Arguing with the Boss

October 11, 2002

Minneapolis attorney John Sheehy was too busy with a civil case to attend Bruce Springsteen's concert on Sept. 30. But he got something a whole lot better. Sheehy, who was representing a client who'd been severely injured on the job, brought up the Boss' name several times in his closing arguments, including references to "Into the Fire" and "No Surrender." While awaiting the verdict, he got a call from his sister, Colleen Sheehy, curator at the Weisman Art Museum, which is showing an exhibit of photos featuring the rocker. Springsteen was coming in for a private tour. Would he like to come over? Sheehy rushed over and met Springsteen. While the two of them were in the freight elevator, Sheehy told his hero about how he had used his lyrics. Just then his cell phone rang. The jury was back. Sheehy returned to the courthouse. The jury had awarded his client more than $35 million -- believed to be the largest personal-injury award in Minnesota history (although a confidential settlement was announced Monday and it's unclear how much his client will actually receive). Springsteen did dedicate one song that evening to the Weisman and -- yes -- he played "No Surrender." (N.J.)

Article originally appeared in the Star Tribune.