'Bruce Springsteen Retrospective, Part 1: The First Three Albums' Webinar

Before the sold-out world tours, presidential accolades, and half-century legacy, Bruce Springsteen was just a scrappy New Jersey storyteller chasing the American dream through song. How did a hungry young artist with a guitar and a notebook evolve into one of the most celebrated voices in rock & roll history — and stay there for over five decades? From his earliest studio recordings to his most electrifying live performances, it's time to peel back the curtain on Springsteen’s music, myth, and mastery like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club for a four-part series that traces the 50-year evolution of Bruce Springsteen — from his storied album catalog to his legendary live performances — through an interpretive lens that examines rare footage, photographs, and recordings. In Part One: The First Three Albums, we'll examine the creative and cultural forces behind Springsteen's formative years, from his 1973 debut through the breakthrough success of Born to Run in 1975.

Led by pop culture historian Arlen Schumer — who was also the former art director of Thunder Road, the very first Springsteen magazine — this multimedia showcase and celebration will include:

• An examination of Columbia Records president Clive Davis’ early influence — including how his involvement helped shape Springsteen’s first album and singles like “Blinded by the Light” and “Spirit in the Night”
• A discussion around the transformation of the early E Street Band lineup — why key members Vini Lopez and David Sancious were replaced by Max Weinberg and Roy Bittan, and how that shift impacted the sound
• A deep dive into the making of Born to Run — analyzing why Springsteen initially rejected the final version, famously tossing it into a hotel pool
• Curated clips and imagery presented for educational commentary — featuring concert footage, archival interviews, and promo materials for interpretive analysis

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Arlen — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay through one week after the entire series concludes.

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale

****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Arlen

Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as "one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America." His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.

Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.

“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News 20/20

“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics

Bruce Springsteen Retrospective Series

Part 1: The First Three Albums (Tuesday, October 14 @ 8:00pm ET)

Part 2: Darkness/The River (Tuesday, October 21 @ 8:00pm ET)

Part 3: Nebraska/Born in the USA (Tuesday, October 28 @ 8:00pm ET)

Part 4: Into the 21st Century (Tuesday, November 4 @ 8:00pm ET)

Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

This event is an educational presentation organized by New York Adventure Club and is not affiliated with Bruce Springsteen, his estate, management, record label, or any other associated entities, institutions, or rights holders. Our event is a fan-inspired experience that celebrates the life, work, and cultural contributions of Bruce Springsteen. Any references to Springsteen, his music, performances, or related materials are made solely for educational and commentary purposes, and no official endorsement or sponsorship is implied. Bruce Springsteen and related trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Photo Credit: Main – Eric Meola / Columbia Records, Top Right – David Gahr, Middle Right – Barry Schneier, Bottom Right – Bernard Gotfryd / Getty Images

Categories: Virtual, Moments in History