This is the first I've heard of this. I consider myself a big Springsteen fan, but reading this blog I know I'm but a minor leaguer. Still, this is like a body blow. Wow.

Don't have time for links right now, but this is a familiar post-9/11 story. Many firefighters and cops have left their families for widows of fallen comrades. On the one hand, I find it terrible. On the other...who am I to judge. I wish everyone, Bruce, Patti, the kids, the other woman, all the best.

Posted by: Chris Snethen at August 28, 2006 04:11 PM

But then again...

Posted by: Chris Snethen at August 28, 2006 04:35 PM

I don't really understand why this almost ruined my day, I'm just glad it didn't.

Posted by: skyview satellite at August 28, 2006 04:44 PM

Is that you, Bruce, or just a brilliant disguise?

Posted by: Bill McDonald at August 28, 2006 07:15 PM

More refutation here.

Posted by: Jack Bog at August 28, 2006 08:58 PM

Omigawd Jack....first John Mark Karr....then Sumner and TomBoy....today Walter and Katie, and now THIS. As they say, OXYGEN!!! for the 24 hour cable news folks. Hope we can all handle this. Heavy news, to be sure.

Posted by: veiledorchid at August 28, 2006 10:44 PM

If you're from New Jersey, this is bigger than the Pope.

Posted by: Jack Bog at August 28, 2006 10:57 PM

I hope all is well in Bruce-ville. Of course, as long as everyone's healthy and stays alive, the news can't be too bad. I remember feeling weird when he was with someone from Lake Oswego. No offence but that seemed like a troubled scenario. I have had a song of his going though my head today. I don't mean anything by it one way or the other. Who knows? It's between them.

Now you play the loving woman
I play the faithful man

But just don't look too close into the palm of my hand.
We stood at the altar
the gypsy swore our future was right

But come the wee wee hours maybe baby the gypsy lied.

Posted by: Bill McDonald at August 28, 2006 11:22 PM

That song -- indeed, the whole album -- seems to have been about the unwinding of the Lake O matchup. "Another battle in our dirty little war."

Posted by: Jack Bog at August 28, 2006 11:51 PM

Yes, it was, and rumors started flying that he was seeing someone else. There were even tour pictures with him on a balcony in Europe with one of his back-up singers. Guess who? These things are always complicated, but I'm just grateful he's still in the game.

Posted by: Bill McDonald at August 29, 2006 12:23 AM

When the record first came out, the public didn't know what was happening. After a few plays of the album, more discerning listeners figured it out. The headlines followed shortly thereafter.

Posted by: Jack Bog at August 29, 2006 12:41 AM

That album (probably his most underrated) was all about leaving his youthful street-racing ways behind, and, while perhaps not settling down for good, being a bit more sure of who he is, and what he's all about.

A friend of mine became a father last night
When we spoke in his voice I could hear the light
Of the skies and the rivers the timberwolf in the pines
And that great jukebox out on route 39
They say he travels fastest who travels alone
But tonight I miss my girl mister tonight I miss my home

Posted by: Dave J. at August 29, 2006 08:48 AM

In my opinion, his relationships post-911 could not get worse than his music did under the influence. Let that story be writ.

Posted by: Sally at August 29, 2006 10:08 AM

But tonight I miss my girl mister tonight I miss my home

At first, we thought that was his then-wife. But as it turned out, it was probably his then-girlfriend.

Posted by: Jack Bog at August 29, 2006 12:45 PM

[Posted as indicated; restored later.]