“Bruce and Michael” – Summer of 1984
The summer of 1984 was an interesting one. I was going into my junior year of college, I got a job delivering Pepsi-Cola in the hot Houston summer (one of the hardest jobs ever) and I was dumped by the same girlfriend, not once, but twice (it’s a long story, so don’t ask). However, I do remember this summer fondly for one reason…the music.
This was the summer I became a Springsteen nut. It all started when I was at Sound Warehouse in Humble, TX, and the Born In The USA album was playing in the store. I had heard “Born To Run” and “Hungry Heart,” but it wasn’t until I heard “Downbound Train” that I was completely sold. Most fans will think I’m crazy, but the lyrics and the way the song was performed made me a fan for life. In fact, in the last 25 years, a not one day has gone by that I haven’t listened to at least one Springsteen tune.
It was also the summer of The Jacksons. Pepsi was sponsoring the Victory Tour and there was 
always talk around the office about who was going to get tickets. Thriller was still a monster hit and “State of Shock” with Michael and Mick Jagger on lead vocals became a catchy staple on radio. The group sold out three dates at The Astrodome, but us peaons never got any tickets. I remember reading an article where Springsteen said he caught the show in Philly and called Michael “unbelievable,” so I had to take his word for it.
Looking back, it’s amazing how different the lives of these two superstars turned out. Last night, Springsteen played to thousands at Glastonbury and Michael, well, it’s just sad.
MP3: “Downbound Train” by Bruce Springsteen
MP3: “State of Shock” by the Jacksons featuring Michael Jackson
