The Boss Laid Bare

Springsteen photographer Lynn Goldsmith talks ShortList through her rare and unseen shots:

1. “This will surprise people, but Bruce used to practise his dance moves in front of his dressing room mirror. He was very aware of the power of the image, as well as the power of the music.”

2. “Taken in Texas. I saw this fountain and had the idea that Bruce and Clarence [Clemons] were like a symbol of the USA – the black and white man united. I thought it’d make a great shot if they got into the fountain together.”

3. “I spotted this burned-out house. Bruce was worried he’d fall through the floorboards, but we climbed to the top. I like to think I’m not the only one crazy enough to risk death or maiming for a shot…”‘

4. (below) “These were all taken in 1978, on the ‘Darkness On The Edge Of Town’ US tour. He didn’t have an opening act, so his shows were at least three, sometimes four, hours long. By the end of the gig, he was always sopping wet with sweat. Even his jacket is soaked through here.”

Springsteen: The Turning Point 1977-1979 By Lynn Goldsmith’ is at Proud Chelsea, London from 12–29 July; proud.co.uk