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Bruce Springsteen & Born To Run: 50 Years by Sean Egan
Out now by Motorbooks
Celebrate the half-century legacy of a rock ’n’ roll milestone with this beautifully crafted, richly researched and visually striking commemorative edition.
When Born to Run arrived in August 1975, it didn’t just elevate Bruce Springsteen to stardom; it reshaped the direction of American rock. The album became a lightning bolt of hope, romanticism, and rebellion at a moment when popular music was searching for new heroes. With Born to Run, Springsteen captured life at full throttle, chasing dreams, racing away from heartbreak and clinging to the belief that escape, real or imagined, was always possible.
Over five decades later, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run: 50 Years, celebrates this explosive record and the mastermind behind it. The author is music journalist Sean Egan who is an acclaimed music historian and whose writing has appeared in Billboard, Classic Rock, Record Collector, Uncut and Rolling Stone. He is the author or editor of more than twenty books covering some of the most influential names in music and culture, including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Small Faces, The Clash, Manchester United and even James Bond.
In this incredible 192-page book with 300 colour and black & white photographs, Egan takes readers on a fascinating and passionate journey through the making of Springsteen’s definitive album and the era that founded it. He explores the painstaking recording process, eighteen months of obsession, perfectionism and artistic evolution that pushed Springsteen and his collaborators to the brink. What emerged was a record that not only defined The Boss but also set a new bar for ambition in rock history. A sweeping narrative of creativity, conflict and cultural impact
Before triumph came struggle. Springsteen’s first two albums earned critical acclaim but failed to ignite the public’s imagination. Under immense pressure from Columbia Records to deliver a hit, Springsteen poured everything he had into the creation of Born to Run. Egan chronicles this pivotal moment with drama, detail and deep respect for the stakes involved.
Readers will travel from the intimate clubs of the Jersey Shore to the bright lights of New York City studios such as The Record Plant and 914 Sound Studio, Spaces where magic, frustration and musical breakthroughs unfolded day by day. The book also highlights the extraordinary collaborative spirit of The E Street Band, a group of players whose powerful chemistry helped elevate Springsteen’s storytelling into legendary status.
This beautiful book is a fan’s treasure trove packed with insight. The immersive volume includes:
- A richly detailed track-by-track breakdown, revealing the lyrical themes, musical construction and countless discarded ideas leading to the album’s final shape.
- Archival tour coverage showcasing the unstoppable force of Springsteen’s live performances during the album cycle.
- New perspectives on how Born to Run transformed rock’s landscape in the mid-1970s and inspired generations of artists afterwards.
- Behind-the-scenes accounts of creative battles, including Springsteen’s fierce tension with his label, who doubted whether he could reach the masses.
- Profiles of key collaborators, shining a light on the bandmates, producers, engineers, and industry insiders who helped shape the dream.
- A lens on the aftermath, revealing how Born to Run propelled Springsteen from cult favourite to cultural icon.
It’s also a visually stunning showcase for collectors. Presented as a premium slip-cased hardcover, the book features:
- Rare live performances and candid off-stage photography
- Album-era memorabilia, including posters, tickets and original promotional materials
- Gorgeous design tailored for display on any music lover’s shelf or coffee table
Whether discovering Springsteen for the first time or revisiting a lifelong passion, fans will gain a newfound appreciation for the craft, courage and heart poured into every inch of this masterpiece.
~
The book is available Here: and at all leading booksellers. £38 Hardback 192pp with 300+ colour & b/w photos
All words by Claire Glover. More writing by Claire on Louder Than War can be found at her author profile here. You can also find her on Bluesky and Twitter
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