The Boss came back to his hometown on Tuesday, returning to New Jersey and greeting thousands of fans to begin his book tour.
Bruce Springsteen fans from all over the world lined up hours before his appearance at a Barnes & Noble in Freehold to promote his autobiography Born to Run.
In the book, Springsteen remembers his childhood in New Jersey, his rise to superstardom and personal struggles that inspired songs such as Born to Run and Thunder Road.
Fans received a signed copy of the book and could pose for a picture with Springsteen. Some fans camped overnight in the parking lot and formed a line around 6am.
Springsteen arrived around 10.30am, for an event that was scheduled to start at noon, dressed in all black, from shirt and leather jacket to jeans and shoes. He didn’t say a word on his way to a small platform where he was flanked by two banners that featured a picture of the cover of his book.
Fans were dressed for the moment — concert tees, album cover tees, some even wore homemade shirts with a slogan or photo — for their 15 seconds or so for their meeting. Most fans simply said thank you or shared a quick personal story as they shook his hand. Springsteen smiled and nodded and stood for a brief snapshot with each fan.
Barnes & Noble said about 2,000 books were sold for the event and the line snaked through the store about three hours before Springsteen was scheduled to appear. His book was stacked all over the store, while his music played. His albums were for sale on vinyl — fitting for a rocker who rocketed to stardom in the 1970s.
Steven Kaminsky wore a shirt that said E Street Fans: Tougher Than The Rest as he waited in line to buy a book. He said he’s been to more than 250 live shows and never had the opportunity to meet The Boss.
“I’d like to say thank you for 35 years of great music, great memories,” he said. “It’s a dream come true.”
Springsteen’s book tour will also stop in New York; Philadelphia; Seattle; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Portland, Oregon.
