I just finished reading Bruce Springsteen's autobiography, Born
to Run. I thought it was fascinating and really
well-written--and I'm not even a fan (although I've always respected him and
his work).
I'm always fascinated by the stories of creative people,
especially those who are self-taught. (Bob Dylan and Keith Richards also fall
into this category, and I've read their autobiographies, as well.)
Springsteen's description of his father was particularly
haunting because he reminded me so much of my own: distant, drinking, sitting
silently at the kitchen table.
Springsteen also talks about his battle with depression, and
this is both frightening and humbling.
There are many great road stories along the way. One that
particularly stands out is his first trip to California. Because there wasn't
enough room in his truck, he was forced to travel with another member of his
band locked in a storage box on the truck’s flatbed, with only a bottle to
urinate in between them. The claustrophobia alone would have killed me, but
they were going over the Rocky Mountains! (It's amazing how much you can endure
in your late teens/early twenties!)
If you can't afford to see Bruce on Broadway, this might be
the next best thing.
That and listening to his music, of course.
