The emergence of The Beatles wasn’t just a musical revolution; it was a cultural tidal wave that reshaped lives worldwide, including that of Bruce Springsteen. For Springsteen, The Beatles symbolized more than a band—they represented hope, innovation, and a new future, filling a post-war generation with optimism.
Born in 1949, Springsteen was at the perfect age to witness The Beatles’ meteoric rise. Their music didn’t just captivate him; it gave him a purpose. Recalling his first encounter with the Fab Four, Springsteen once shared the life-altering moment when he first heard “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” Driving through South Street in 1964, he demanded his mother stop the car so he could run into a bowling alley and call his girlfriend from a phone booth to gush about this revolutionary band. From that day, his world became a whirlwind of rock ‘n’ roll and guitars.
The Beatles were the spark that lit Springsteen’s lifelong passion for music, and even as he rose to his own legendary status, their influence never waned. However, Springsteen’s admiration leaned specifically toward John Lennon, whom he considered the heart of the group. While Springsteen had the privilege of performing with Paul McCartney on several occasions, including Glastonbury in 2022, Lennon remained his creative beacon.
In a 20-singer ballot for Rolling Stone, Springsteen ranked Lennon as his fourth favorite vocalist of all time, behind icons like Ray Charles. Notably, Paul McCartney didn’t make the list—a testament to Springsteen’s deep connection to Lennon’s artistry.
Lennon’s tragic death in 1980 was a devastating blow for Springsteen. Hours after the news broke, Springsteen took the stage at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, where he paid tribute to the Beatle who had shaped his musical journey.
Reflecting on Lennon’s impact, Springsteen acknowledged, “If it wasn’t for John Lennon, a lot of us wouldn’t be here tonight.”
He closed the night with a heartfelt rendition of “Twist and Shout,” the first song he had ever played on guitar.
Though Springsteen never met Lennon, he knew the admiration was mutual. In one of his final interviews, Lennon spoke highly of Springsteen, calling him a powerful voice for his generation. Yet, Lennon warned of the challenges Springsteen might face. “God help Bruce Springsteen when they decide he’s no longer God,” Lennon remarked, referencing the media’s tendency to elevate artists only to tear them down.
Lennon’s words captured the vulnerability of fame, but they also underscored his commitment to protecting younger artists. This unwavering honesty and dedication to using his platform for good cemented Lennon as a favorite not just for Springsteen, but for millions around the world.
Even as Springsteen became an icon in his own right, he carried Lennon’s lessons with him. Whether championing authenticity in his music or navigating the pressures of success, Springsteen has always honored the legacy of the man who showed him what rock ‘n’ roll could achieve.
