He was born in the USA, but Bruce Springsteen spent his most formative years in one very specific house in New Jersey – and now it can be yours for just $269,900.
The 736-square-foot multi-family home, which is located at 39 Institute St in Freehold, New Jersey and visible on Zillow, housed the Springsteens from 1955-1962 as Bruce grew from a six-year-old kid into a 19-year-old wannabe rockstar.
It was also the house in which – aged seven – he saw Elvis Presley’s 1956 appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, a formative experience that gave him the dream to be a rock star.
Springsteen, 68, has gone to bigger places since, of course, but remains famously proud of his working-class past, and posed at the house for a photo shoot that was used on the Born in the USA tourbook and album inlay in 1984.
He later used photos of himself at the humble home on the cover of the 1985 single My Hometown, and on his autobiography, Born to Run.
House of rock: The former home Bruce Springsteen is up for sale in Freehold, New Jersey, for $269,900. Springsteen grew up in 39 Institute St (the right-hand side of the multi-family home) from 1955-62, when he was aged 6-19
Humble beginnings: It was in this home in 1956 that Springsteen watched Elvis Presley’s appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show – something that inspired him to become a rock musician
The door to success: Springsteen walked through this doorway countless times before he made it big. The 102-year-old home occupies 736sqft and has a kitchen, living room and two bedrooms
Running man: Springsteen is seen left in front of the house on the cover of his autobiography, Born to Run. He’s seen on the right in October during a performance of Springsteen On Broadway at Walter Kerr Theatre
What’s cooking? ‘The Boss’ once ate meals made in this very kitchen. The property is now described as ‘income producing’ with a recommended $1,200 ‘per unit’. How Springsteen would feel about his old home being used in such a way is unknown
Cool stuff: This refrigerator is included with the house. In March Springsteen himself sold a rather larger home – his mansion in Rumson, New Jersey – for $3.2 million
Stepping up: The carpets seen in this top-floor hall view are included in the price of the home. It has baseboard heating and four parking spaces
Home again: Springsteen is photographed outside his home on the cover of this 1985 single – a double-A side of My Hometown and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
Stories and storage: Springsteen spent his formative years in the home, which has ample storage space such as this closet. However, he didn’t actually pick up a guitar until 1964, two years after he left
Hallowed hall: This is another view of the upstairs hall. Springsteen also saw The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, something he said ‘shifted the lay of the land’ as it was ‘four guys… writing their own material’
Got your number: This quirky sign identifies which side of the house is number 39 rather than the adjoining 39½. Springsteen said of the Beatles that ‘Rock ‘n’ roll came to my house where there seemed to be no way out’
Rear windows: This is the back yard of the home – no doubt it would look more cheerful in the summertime, rather than under these fall leaves
Home sweet home: Springsteen has always retained his strong ties to New Jersey, owning homes there and continuing to reference it in songs