Rock 'n' roll, in its first half-century, has produced any number of middle-aged superstars--even a smattering of grandfathers--but precious few genuine adults. Mick Jagger still can't get no satisfaction, even when charging over $300 a ticket. Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Robert Plant are still endlessly riding their stairway to heaven. And while Pete Townshend may no longer hope to die before he gets old, no Who reunion feels complete without a rendition of My Generation.
Almost uniquely among genuine rockers, Bruce Springsteen has created a body of work that has matured with its audience. Characters once "born to run" now...