionally be found on eBay and Amazon on auction for $300+. Now a decade later a limited edition reprint of the original book, including all the amazing stories and rarely seen photos is available again. Two hundred and eight pages jam packed with memories and over 400 photos shared by Springsteen fans from over 30 countries. Less than 275 copies left in its limited edition.

“A spectacular book called For You is one of the best Bruce Springsteen books ever published. What’s real special about this is that it’s all about Bruce and his fans. Put together by Lawrence Kirsch of Canada, the 208-page book is a collection of recollections from fans about Bruce from the early 1970s to 2008. This marvellous collection of hundreds of fan tales, testimonials and memories also features tons of fan photographs of Bruce and the E Street Band over the years. Many of these photographs have never been published.”
– Stan Goldstein

“You might not know where to begin to get the perfect gift for the Springsteen fan in your life. You cannot do better than For You”. 
– David Lifton, UltimateClassicRock.com

Available only Online Here: For You

Book and Tour of the NJ Shore

When you make that pilgrimage to explore Bruce Springsteen’s Jersey Shore, of course you want to see the locations that Bruce has sung about, talked about in concert, in his autobiography and Broadway show. There’s so much to see in Asbury Park, Freehold, Belmar and many other towns.

The book, “Rock & Roll Tour of the Jersey Shore,” written by longtime Jersey Shore residents and tour guides Stan Goldstein and Jean Mikle, is your essential guide to all the places Bruce, Southside Johnny, Jon Bon Jovi and others famous and not so famous. The close to 200-page book is filled with the addresses and locations of those must-see Springsteen-related places: the Stone Pony, Tenth Avenue and E Street, Bruce’s childhood homes in Freehold, the house he wrote the entire “Born to Run” album in and so much more. Plus there’s more than 200 photos of Bruce and other music icons through the years of their Jersey Shore history. The book is available through the website www.njrockmap.com

Stan and Jean are also available for private Springsteen-related tours of the area. They have given tours to thousands of fans for more than 20 years and love not only pointing out and taking you to all these special locations, but sharing their personal Springsteen stories.  They may be reached at njrockmap@aol.com for more information on the tours.

Glory Days : Springsteen’s Greatest Albums

And don’t forget Peter Chianca’s book of essays, “Glory Days: Springsteen’s Greatest Albums” — the 2019 updated edition features a new chapter analyzing Springsteen’s first two albums, and a section with the most popular recent posts from the Blogness on the Edge of Town blog. Get it on Amazon for $5.99 paperback or $3.99 eBook!

SPRING-NUT SWAG

The Spring-Nut Group was created in August of 2015, this group was designed as a refuge for the rabid Springsteen fan. This is where Tramps can get their daily “fix” to cure their Springsteen withdrawals. It’s a group that premises on daily POSITIVE worldwide fan interaction.

Here are two great holiday gift ideas that can be ordered directly from the group’s admins: www.springnutsworldwide.com/shop

FINE ART 

You can’t go wrong with a Springsteen painting. Or maybe you can. But we prefer photographic imagery for our walls, visit RoccosPhototavern.com, featuring some of the best Bruce Springsteen concert shots this side of the Mississippi. And be sure to say hello to Rocco for us.


MUG

Find these mugs on Amazon.com

BLOW THE BUDGET

Bruce Springsteen – One Night in 1978
Patrick Harbron

• ‘One Night In 1978’ is a limited photo edition of 50 box sets and 2 artist’s proofs.
• Each contains six (6) – 9”x12”, 310 gsm archival prints, signed and numbered
• They are made from high resolution scans of the original film negatives
• Four of the six photographs were recently discovered files
• The cloth covered box is hand made specifically for this edition by Samantha Couture of Fly Leaf Bindery.

For more information and to order:  Darkness on the Edge of Town- One Night in 1978

Stay safe everyone and Happy Shopping!

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“For You”: l’imperdibile libro di Lawrence Kirsch con storie dei fan e foto inedite di Bruce Springsteen!

