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Lot #9158
Bruce Springsteen Signed 'Born to Run' Album - dated to his historical East Germany concert on July 19, 1988

Born to Run, signed in the shadow of the Berlin Wall -Springsteen becomes an icon of freedom in East Germany

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Estimate: $1000+
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Description

Born to Run, signed in the shadow of the Berlin Wall -Springsteen becomes an icon of freedom in East Germany

Born to Run album by Bruce Springsteen, who has signed prominently on the front cover in black felt tip; additionally, the back cover is signed by E Street Band members Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici. In very good to fine condition, with two short tears to the right edge, and some noticeable creases to the front. The record is included.

Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from REAL and by a letter of provenance from the original recipient: “I was working as a sound engineer in what was then East Germany on July 19th, 1988. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band were playing a historic show in front of approx. 300,000 East Germans who were sick of being locked behind The Berlin Wall. It was the first time in GDR history that American Flags were raised without fear of reprisal. Millions more watched the broadcast that was transmitted on State Television.

After rehearsals when Bruce left the stage, I obtained his autograph on my copy of Born to Run and also got two other band members - Clarence Clemens and Danny Federici to sign it. During the show Springsteen told the crowd in German: ‘I'm not here for any government. I've come to play rock'n'roll for you in the hope that one day all the barriers will be torn down,’ before launching into Bob Dylan's Chimes of Freedom. Years later, Springsteen reflected on the concert himself. ‘Once in a while you play a place, you play a show that ends up staying inside of you, living with you for the rest of your life,’ he said. ‘East Berlin in 1988 was certainly one of them.’

Widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time, Rolling Stone magazine placed Born to Run at the No. 18 spot on its list of ‘The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.’ In addition, the cover art is one of rock music's most recognizable images. An ideal copy of Springsteen’s 1975 masterpiece signed at one of his most important concerts.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Marvels of Modern Music
  • Dates: #679 - Ended December 14, 2023