Navigating New York: Springsteen Mission

This mom was on a mission to make her son happy. And this mom was determined to get that Springsteen autograph.

When we arrived at the Walter Kerr Theater, I didn’t see the bodyguard from the previous day, but there was definitely some prime space left inside the cordoned area. I prodded my boys to take their positions right away. My husband started chatting with this lady who is an avid fan of Springsteen.  And since he often gets lost in the intensity of a conversation he is enjoying, he did not notice that other people had already squeezed in the line and had moved ahead of him.

In the meantime, I became friendly with two young guys who were at the very front. I learned that they were even more avid fans, following Springsteen everywhere and even calling him “uncle.” They let me squeeze in-between them in the front row and when I asked if it would be okay if my little boy could stand in front of me, they said, it shouldn’t be a problem.

I called our son who was clutching on to my husband, but he said he wanted to stay with his Dad (because he can lift him). I explained that if he would stay with me, there would be no need for lifting because he’d be in front. Springsteen could see him right away and he would most likely get an autograph, or even a handshake and a picture. But he kept walking back and forth between us and eventually, as the cordoned area got so packed, he couldn't leave his Dad anymore who by this time, was already on the third row.

I yelled at my husband and asked him to give me the Springsteen book that he had on hand for signing. He refused and said he wanted to hold it. He wanted to give me a CD instead. I asked him to identify the first-choice item that he wanted autographed and firmly suggested he give it to me because I was pretty confident that I could get it signed, based on my position in the front row, right beside Springsteen’s “nephews.”  

He reluctantly gave the book to me and asked if I could take photos or videos as well. I, again, firmly told him that I only have two hands and that if he wanted an autograph, I should be focusing on that. I already took good photos and video clips from the previous night. Tonight, the task at hand was to get an autograph.  I reminded him that things on this side happen so fast and one must be constantly alert and identify priorities.

When the theatre doors started opening and closing, and production staff and crew milling about doubled, the fans got excited. It meant, Springsteen was about to come out. I positioned my arms and the book so Springsteen could have easy access for signing.

I looked back and saw my husband hoist our son over his shoulders. Even then, I doubted if they could have the CD signed. Springsteen would have to lean over to reach them and it’s highly unlikely he’d have the time to do that. How did they get pushed back to the middle row when we arrived there early and had access to the front row? I made a mental note to educate my husband about rules of engagement in these kinds of circumstances. And since I wasn’t too confident that they’d get the CD signed, I became more determined to ensure that I get the book signed. I didn’t want to see our son in tears again.

Finally, Springsteen came out. Patti wasn’t with him this time, so we had to wait while he signed autographs at the side of the ticket holders. He almost decided not to go to our side but my two companions kept yelling, “Uncle, c’mon, uncle…you have to come sign these!” Springsteen heard them, recognized them, came to our side, shook their hands, and signed their posters and CDs. And because I was standing between the two “nephews,” I got my book signed as well.  He didn’t linger on our side, thus, didn’t even get to the section where my boys ended up standing.

When he left and the crowd once again dispersed, I caught a glimpse of our son on the verge of tears. After thanking the “nephews” for accommodating me, I quickly walked over to my husband and son and waved the book at them. I told him that Mom got an autograph. He brightened up a little bit, but I think he was still disappointed that he was not able to shake his hand or get something signed himself.

I restrained myself from saying, “I told you so” to my boys for not listening to my recommendation that our son should stay with me. Instead, I raved about how big Springsteen signed his name on the book’s cover and that I was going to take a picture of him with the book when we get back to our hotel.

But I think my boys learned their lesson and they know now that for next time, they should listen to Mom. When it comes to showbiz affairs, Mom knows best in this family.

We turned in earlier that night. The next day was going to be another full day, and we were hoping to leave for New Jersey by early evening.