On May 9, 1974, Bruce Springsteen proclaimed the future of rock and roll

May 9, 1974 marks a significant moment in rock history when Bruce Springsteen, at the age of 24, opened for Bonnie Raitt at the Harvard Square Theater in Boston. The performance caught the attention of rock critic Jon Landau, who was so impressed that he famously declared in a review for Boston’s The Real Paper, “I saw rock and roll future and its name is Bruce Springsteen.”

This praise from Landau led to a lasting friendship between him and Springsteen, with Landau eventually becoming Springsteen’s record producer. Their collaboration started with the iconic 1975 album “Born to Run,” and Landau went on to co-produce all of Springsteen’s albums until 1992’s “Human Touch” and “Lucky Town,” excluding 1982’s “Nebraska.” Landau later transitioned from a producer to Springsteen’s manager, a role he continues to hold to this day.

The bond between Landau and Springsteen will be depicted in the upcoming film “Deliver Me From Nowhere,” featuring Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen and Jeremy Strong as Landau. Despite initial skepticism from critics, Springsteen proved Landau’s bold statement true. Today, at the age of 75, he is still active in the music scene, with his upcoming “The Land of Hope and Dreams” tour alongside the E Street Band set to kick off in Manchester, England on May 15.

Bruce Springsteen’s enduring relevance and impact on the music industry are a testament to the foresight of Jon Landau’s words in 1974. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming tour and film, it’s clear that the legacy of “The Boss” continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.