Rock & Roll’s Future

Every Bruce Springsteen fan – and perhaps most rock and roll fans – have no doubt read Jon Landau’s famous proclamation about seeing  “the future of rock ‘n’ roll.”  That most people get that quote backwards —  Bruce’s future manager actually said “rock n roll’s future” — matters little. That article appeared in Boston’s Real Paper on May 22nd— 40 years ago today — reviewing Springsteen’s May 9 show at the Harvard Square Theatre.

The Sunday Boston Globe this past week featured an excellent piece in Sarah Rodman’s “The Last Word” column, tying together several Springsteen threads, past and present. Among them were that May 9 show had Bruce opening for Bonnie Raitt and featured the live debut of “Born To Run.” The late show also featured Springsteen taking on the Dinah Washington / Etta James WWII-era blues classic "I Sold My Heart to the Junk Man." And, through the magic of the internet, you can hear The Boss' version here. The set list —along with some commentary — can be found here. The Globe article also includes a spectacular photo of Bruce at the piano performing “For You,” taken by Barry Schneier. Rodman's column, the photographer’s website, featuring a treasure trove of rock photography and Landau’s original piece from the Real Paper are all well worth a look.