Posted on May 25, 2020 by admin

Ancora copie disponibili per chi desidera acquistare il bellissimo volume di Lawrence Kirsch, For You: Original Stories And Photographs By Bruce Springsteen’s Legendary Fans ed. limitata. E’ una favolosa raccolta di testimonianze che include 200 aneddoti dei fan del Boss e oltre 400 fotografie, molte anche di altri musicisti e personalità che hanno suonato con Bruce (The E Street Band, Southside Johnny, Bono e gli U2, Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Patti Smith, Robert Gordon, Gary US Bonds, Joe Grushecky, Ronnie Spector, John Fogerty, Neil Young, Michael Stipe, Jackson Brown).

Oltre alle pagine più recenti, un’ampia sezione (circa 70 pagine) è dedicata agli anni ’70 con fotografie straordinarie che ci danno tutta la misura, la potenza e l’emozione di quei concerti epici del Boss. “Come fan storico di Springsteen, ho capito che c’era il desiderio da parte dei fan di riunirsi e condividere le proprie esperienze”, ha dichiarato Lawrence Kirsch: “Accade qualcosa di magico ai concerti di Springsteen. Ogni evento è come un’enorme riunione di famiglia, anche se in realtà sono poche le persone che conosci in platea. Gli estranei si legano tra loro con una facilità molto percepibile”.

For You (disponibile esclusivamente su:  http://www.foryoubrucebook.com è un’opera eccellente, molto dettagliata e di altissima qualità, un volume che dovrebbe essere sullo scaffale di chiunque ami la musica, perché è un monumento al monumento del rock. I contribuiti scritti dai fan di Springsteen sono in lingue diverse dall’inglese per ricordarci “che il Boss ha una comunità di fan in tutto il mondo – come sottolinea Kirsch – e che la sua musica e i suoi concerti trascendono i confini di una lingua specifica”. E mai come in questi tempi, è bello sentirsi parte di una comunità.

Per info contattare: 
Lawrence Kirsch
Email: Foryoubruce99@yahoo.com
Web site: ForyouBrucebook.com
Twitter: @KirschComm
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/SpringsteenForYouBook

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“For You”: il bel libro su Springsteen di Lawrence Kirsch per addolcire la quarantena

Posted on April 8, 2020 by admin

“For You”: il bel libro su Springsteen di Lawrence Kirsch per addolcire la quarantena

Come fans avevamo sperato in un 2020 decisamente migliore e invece eccoci qua, bloccati nelle nostre case a rivivere le nostre emozioni da springsteeniani nell’intimità dei nostri ricordi, a riascoltare canzoni di Bruce in solitudine, a riguardare mille volte i filmati dei suoi più bei concerti. E soprattutto a sognare e a chiederci quando quei meravigliosi “assembramenti” di corpi e di spiriti accalcati fino a riempire teatri, palazzetti e stadi smetteranno di indurre paure e fobie per tornare a rappresentare solo condivisione di gioia ed emozioni.

Un buon libro, che riassuma quelle immagini e quelle sensazioni così vive, può essere un ottimo modo per farci accompagnare da Bruce in questi maledetti giorni di quarantena.  For You: Original Stories And Photographs By Bruce Springsteen’s Legendary Fans è quello adatto! E’ un volume curato da Lawrence Kirsch, che dal 2009, non a caso, è andato sempre esaurito e ne capiamo facilmente il motivo: è una favolosa raccolta di racconti, testimonianze e ricordi che include 200 aneddoti dei fan del Boss e oltre 400 fotografie, molte anche di altri musicisti e personalità che hanno suonato con Bruce (The E Street Band, Southside Johnny, Bono e gli U2, Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Patti Smith, Robert Gordon, Gary US Bonds, Joe Grushecky, Ronnie Spector, John Fogerty, Neil Young, Michael Stipe, Jackson Brown). Oltre a testimonianze più recenti, un’ampia sezione (circa 70 pagine) è dedicata agli anni ’70 con fotografie straordinarie che ci danno tutta la misura, la potenza e l’emozione di quei concerti epici del Boss .

“Come fan storico di Springsteen, ho capito che c’era il desiderio da parte dei fan di riunirsi e condividere le proprie esperienze”, ha dichiarato Lawrence Kirsch: “Accade qualcosa di magico ai concerti di Springsteen. Ogni evento è come un’enorme riunione di famiglia, anche se in realtà sono poche le persone che conosci in platea. Gli estranei si legano tra loro con una facilità molto percepibile”. For You (disponibile esclusivamente su: www.foryoubrucebook.com) è un’opera eccellente, molto dettagliata e di altissima qualità, un volume che dovrebbe essere sullo scaffale di chiunque ami la musica, perché è un monumento al monumento del rock.

