#BruceBooks: The Light In Darkness

There are two types of Bruce Springsteen fans who have been rocked by a live E Street Band show. Those who caught the band on the Darkness 78/79 tour, and those who wish they could have.

 

So legendary are those 115 concerts from May 1978 to January 1979, and so pivotal was the period in Springsteen's music career that books, album re-releases, outtakes and documentaries have all delved into the Darkness-era in recent years.

Photographer and Springsteen-book author Lawrence Kirsh's limited edition book The Light In Darkness is one that puts the fans and the incredible impact of Springsteen's fourth album centre stage.

Recalling details of how they ended up in the audience for one - or several - shows, every stop of the tour is covered through the personal memories of a fan.

With more than 100 stories, common themes run throughout - how they discovered Springsteen, how many didn't appreciate Darkness upon first listen only to later find it an influential favourite, and how seeing the band live changed their life.

These tales are joined by more than 200 fantastic photographs from the shows that provide a glimpse into everything about  the experience of the tour - from the style and intensity to the expressions of everyone in the band. 

Something that could be taken for granted today with the abundance of Springsteen fans' blogs, such as this one, that seek to do the same thing through recaps of a show and photos from a phone snapped from the pit.

In a world dominated by comprehensive online resources easily detailing Springsteen's concerts and shows in minute, visual detail, one of the most impressive things about this book is how it does the same with great images and props from the era.

So when fans recall hearing the '78 version of Prove It All Night or how they felt when Springsteen broke the established conventions and left the stage to join them during Spirit In The Night, anyone who has been to an E Street Show can relate and picture themselves right there at the show more than three decades earlier.

Admittingly while after 50 pages in some of the stories can become tiresome as they repeat the similar tales of discovering Springsteen and seeing their first show. But the impact of the album and the tour itself is never lost. And as the structure uses short stories to follow every concert venue, the book is perfect for casual readers wanting to dip into the legendary shows from time to time, rather than take in the entire tour at once.

Although focussing on the fans, the chronological visit to the tour also creates a picture of how Springsteen and the band developed surrounding the release of Darkness and the troubles they overcame. 

What has been frequently touched on in other biographies about Springsteen's legal battle and the direction he took afterwards are given a new and unique perspective through the eyes of dozens of concert goers instead of a single writer.

It is the details surrounding what has become accepted as a crucial time in E Street history that stands The Light In Darkness out amongst the increasingly heavy shelves of Springsteen books currently out there.

Not only a worthy companion to documentary The Promise: The Making of Darkness On The Edge Of Town, but also an excellent answer to those who constantly question fans lining up for hours outside venues for the best pit position for every concert they can get to.

Part of what makes this book such a fun addition to the expanding collections is how fans share their exclusive part in some of the final shows that the band would play in smaller venues. Offering experiences that many concert-goers today dream of.

As Kirsh said “The book will give readers at least a small perspective of what we experienced in 1978.”

“The connection and bond made between performer and audience during this tour set the stage for all future albums and tours to come.”

Like the album that inspired the stories within, this book is one fans will no doubt return to again and again.

The Light In Darkness is a limited edition book only available from www.thelightindarkness.com 

But be quick, when I contacted author Lawrence Kirsch for photos to use in this review he informed me there were only 120 copies left. Those 120 remaining books also come with half-price shipping and the author's signature upon request.

All photos from the book:The Light In Darkness ©theLightinDarkness.com

Springsteen And I

Every Springsteen fan would have at least heard of this documentary even if they didn't submit their own videos and clips to take part.

Obviously counting myself as a member of the club of people who are mad enough to spend days lining up to a live show, watch set lists from the other side of the world and always drink from his favourite Springsteen album mug, I'm keen to see how this movie turns out.

From the trailer it does look like there will be plenty of concert footage from the Australia tour, and like everyone who got to make a few friends on the road, I'll be looking out for some familiar Bruce Buds in the footage too.

But I do have to wonder what people who are not so converted will think of this film.

Will they just write it off with no interest? Or will they be eager to see what the fuss is about and check it out for themselves?

I recently convinced a Star Trek-hater to check out the new Star Trek movie by telling them the obvious - that you don't have to like anything to do with the franchise to enjoy it. In the end they loved it.

I'm not sure that will work this time.

But I am sure that people I've met who have slept outside arenas, lined up for 6am roll calls will no doubt enjoy seeing this movie on the big screen, and perhaps have another way to explain to their partners why their next holiday plans have been put on hold just in case Bruce announces another tour.

Also worthy of note, is that just as there seems to be a great range of Springsteen books released at the same time, this is not the only documentary coming our way.

Obviously the Ridley Scott production company link and distribution will make this the big one, but look out for more films about the cult of being a Springsteen fan soon.

Here's the one by Julian Garcia that I mentioned during the Australian tour:

And of course if you want to see a little clip that won't be in the documentary, here it is again:

High Hopes

Have very nearly just spent a few thousand dollars on an image or two from Sydney's Blender Gallery.
The small art venue in Elizabeth St, Paddington is hosting a Springsteen photo exhibit this week with some excellent rare and impressive prints on display.
My names down potentially for a popular shot of Springsteen and the Big Man.
Any Springsteen fans looking for something to do when they're not waiting for a space in the pit, then I recommend taking a trip into Sydney's suburbs, between the Harbour and Bondi Beach and seeking it out.
Be warned though, you won't want to leave empty handed.