ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the impact of a changed post-9/11 socioeconomic and sociopolitical climate by focusing on the evolution of Bruce Springsteen's most important character: Mary. It illuminates "how the experience of being left to fend for oneself in a competitive free market system can destabilize the psyche" and ultimately leads to the kind of divisive rhetoric seen in US presidential election. The book explores the collaborative artist–fan relationship and argues that "identification and nonidentification, as critical concepts that broach paradoxes, contradictions, and tensions. It discusses how Springsteen builds narratives through his performance "pageantry, spectacle, and audience-induced improvisation". The chapter also argues that Springsteen adopted an ecological style where the music, lyrics, album art, and his political statements combine to create a more robust understanding of his music.
