The Boss of What?

Pollstar magazine reports that $55 to $95 Bruce Springsteen tickets are selling for $1200 on StubHub. Don't look to buy one of those for a local show, because Springsteen and the E Street won't be performing in San Diego. Though he's played here solo, Springsteen and the E Street Band have not done a concert in San Diego since 1981.

Springsteen appeared on the cover of Time and Newsweek during the same week in 1975; his music was considered the future of rock. "The Boss" may not be the hippest modern rock artist 32 years later, but FM-94/9 is backing him: the alternative rock station is the only one in the country playing Springsteen's "Radio Nowhere" single.

"It's our number-one most-played song," says 94/9 programming boss Garret Michaels. He is asking his listeners to sign a petition for Springsteen's management to consider adding a San Diego show.

"They have five days off where they can add a San Diego date," says Michaels. Springsteen and the E Street Band play L.A. October 28, but there isn't another date on their itinerary until November 2.

"Who under 40 cares about Springsteen?" asks a local radio professional. "He represents old establishment classic rock. There is nothing cutting edge or cool about Bruce Springsteen."

Michaels defends his decision to play Springsteen.

"You can't tell me that Arcade Fire and other alternative artists like Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam and even U2 aren't heavily influenced by Springsteen. Yes, he has made mediocre records in recent years, but to me he is an icon like Bob Dylan who retains the ability to still do a great rock record. Springsteen is a great writer; great writing never goes out of style. Saying Bruce Springsteen isn't hip enough for alternative radio is the problem with corporate radio, where a few taste-makers decide what's not hip."

Attempts to get a response from Bruce Springsteen's manager about the potential for a San Diego show were unsuccessful.