Finding The Light in Darkness: A conversation with Springsteen author Lawrence Kirsch
Written by: Matt Wardlaw
As we break the seal on 2010, I'm looking forward (as so many Springsteen fans are) to the much-discussed commemorative box set for Bruce Springsteen's classic release, Darkness on the Edge of Town. We don't know at this point specifically what shows/materials will be incorporated into the bonus elements of the release, but it is allegedly going to hit the shelves this year. If you bought the previous box set for Born to Run, I think you'll agree with me that this new release will be something to look forward to as a Bruce fan.
My anticipation for the release of this set doubled late last year with the release of The Light in Darkness, Lawrence Kirsch's excellent chronicle of the Darkness on the Edge of Town tour. Told from the fan's perspective, by the fans themselves, Kirsch took the numerous fan story submissions, combined them with over 200+ classic photographs from the tour, and delivered an amazing gift to Bruce fans. With time travel via DeLorean still unlikely, The Light in Darkness is the closest that you'll ever come to attending a show on the Darkness tour.
After finishing the book (my review is posted here), I had some further questions and wanted take a look under the hood at the assembly process behind releasing something like The Light in Darkness, one that is most certainly mammoth. Kirsch was more than happy to answer a few questions, and I'm glad that I took the time to inquire, because he certainly had plenty to say, and I think that all music fans will enjoy reading the story of how The Light in Darkness (and Kirsch's previous book For You) moved from a concept to the actual release.
CommentsBook Review: The Light in Darkness by Lawrence Kirsch
Written by: Matt Wardlaw
When I unwrapped the Live: 1975/85 box set, which I received as a Christmas gift from my parents in 1986, I don't think I truly had a complete idea of exactly how much of an impact Bruce Springsteen would have on my life. As I put in the first cassette, and began thumbing through the booklet that was included with the box set, it slowly began to register with me. Born In The U.S.A. had been my first exposure to Springsteen, and as I sat listening to the early club recordings on the box set - "Thunder Road," "Adam Raised A Cain," etc - I was naturally intrigued to learn more about the pre-Born In The U.S.A. material, and further facts about the man behind the recordings. I spent quite a bit of time soaking in the music from the box set, and in 1992, I finally saw my first Springsteen concert. While you might lament that my first experience came via the "other band" - I'd argue that seeing Springsteen backed by a trio of mariachi players, would still impress anyone seeing Bruce for the first time. After all, he is "The Boss."
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