This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/4/2026
The offered Columbia Records counter card display piece was sent to record stores in 1978 to promote Bruce Springsteen's fourth album Darkness on the Edge of Town. Following the triumph of Born to Run in 1975, the release of Darkness was certainly a success, but not on the same scale. The singles charted, "Prove it All Night" at 33 and "Badlands" at 42, and the album sold three million copies, but it didn't shake the earth like Born to Run had. It was perhaps an unfair expectation, but what the album did do, more importantly, was remind the rock and roll press of his strong songwriting abilities, reaffirm what a great band he had behind him, and cement Springsteen back in the minds of American fans after a three year break dealing with legal troubles. The album was critically hailed and is still considered one of his best by his legion of fans.
The offered record store display piece captures him in the cover photo from Darkness, his glare and posture embodying the tone and depth of the songs on the record. It's an amazing rock and roll artifact. The counter card measures 17 1/4 x 24 inches and presents with one small area of paper loss at the bottom and moderate edge wear and minor scuffing. The counter card back has not been opened, never been used. Excellent to Mint condition.