It’s hard to think of a time when the world didn’t know who Bruce Springsteen was, given how much radio stations love to play his music, and how often his name appears in the news (especially during the last presidential election). But in the 1960s, Springsteen (nicknamed “The Boss,” see below) was just another struggling musician, hoping to make ends meet and to “make it big” someday. His break came in the early 1970s, with the release of his album Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. The album met with critical success, but did not fare as well commercially. It wasn’t until two years later, with the release of his phenomenal album Born to Run, that Springsteen achieved commercial as well as critical success. His blend of folk and rock ‘n roll musical styles, poetic and political lyrics, and working-class/everyman appeal resounded with the public, and his path to superstardom was assured.
Since then, Springsteen has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, garnered an Academy Award for his song “Streets of Philadelphia,” and has scored over 20 GRAMMY Awards for his 17 studio albums. Quite impressive for a kid from New Jersey.
So it comes as no surprise that Springsteen has been chosen as the 2013 MusiCares Person of the Year, an honor bestowed on musicians for their musical achievement and dedication to philanthropy.
The chairman of the MusiCares Foundation notes that “Bruce is synonymous with artistic independence and a passion for causes that are close to his heart. His career seamlessly combines inspiration and charity, and it’s a reminder that we can all do our part to make the world a better place.”
It turns out that Springsteen keeps a full roster of events and appearances benefitting worthy causes. In a recent tidbit on Perez Hilton, the site let drop that The Boss plans to join Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, and The Who in The Concert for Sandy Relief, benefiting victims of Hurricane Sandy. So, as bright as this Jersey boy shines, he never forgets where he came from.
This MusiCares Foundation’s black-tie award ceremony takes place the Friday before the GRAMMY Awards telecast, and is completely sold out.
If this seems like a don’t-miss opportunity, you can thank eBay – we saved two seats for you and a friend. Today’s remarkable listing gives you the chance to attend the Bruce Springsteen Person of the Year Experience Platinum Seats w/ Rehearsals:
The listing provides the details on the event, and what you would win:
“The winner of this exclusive package will attend, with a guest, one of the most celebrated charity events in the music industry, the MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute and enjoy it from sold-out preferred seating.
The event will pay tribute to the music, humanitarian efforts and philanthropic generosity of the legendary Bruce Springsteen and witness an all-star line-up of artists performing some of the incredible hits from The Boss’s catalog! The event will take place on Friday, February 8, 2013 in Los Angeles, just two days prior to the GRAMMY® Awards Telecast. This private, industry event draws almost 3,000 key executives and celebrities in the music and entertainment world and features a reception, silent and live auctions, dinner and all-star concert that pays tribute to the honoree.
In addition to VIP seating, the winner will also receive two exclusive passes to attend the private rehearsals on Thursday, February 7, 2013.”
We’d love to see Springsteen perform at his own tribute (is that even allowed?), but as the listing notes, the “(a)rtists rehearsing and performing at the tribute have not yet been announced.”
We’ve all heard Springsteen referred to as The Boss, but what is the origin of that moniker? An article from the BBC notes that the nickname surfaced back in the early days of his career in the 1960s, when one of his assigned tasks during club gigs was to collect and distribute the night’s pay to his band mates. Apparently, doling out the pay filled this workingman with dismay. He is quoted as saying, “I hate bosses. I hate being called The Boss.”
This isn’t to say the musician doesn’t have a sense of humor, however. Last spring, he was a weeklong guest on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” Yes, over the course of the week, he performed classic and new songs by himself and his band. But he also did a hobbit dance and, with the help of Neil Young and Fallon, covered LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It.” Witness this strange convergence of pop schlock and folk rock, on this YouTube video.
This is one of many auctions featured on eBay benefiting MusiCares and/or the Grammy Foundation. Other items include:
- Katy Perry Signed Daisy Rock Atomic Pink Rock Candy Electric Guitar
- Adele Signed & Framed Rolling Stone Magazine
- Alicia Keys Signed “The Diary of Alicia Keys” Songbook
- The Lumineers Signed Vinyl LP Autographed
- And many more!
If you’d like to see a list of all the items available, click here. Good luck bidding!
I was in Dublin Ireland in 1996 .. kept hearing loud Springsteen music in the hotel… found out he was doing a concert across the street in the soccer stadium.
Wow .. did not see him but did hear him
He seems to be loved there as much as here.