Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Bruce Springsteen Fans Stuff The Boss' Stockings During Bookstore Visit

By David Matthews | November 28, 2016 3:02pm
 Bruce Springsteen fans stuffed The Boss's stockings during his visit to a Loop bookstore Monday.
Bruce Springsteen fans stuffed The Boss's stockings during his visit to a Loop bookstore Monday.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/David Matthews

THE LOOP — Bruce Springsteen drew hordes of fans to a Loop bookstore Monday, and with the holidays approaching, many of them brought gifts.

Springsteen fans wrapped around the block for a chance to see The Boss at Books-A-Million, 144 S. Clark St. Springsteen, a Hall of Fame rock star, was in town selling pre-signed copies of his new autobiography "Born To Run." 

RELATED: Bruuuuce! Springsteen Coming To Loop Bookstore Today: What To Expect

The fans paid $35 for the ticketed event, but many of them brought more than cash. Lots of E Street Band followers left gifts for their idol:


One fan left a picture of the time Springsteen brought her on stage during a show. [DNAinfo/David Matthews]

One of them was Claire Domark of Naperville, who brought Springsteen a note about the first time she saw him in person.

It wasn't at a show, but a movie theater in New Jersey. Domark was getting candy before the 1989 premiere of "Batman" starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Springsteen was waiting in the lobby for his now wife, Patty Scialfa. 

"I saw him in the lobby and froze. I'm hoping this time something comes out of my mouth," Domark said. "His music has meant so much to me at different points in my life."


Patrick Holland, 20, of Beverly skipped class to bring Springsteen his sister's drawing. [DNAinfo/David Matthews]

Springsteen, 67, last had a hit single in 2009, but his music has entertained generations.

Patrick Holland, 20, of Beverly skipped class Monday so he could bring Springsteen a drawing.

Holland said he got into Springsteen's music listening to the E Street Sirius XM station in high school. He enjoys Springsteen's melodies and the narratives in his songs.

"You step in the shoes of these characters," Holland said. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Though the line was long, it moved somewhat quickly. One woman in line said she got through the bookstore in a few hours. 

Books-A-Million employees said the Springsteen signing was their biggest event ever, but they offered some perspective. One woman working the event said "Harry Potter" releases at Borders a decade ago were "twice as big."

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here.