In 1972, Art Reilly, a combat photographer who had served 19 months in Vietnam, “didn’t know Bruce Springsteen from a hole in the wall“.

But for two-and-a-half years, Bruce was his life, as Reilly handled equipment and lighting for more than 75 of his concerts during Springsteen’s early years in Philadelphia, writes Bedatri D. Choudhury for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

One of those was in April 1974 at Widener College (now University) in Chester.

“I went into the student hall, and there were a couple of folding chairs. I said, ‘There’s going to be a concert here tonight.’” Reilly said.

The student union had sold about 150 to 200 tickets.

“I ended up helping set up chairs after our equipment was in and up, then waiting for the band to show up for a soundcheck. And that band: It’s Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band”.

The concert was a hit, with more than 400 spectators turning out.

“This was before anybody really knew him, before the 1975 Main Point show. He was just another local band that had a good sound, and they paid on time. One hundred bucks a night for a roadie like me. That was great,” Reilly said.

Read more about Art Reilly working with Bruce Springsteen in The Philadelphia Inquirer.