I started this fanzine at a time (1980) when Bruce Springsteen fans such as myself were isolated, with little means of making contact, sharing news and communicating our shared interest. Springsteen had made two appearances in the UK previously in 1975, and since then had only performed in the US, with rave reviews of his 1978 tour to tantalise the European fan. In a time of no internet, email or mobile phones, I found that distributing a home-made fanzine by mail order (and in person at the European concerts I later attended) I was able to build up a network of fellow enthusiasts, many of whom became firm long-time friends. As I was out of work in 1980-81, the fanzine also enabled me to make just enough money to follow the concert tour, by hitch-hiking and staying on the floors of my new-found contacts. It also led me to meet Bruce Springsteen, Clarence Clemons and others in the band, a totaly unexpected and magical benefit. As such the first issue will always remind me of a unique period in my personal history, and also the history of the Springsteen fan community in Europe. In 2010 I am celebrating the 30th anniversary of this experience.
Point Blank - Bruce Springsteen fanzine
Contributed by Dan
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Comments
I first discovered Bruce Springsteen and his music in 1975, when my husband bought the album Born to Run and managed to get us tickets to see Bruce with the E St Band at Hammersmith Odeon. Apart from my husband, I didn't know anyone else who had heard of them!! In 1981 we went to see them again on the River tour. Dan was handing out flyers for Point Blank outside Wembley and I took one. I contacted him, subscribed to Point Blank and I can't describe the excitement I felt and absolute joy it was to find someone else who shared my passion for Bruce, the band and their music. Not only that, someone who shared their knowledge and took the time and trouble to keep everyone informed and as up to date as possible. Dan and I corresponded, finally met up and today I am very proud to call him a real friend. Through him I have made so many more friends and it is a privilege to be part of the 'Bruce community'. Thank goodness for Dan and Point Blank - how would we conceivably have managed without them?
Speaking as one who has been a small part of that journey, I'd like to say it's been a pleasure and a privilege. The fanzine was always pretty great too :-). Congrats on the 30th anniversary.
Awaiting the commemorative issue ;-)