Bruce Springsteen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Phil Petillo Shout Out)

Stephen Colbert’s interview with Bruce Springsteen begins with a round of show-and-tell. The Boss goes first, and he shares the story behind the legendary “Born to Run” guitar. As Bruce shares its history, he gives credit to New Jersey native and master Luthier/Engineer Dr. Phil Petillo. Bruce was 22 at the time and purchased the guitar from Phil for $185. Phil worked with young Springsteen on specific customizations that gave birth to the unique tone/sound Bruce needed to shape his music. Before Phil’s shop was in Ocean Township, New Jersey, his first shop was on highway 34 in Belmar and referred to as the “Cow Barn.” This is the first location where musicians such as Elvis, Jim Croce, Jerry Garcia, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, B.B. King and Bruce & The E Street Band would stop by for custom work and check out the artist’s groundbreaking creations and inventions. The Petillo Shop and family would like to extend their continued love to the Springsteens for their support and friendship throughout the years!