In June 1998, the earliest version of Bruuuce.com was released, or as it was catchily titled at the time, http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~sitwi.
Fifteen years on, we can say that we’ve published chats with Bruce and the band, held Daily Dose Days which raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity, and released four cover song projects. None of that could have been done without your good selves, and the input, contributions, photos, setlists and conversation is always really appreciated. Close to two million visits to the site says something for you all!
So what else was happening in the world during the birth of Bruuuce.com?
Well, in the same week, in 1998 World Cup was kicking off in France. Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Michael Jordan were leading the Chicago Bulls to a third consecutive NBA title win, this time over the Utah Jazz. Microsoft released Windows ’98 in the same month, and Sex and the City debuted on HBO.
And how about this for a jaw-dropping reference to American culture – on the very day that Bruuuce.com started, the TV show Geraldo ended. Planet Earth continued, undeterred.
Top of the Billboard charts on June 12 1998 was “The Boy is Mine”, by Brandy and Monica. I defy anyone to listen to that and remember it fondly. Or even remember it.
Movie releases in June ’98 included A Perfect Murder, The Truman Show, The X-Files, Dr Dolittle, and on the release date of Bruuuce.com, Harrison Ford’s Six Days Seven Nights.
There was much discussion around Bruce Hornsby’s music on the old “discussion group”. Rumours were rampant of a new title later in the year, tentatively entitled “Spirit Trail”. The one-letter-from-hotel-greatness Howard Johnston wrote:
I have seen and heard from my local retailer in Los Angeles, that “Spirt
Trails” is due out July 14th. Can anyone confirm, because I also read
posted here that bruce has been quoted that it’s 2-3 months away…
ANYONE? I CAN’T WAIT!!
Howard
Mats Eriksson responded:
According to Bruce’s official website the new album “Spirit Trail” will
be out this summer. As I am living in Sweden I have not attended any of
the recent shows, but I have read some reviews and setlists on this
newsgroup. Thanks for spreading the information.
I have picked up the names of a few new songs, maybe some of you
frequent concertgoers could help fill out the list?
New Bruce Hornsby songs:
- King Of The Hill
- Preacher In The Ring
- Sneaking Up on Boo Radley
Mats Eriksson
(Waiting eagerly for the new album and hoping Bruce and the band will
tour Europe in 1999).
And then http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~sitwi stuck its nose in on June 8th.
As promised, I’ve made a start on a site to find the all-time favourite
Bruce songs.
Please visit http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~sitwi and place your votes!
It needs decorating, but it’s fully functional. I’m hoping to set up some
trading deals through the page as well.
Thanks for your time… Si Twining, Plymouth, UK
Followed by:
I’ve now fitted a guestbook, and a regularly updated poll (this time asking
the obvious question, “Name your favourite Hornsby record”).
Thanks to all those who have contributed so far – and again, I’m open to any
suggestions/topics for discussion.
And then fifteen years went by really quickly. Once again, I really appreciate the time that you’ve all spent contributing to the content, and long may that continue. Thank you very much!
– Si Twining, now in Newcastle, UK.
2 comments
I was 6 days married on June 12 1998 and living in Athens,GA at the time.
Bruce toured with the other ones starting in June of 1998 in probably what was one of the best reincarnations of the GD.
This was also first bruce album without john molo
Dear Si,
Thank you so much for all the work you’ve put into this site! It has been an amazing service. I think I discovered your site in 1999 — I was a junior in college. I feel I can say this with certainty since I remember the desk in the dorm room in which I downloaded my first bootleg live concert — It was the 1996.04.23, New Port Music Hall, Columbus OH concert, and those versions of “Wharf Rat” and “Sugaree” still tug at my heartstrings in an unparalleled way. My adoration for B.H. had steadily been growing for years, but that live bootleg took it to another level. At the time, I’m sure, it was hard to imagine becoming any bigger a fan than I already was. But, oh, little did I know what the internet would ultimately have in store for me! Thank you and happy 15th anniversary!