Springsteen gives music history lesson

AUSTIN (AP) — They call him The Boss for a reason.

Bruce Springsteen (photo) took a rapt audience on a personal music history journey last Thursday, giving young rockers pieces of advice in an often hilarious keynote speech at the South By Southwest Music Conference and Festival.

“Good morning, good morning, good morning,” said Springsteen after taking the stage at 12:30 p.m. ”Why are we up so (expletive) early. How important is this speech if we’re giving it at noon? Every musician in town is asleep, or they will be by the time I finish this speech.”

Springsteen also was putting on an exclusive show later in the evening.

His speech got off to a riotous start as he name-checked all the musicians who have inspired him over the years, from Elvis to James Brown and Woody Guthrie to Johnny Rotten.

Springsteen has a new album, Wrecking Ball, that debuted at No. 1 in 14 countries after its release last week. He also has a world tour scheduled. It’s his first tour without the late saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who died last year.