Springsteen launches September 11 CD
Rocker Bruce Springsteen was today launching his new CD written in response to the September 11 terror attacks.
The 52-year-old singer began composing songs about the atrocity days after watching the Twin Towers burn and then collapse from a bridge close to his New Jersey home.
He went on to record them in The Rising, his first album with the E Street band since Born In The USA, in 1984.
The tracks range from tales of suicide bombers to firefighters’s widows, one of whom he spoke to at length after the tragedy.
Springsteen’s home county, Monmouth, lost 158 people in the World Trade Centre, more than any other in New Jersey.
He said he noticed from reading obituaries how many of his songs, including Thunder Road and Born In The USA, were played at memorial services.
‘‘This was one of those moments when the years that I’ve put in and the relationships that I’ve developed and nurtured with my audience - this was one of those times when people want to see you.’’
The singer said he was aware that people might accuse him of exploiting the tragedy.
‘‘When you’re putting yourself into shoes you haven’t worn, you have to be very thoughtful,’’ he told Time magazine.
‘‘You call on your craft, and you go searching for it, and hopefully what makes people listen is that over the years you’ve been serious and honest.’’
The Rising goes on sale today. A 46-city tour of the US with the E Street Band starts on August 7.
