Old Bruce on the block

Sotheby’s Rock & Pop Auction

On September 29, 2015, Sotheby’s is putting years of rock and roll memorabilia up for grabs with its Rock & Pop Auction. The item receiving most of the hype is the Beatles’ original contract with manager Brian Epstein. Along side the fab signatures and other Beatles history will be memorabilia from Led Zeppelin, Bowie, The Sex Pistols and vintage Bruce Springsteen Born To Run prints.

Born To Run hit the big 4 O this past August. The featured shot, by Barbara Pyle, was taken at dawn band rehearsal following three days of grueling recording.

Every picture tells a story and the story here was that Springsteen and band where fighting for their record-contract lives. With an album like Born To Run under their belts, it’s hard to imagine that there was any doubt of anything but glory days ahead. (Sorry.) The truth of the matter was that Springsteen was on a short leash with Columbia as his first two efforts were not commercial successes. Plus his most powerful supporter at the record company, Clive Davis, was gone.

Still you’d think with Born To Run, they must have known. But after listening to the final mix, Bruce threw the acetate into a pool and wanted to start over.

Now take a look at the photo. These guys were fighting to survive—not to mention stand up. And if none of this sells you, take a look at Clarence Clemons’ shorts.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 1975, a full collection of the Boss’ BTR period by Barbara Pyle is set for release in October.

The Sotheby’s Auction features the rehearsal pic and other vintage 1975 prints signed by the photographer.

See the full Rock & Pop kitty here.