Collaring Springsteen

John Zavesky is way off-base with his criticism of Bruce Springsteen (“The Boss Prefers Green to Blue Collar,” Sept. 2). From his perspective, Springsteen’s $75 ticket prices and expensive home disqualify him from being considered “one of us.” If Zavesky had grown up with me on the Jersey shore in the ‘60s and ‘70s, I’m sure he’d feel differently.

Does Zavesky think Springsteen was born into the wealth he has earned? Please. Bruce went to high school with my sister-in-law and competed with my brother in local teen band contests.

Zavesky contends that Bruce is just another artist who has “taken the money and run.” I beg to differ. He has chosen to make the Jersey shore his home and supports the local communities in many, many ways. His recent “Today” show concert was performed not in Rockefeller Plaza but on the boardwalk in Asbury Park.

Along with considerable financial donations, his love of New Jersey is expressed with his daily patronage of local shops and restaurants. He and his wife are frequent browsers in the antique store my brother used to own, and he often pops into the record shop where my nephew works to sign autographs.

He was, is, and always will be “one of us.”

GINGER POLLACK

Oak Park

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John Zavesky’s Counterpunch was the most accurate critique I have read in a long time. I used to be a huge fan of Springsteen but now can only nod my head in agreement with Zavesky’s assessments.

It is hard to continue rooting for someone who rehashes “Nebraska” into that “Tom Joad” album or his other work into mega-double albums.

SCOTT EGAN

Newport Beach

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There were and are many “blue-collar folk” who were able to see Springsteen’s show at the Forum and all the others he is performing. Just as the price of books, movies, etc., has escalated, so have concerts. I doubt that these “blue-collar folk” could attend Paul McCartney for $250 or the Rolling Stones for more.

In these hard times, $75 is a bargain and Springsteen’s shows are more welcomed and appreciated than ever.

TIM SARKES

Pacific Palisades