“I can’t promise you life everlasting…but I can promise you life…right now!”
Bruce Springsteen on stage in Dublin, 1999
Described by one journalist as “the best fanzine ever”, Land of Hope and Dreams creates a unique portrait of Bruce Springsteen, his shows and his fans.
Springsteen shows are unlike any other – combining high energy performances and great song-writing with a charismatic stage presence.
And his gigs in Ireland have been highlights of world tours for 30 years.
Since his first show at Slane Castle in 1985 he has thrilled hundreds of thousands of fans in Dublin and Belfast – and most recently in Limerick, Cork and Kilkenny.
Land of Hope and Dreams takes a completely fresh perspective on Springsteen, chronicling his life and career through those Irish shows.
REVIEWS FOR THE ORIGINAL PAPERBACK:
“Humorous, moving and informative, the authors have created something which is both a tribute to their musical hero and a love-song to Ireland… This is a fantastic souvenir of a quarter of a century of incredible concerts and some of the best live performances in rock and roll.
Books on Springsteen are ten a penny, but this one’s got soul – it’s much more personal than anything I’ve read about him. It’s truly from the fans’ perspective, which makes it fresh and new. It’s about the fans connecting with their idol; and how one man’s music can change lives.
This is much more than a 208-page nostalgia trip for Irish music lovers…this is a story that will touch anyone who’s ever admired the E-Street kid.”
Shelley Marsden, Irish World
“This is a sumptuous, beautifully designed and lavishly illustrated production, summoning up vivid memories of gigs which have lighted the way through our imaginative lives for a quarter of a century and more, offering a distinctively Irish perspective on Springsteen and on Ireland as seen through the prism of his music. It's the best fanzine ever.”
Eamonn McCann, Derry Journal
“It looks fabulous. Great, great photos and a glorious look and feel to the whole thing.
There are a lot of quality Springsteen books to choose from, but this is different, and possibly unique in its approach. The pictures of Bruce and the band with fans really reinforce and complement the personal stories, a constant reminder that this is a fans' book, truly a fresh perspective as it claims.
While ostensibly the title might make some think 'this is for his Irish fans', it's actually a global story to which any member of the worldwide E Street nation can relate. If you're a fan - anywhere - this is for you.
I can't recommend it highly enough.”
Dan French, founder/editor of 1980s fanzine Point Blank
“A labour of love.”
Hot Press
“A brilliantly researched epic.”
Ivan Little, Sunday Life
“A treat… the photos the pair have accumulated will have you pouring over the book.”
John Meagher, Irish Independent
“Hugely enjoyable and lavishly illustrated.”
David Burke, R2 Magazine
