CHICAGO (CBS) — Cold, wind and rain didn’t stop some 1,200 fans from lining up to meet their rock idol outside Books-A-Million bookstore in Chicago’s Loop.
Fans line up outside, streching three blocks, for Bruce Springsteen’s book signing (Credit: WBBM/Lisa Fielding)
“I’m feeling apprehensive, excited, everything, cold, wet,” laughed John Nolan who probably traveled the longest to see The Boss.
“I came all the way from Ireland,” Nolan said. “I just came in just for this. I came in last night. I’ll be going home tomorrow.”
Nolan estimates he has seen Springsteen in concert more than 50 times. WBBM’s Lisa Fielding reports.
“I’ve been a fan since I was 13,” Nolan said. “The River, the album, in particular Independence Day that song. I felt a deep connection with him. Similar situations with my own dad, we had similar struggles so that was the bond.”
The meet and greet sold out in less than 20 minutes last week.
(Credit: WBBM/Lisa Fielding)
“It was the fastest sell out next to Stephen King,” said Melanie Smith, Books-A-Million spokesperson. “People lined up around 7 a.m., but check-in wasn’t until 9 a.m. There are some die hard fans here in Chicago.”
Fans waited in line for a handshake and a picture and received a pre-signed copy of Springsteen’s new autobiography, “Born To Run”.
Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born To Run’ book (Credit: WBBM/Lisa Fielding)
“This was a bucket list, baby, bucket list. This is awesome. Huge fan since the mid to late 70’s so this is literally an awesome experience,” said Karen Ferrantella, Chicago.
“It was fast but great,” said Paul Dantico, Chicago, who arrived about 9 a.m. to meet the singer, songwriter. “I grew up in Jersey so I’ve been a fan for a long time. His music speaks me. I hear his music, I hear the places I grew up, the people I knew. For me, his music is very personal.”
(Credit: WBBM/Lisa Fielding)
“I wouldn’t be in America if it weren’t for Bruce Springsteen,” said Adam Gates, originally from England but lives in Chicago now. “I used to see him around the world and I ended up seeing him in New Jersey. I met a family while I was there and they invited me to South Carolina and that’s where I ended up meeting my wife and now I live in the states.”
“I’ve been a fan since The Rising,” said Justin Timmerman, Park Ridge. “All the classics before that, but that was the coming out for me. I never thought I’d meet him. I can’t wait. I’m very excited.”
Chicago is his first stop on a five city book tour this week.
Springsteen played the United Center in August.
(Credit: WBBM/Lisa Fielding)