I contribuiti scritti dai fan di Springsteen sono in lingue diverse dall’inglese per ricordarci “che il Boss ha una comunità di fan in tutto il mondo – come sottolinea Kirsch – e che la sua musica e i suoi concerti trascendono i confini di una lingua specifica”. E mai come in questi tempi, è bello sentirsi parte di una comunità.

Per info contattare: 
Lawrence Kirsch
Email: Foryoubruce99@yahoo.com
Web site: ForyouBrucebook.com
Twitter: @KirschComm
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/SpringsteenForYouBook

Lawrence Kirsch, fotografo diplomato al programma Concordia University Communications, ha lavorato professionalmente dal 1977 (quando ha fotografato per la prima volta Elvis Costello per i dischi della CBS) fino al 1989. Prima del 1977 ha lavorato come freelance fotografando molti importanti atti rock degli anni ’70, tra cui David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan ed Elton John. Ha lavorato per importanti etichette discografiche e le sue fotografie sono state pubblicate in più di 100 riviste, oltre a CD, siti web di etichette discografiche, libri, poster, programmi di concerti, proiezioni di gallerie e copertine di dischi in tutto il mondo.

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“For You” is a must-read book for Bruce Springsteen fans social distancing at home

Posted on April 6, 2020 by admin

“For You” is a must-read book for Bruce Springsteen fans social distancing at home

It features a plethora of stories and photos from Springsteen concerts across the Philly region

Many of the stories and photos compiled in Lawrence Kirsch’s book, “For You: Original Stories and Photographs By Bruce Springsteen’s Legendary Fans”, come from concerts that took place and fans who call the Philadelphia region home.

Social distancing guidelines designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus have confined most Americans to their homes, leaving them searching for various forms of entertainment. 

Concert-goers are now unable to attend shows and festivals for the foreseeable future, so plenty of music is being streamed to fill the void.

Concert-goers are now unable to attend shows and festivals for the foreseeable future, so plenty of music is being streamed to fill the void.

But one thing that may cheer up music lovers, particularly Bruce Springsteen fans, is a book titled “For You: Original Stories and Photographs by Bruce Springsteen’s Legendary Fans,” by author Lawrence Kirsch.

The book was originally published in 2007 and essentially has been out of publication since 2009. But a limited edition – 1,100 copies – was reprinted in 2019. 

The title, as any serious Springsteen fan would know, comes from the hit off his 1973 debut album, “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.”

The 200-plus page book pays homage to The Boss himself, but most importantly, to his fans. It is packed with stories told by his fans and more than 400 photos they captured from the 1970s through 2009. It include contributions from fans from 30 countries, showcasing Springsteen’s wide and impactful reach. 

Springsteen diehards likely will relate to many, if not most, of the stories shared. It makes one want to play some of Bruce’s music or imagine one of his iconic concerts. Plus, the books features plenty of other famous musicians who have performed with Springsteen.

Springsteen diehards likely will relate to many, if not most, of the stories shared. It makes one want to play some of Bruce’s music or imagine one of his iconic concerts. Plus, the books features plenty of other famous musicians who have performed with Springsteen.

There’s also no shortage of stories and images of Springsteen’s performances across the Philadelphia region either. Performances at the Spectrum, Veterans Stadium, JFK Stadium and the Wells Fargo Center in South Philly are featured. So are shows at The Main Point in Bryn Mawr, Widener College in Chester, The Roxy Theater in Manayunk and The Tower Theater in Upper Darby.

One story that particularly stands out comes from a Columbus, Ohio man who saw Springsteen perform at the Spectrum on December 8, 1980, an infamous day in American history:

On the evening of December 8, 1980, a demented young man named Mark David Chapman, who wanted to be famous, pumped five bullets into John Lennon, who died a few minutes later of his wounds. It was 11:50 p.m. I was attending a Bruce Springsteen concert at the Spectrum in Philadelphia that night. Bruce’s fifth album, “The River,” had been released that fall, and “Hungry Heart” was somewhere near the top of the charts. I was a 19-year-old sophomore in college. My friends and I had driven about three hours to the Spectrum from Carlisle, and we saw an amazing show. The Boss played for about four and a half hours that night. 
The concert let out at about the time that Chapman fired the fatal rounds. Nobody told Bruce Springsteen that John Lennon had been shot, so nothing was said during the show. We were completely ignorant of events when we left the arena to head for the cars. 

