BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
Various Dates, 1969-1974

Before he became a global superstar, Springsteen was a young musician struggling to earn recognition. In 1968, Bruce and his band Child travelled to Richmond and played some free shows in Monroe Park. He spent most of his time with friends, drinking, smoking, playing music, and crashing at their houses. Bruce grew fond of the city, and even contemplated moving to Richmond.

Springsteen garnered the attention of Richmond’s music scene, a vibrant community emerging from the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Over the next few years, Springsteen returned to Richmond with a variety of lineups, increasing his following and performing shows at larger venues like The Back Door, the Mosque and the Coliseum. Bruce opened for Ike & Tina Turner, played live on local station WGOE-FM, and performed on the rooftop of the Seventh and Marshall Street parking garage. Springsteen’s success in Richmond provided him with critical acclaim and an avid fan base that would help catapult him towards national prominence in the 1970s.

Courtesy of artist Chuck Wrenn