Bruce Springsteen Archives Announce Wild and Innocent Symposium on Oct. 28

The Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music at Monmouth University will present a symposium celebrating the release of Springsteen’s second album with an event titled The 50^th Anniversary: The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle on Oct. 28.

The day-long event will include panel discussions, interviews, a pop up exhibit, and musical performances of the songs on the album performed by regional musicians.

Among the guests participating in the symposium will be original E Street Band members, music industry legends, and special guests, according to a release.

“This conference marks the second held in a series of 50^th anniversary events that explore and celebrate Springsteen’s early albums and landmark events,” said Bob Santelli, Executive Director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music.“Public programs such as this one and the symposium held earlier this year on Bruce’s debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. are part of our core mission.”

“The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle was undeniably a pivotal album in Springsteen’s career. Coming off  lackluster sales of his debut album and with no hit single on the horizon, Bruce’s record company was no longer convinced that they still had a future together. The Wild and Innocent would draw on what Bruce did best; he assembled the first version of what would become the legendary E Street Band, penned some of his most lively spirited songs, and created an upbeat, jazzy, soulfully rocking album.”  said Eileen Chapman, Director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music. “Not only did this album give us concert favorites such as “Rosalita” and “Kitty’s Back”, its importance and connection to the rest of Bruce’s career cannot be disputed.”

A previous event on January 7 celebrate the release of Springsteen’s debut album with the event,  The 50^th Anniversary: Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J, a day-long symposium will include panel discussions, interviews, a book signing, and a special performance of the songs on the album by Jersey Shore musicians.

Among the guests participating at the January symposium was original E Street Band members Garry Tallent, David Sancious, and Vini Lopez, along with former Springsteen manager Mike Appel.

The symposium, which is open to the public, will be held in Monmouth University’s Pollak Theatre. Registration is required.  The cost for attending the symposium is $100 (4 ticket limit)  and includes a limited, special-edition The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle t-shirt.

For further information, please visit: https://springsteenarchives.org/   

Tickets for the WIESS Symposium go on sale Friday, September 8, at 10am at the Monmouth University Box Office located in the Ocean First Bank Center or online: https://mpv.tickets.com/?orgId=44869&agency=MNMV_PLAGENCY_MPV&eventID=100592#/event/E100592