When we got to the car, all of the Philly radio stations were playing nothing but Beatles and John Lennon songs, and we could not, for the life of us, understand why. Finally, there was a break in the music, and we heard the terrible news. Obviously, that’s a night that is forever burned into my memory, both for the incredible show we saw, and then for the horrific events that we learned of after the end of the show.

It’s a perfect book for the coffee table and, in the meantime, to keep one occupied and entertained while social distancing at home. Less than 450 copies of the book remain, and you can order a copy here.

Follow Pat & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @Pat_Ralph | @thePhillyVoice

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Fans Feel the Spirit of Limited Edition Bruce Springsteen Book, For You

Posted on January 11, 2020 by admin

More Fans Love Limited Edition Bruce Springsteen Book, For You.

I just received For You as a gift in the mail. It’s so beautiful. I’ve always wanted this book so bad and the reprint came at such a bad time for me. I thought I was going to eventually have to pay through the nose on eBay for it. Thank you to my dear friend Jim.
DaiseyJeep – Greasy Lake

I got For You for Christmas. What a great gift. The Winterland photos are incredible!
Austin – Twitter

I have this book and it’s absolutely awesome! …the stories you will read in the book, make you feel as if you’re right there. If you haven’t ordered it yet, go on and do it! I promise you will enjoy and the pictures are amazing.
Terri Lynn Booth – Twitter

Just received my copy of For You and it is everything I hoped it would be, great fan stories and recollections and many superb photos which have never been published before, a fine addition to add to my Springsteen book collection, well done Lawrence and thanks for reprinting.
MyBoyBill – BTX

It’s beautifully designed, excellent quality and touching stories! A must have for Bruce fans! 
I “binge read it”!
Cheryl Hoffman – SpringNuts

A must for every casual to hard-core fan of the Boss. It’s a true trip throughout his legendary career. The b/w & color stage shots are stunningly printed and the book is lavishly designed. Those 3 to 4 hour shows simply jumped out of the page! Lots of fan testimonials. I got one for Christmas and cannot tear myself away from it. Love Bruce? This book is “for you”. 
Phil Gelormine – Facebook

Added to the collection the last couple of weeks…the For You book by Lawrence Kirsch…looking forward to read that book…it looks awesome…many thanks!  
Oddgeir Jomar Toran – Springsteen Collector

My copies arrived in time for Christmas well packed and in great condition. Made for a wonderful Christmas present. Thanks for the prompt responses to my inquiries and for getting these out in time. An amazing book that should be on any fan’s shelf!
Hobbes – BTX

Happy with the re-release. Best X-mas present ever I have given to myself.
Tony Bomere

In December I received my copy of the book For You. The book is fantastic. I’m very happy and I’m enjoying it very much. It’s been a long wait (12 years), but it was worth it.
Pietro Arnoldi

It’s a great book. So glad Lawrence Kirsch re-released For You. I’m in Australia & it was sent so quickly. I recommend this book to any Bruce fans.
Annette Atkinson

Got my copy just before X-mas. It’s a beauty!
StoneLike – BTX

If you want a great book with great photos For You is For You! Enjoying it this snowy morning with my ☕. Great photos! And stories!
Susan McCuish Logue – SpringNuts

I read the first story with Father and son and I can relate because when I was younger, my dad didn’t like music in the house and I didn’t even play an instrument! We never saw eye to eye on things and that story brought tears to my eyes. 
Antoinette Prizio

Thanks Lawrence Kirsch, love the book! If you haven’t got your copy, I highly recommend getting it!  
Donna Welch – SpringNuts

No need for the holidays to get this for a friend (or yourself). You can’t go wrong — there’s a revelation on every page.
MSGAugustof78 – BTX

Bruce Springsteen book For You, still some copies left: Order Here

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