In 1978, while I was working at the New York Daily News as a studio apprentice, the paper was shuttered for 88 days by a strike. I hit the streets, hungry for work, looking to shoot anything, for anybody. Danny Farrell, my mentor at the News, offered me $50 a picture to go to work for him at an interim newspaper called The City News. It was heady. From running Versamat film processors inside, to being on the street as shooter.
Highlight of my summer? Covering Bruce Springsteen at Madison Square Garden. Pushing Tri-X hard in the cavern of the Garden, moving and shooting as The Boss was belting.
Never thought it would come full circle last week to having the incredible experience of listening to a Springsteen concert… instead of covering. On a Friday night in Philly, a warm, beautiful summer night. At the age of 74, he sang and played with the E Street Band for three and a half hours, with no break. Started on time. At the three hour mark or so, he called out to the audience, “Anybody tired? Do you think you can outlast the E Street Band?” And then he let it rip for another half hour of full powered performing. Remarkable. He poked fun at how everyone is quick to label something a “Farewell Tour.” He laughed that off.
This time, no camera, and was not sweaty and desperate, just listening, and remembering. Bruce’s songs are a lot about life and memory, ups and downs, and occasionally, the long road. Respecting the no filming policy, took a quick snap, lighting and staging have come a long way from the 70’s!
Still singing, still performing, still talking to all of us. Talent, tenacity, hard work and dedication. A formidable and inspiring legacy.
More tk….
Joe you are one of a kind. Looking forward to Ellis Island with you in a couple of weeks.
Awesome story Mr Joe! Looking back to where you came from and seeing progress is a happy thing for so many years. I see that when I go into building worked on when I was a kid in the 80’s and I walk into them now a realize how much change has occurred, the building, how we build them, and how I have changed while building them.
Great interesting story.
A couple of Jersey guys in Philly. Very nice. I had the extreme pleasure of having a photo pass for Bruce at the 8/21 show. Felt like such a circle for me, after shooting so many bands just starting out in the beach bars of Asbury Park still still have sand on the floor. Who knows, may be they will hit it big sometime, too. And your post also reminded me of one you did about 7 years ago… https://joemcnally.com/2014/07/17/one-jersey-guy-to-another/
Thank you for sharing this great story Mr. McNally!
Hey Joe. Two ships passing in the night. Val and I were in Philly for the same show. Truly amazing to watch him play for 3 hours.
Joe, many congratulations on your successful career. We shared a class at Syracuse. We had to create a slide show with music. I think yours was at a senior citizen center and the music was by the Chieftains.
What a show…man the guy is pure performer. Hope you guys are great!
Beautiful!
Great work Joe! I was able to photograph him in Syracuse during his “Born in the USA” Tour
He was, and still is, The Boss!