Bruce Springsteen’s Early Manager Carl Virgil West Dies at 89

Carl “Tinker” West, a physicist, electrical engineer, surfboard pioneer, and early manager of Bruce Springsteen's pre-E Street Band Steel Mill, passed away at 89. Originally from California, West moved to New Jersey to expand his successful Challenger Surfboards business, which became a cornerstone of East Coast surfing. West played a critical role in Springsteen's early career, offering him shelter and support when he was broke and homeless, and managing the band during their formative years. The two shared memorable experiences, including a cross-country trip where West insisted Springsteen drive a manual transmission truck without prior experience. Springsteen has paid heartfelt tribute to West, calling him “one of the most important people of my young life,” highlighting West's tough but caring nature and their lifelong bond. West’s legacy endures both in the surfing community and rock history as a decisive influence on Springsteen's rise to fame.