In 2001 the public library in Asbury Park became the host of the largest collection of Springsteen books and magazines in the world. The collection was created by initiative of Backstreets Magazine and now contains more than 3,500 items and is still growing. Now the Special Collection also has its own website where you can see what's in the collection and what's missing. Plus you can join the Friends program where you can support the collection and get certain advantages in return. Check out the website at www.friendsofthespringsteencollection.org. Read more

   

We know this may come as a surprise to many, but now it's official. According to himself, Bruce is no "saintly man of the people". In his second letter to the editor in New York Times in the last year (the first one was regarding the Vote For Change Tour), he personally states that fact. The letter reads:

Greetings From Rumson, N.J.
To the Editor:
Regarding "The Boss Bibliography" (July 3), by A. O. Scott:

The merits of my music and performances over the last 30 years I gladly leave to the fans, critics and writers. On the subject of "image," however, I thought I might be able to provide some simple clarification.

The "saintly, man of the people" thing I occasionally see attached to my name is bull ? ? ? ?. It was perhaps invented, like myself, by Jon Landau . . . or maybe by that high school kid somewhere who supposedly wrote "Blowin' in the Wind." Life, art and identity are, of course, much more complicated. How do I know? I heard it in a Bruce Springsteen song.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Rumson, N.J. Read more

   

Obviously, the next best thing is not Bruce himself. The next best thing is Mike Rocket, who according to Bruce looks more like Bruce than he does. He can also sound like Bruce when the mood strikes him, but usually he's an artist in his own right with a few solo CDs under his belt. Now for the first time he will perform in Europe. On July 30 he will be in Amsterdam at the Winston Hotel and two days later he can be seen in London at the Twelve Bar Club. Check out www.mikerocket.com for more information. Read more

   

Bruce ontinues to stun old-time fans with his setlists. Last night in Atlanta he pulled out two songs that had never been performed in public before: "Sad Eyes" and "Valentine's Day". The latter was, if we're not mistaken, the last album track (not counting the Tracks box set) that had yet to be played live in concert. So Atlanta continues to get historical shows. Many fans will remember how Bruce also world premiered "American Skin" and "Further On (Up the Road)" in Atlanta in 2000. Read more

   

In an interview with the Associated Press Bruce mentioned the possibility of adding more dates to the Devils & Dust Tour on the East Coast. This supports information from another source who tells us that Washington DC should expect one show, one or two in Philadelphia, at least five in New Jersey and two in Boston, and possibly one in New York City. This is still not official so anything could happen, but it's a good sign at least. Read the interview. Read more

   

According to the New York Post Bruce is having trouble getting what he asks for in the negotians for a new record contract. Springsteen allegedly demands $50 million for a five album deal, but because his last albums haven't sold as much as Sony could have hoped for, they are reluctant to sign. Bruce has threatened to change labels, but we would be surprised if that turns out to be the result. Read more

   

The Devils & Dust Tour hasn't exactly been lacking setlist changes or tour premieres, but last night in Buffalo Bruce pulled out all the stops and included no less than five tour premieres and other songs that have only been played a few times on the tour so far. The biggest surprise was probably the opener: "Prove It All Night" in its first solo acoustic arrangement ever. But the lucky few in attendance (the show wasn't sold out) also witnessed the first ever keyboard/piano versions of "Sandy", "Leap of Faith", and "When You're Alone". And maybe there's more in store for future concert goers: the sound check in Buffalo included "Sad Eyes", "Independence Day", "Local Hero" and more. Read more

   

According to Backstreets Bruce's performance on VH1 Storytellers is going to be officially released on DVD on September 8. The DVD will contain two hours of footage including the Q&A session - that is, a whole lot more than what has been shown on television. This should be something to look forward to while we still wait for an official announcement on the Born to Run anniversary edition. Read more

   

Backstreets was right... as usual. the release of VH1 Storytellers has been announced by Sony. Check out the press release. Read more

   

In an interview with the Star-Ledger in New Jersey, former E Streeter David Sancious revealed that he has participated in a documentary to be released on the same day as the upcoming Born to Run anniversary edition. His exact words to the newspaper: "A couple of months ago, I did an interview for a documentary that Bruce's company is making about the 30th anniversary of Born to Run. They got everybody down to New York City in a studio and filmed interviews with everybody who played on (the album), getting people to remember the sessions and tell stories about what went on. They told me that the plan was to release the documentary on the same day as the re-release of the record." The interview was done in connection with David Sancious' benefit show for SPARKS International at the Two Rivers Theater in Red Bank tomorrow night. Read more