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An enjoyable challenge from Brockwell, one which I found forbidding at first but which soon fell into place, despite at least one unknown word and one or two that I had to dredge up. All fairly clued though.
FOI 4, LOI 22 (which also vies for my COD with 23, 3 and others.
Not entirely sure about the Springsteen reference, but am hoping that geeker might enlighten me.

Is there a theme? It’s Brockwell so surely there will be one…

"For Springsteen" means "in American usage"

I see a possible theme embodied by 13d.
But it's not as...pervasive...as most Brockwell themes, so I may be wrong.

Thanks geeker. That was what I thought it must be, but wondered if I was missing something. Not my favourite device, I have to say.

Thanks to Brockwell.
Fun as always, perhaps a touch less difficult than his Prize norm.
FOI 10, LOI 23.

Some unusual usages I had to ponder / research.

COD first tier 12, 17 and 28.
Also liked 13, 18, 22d and 17.

I’m hopeless at themes at the best of times, but I think you might be right, geeker. The more I look, the more connections I see.

I meant 7 rather than 17 among the "likes".

Rog, at least Springsteen was used for "American", rather than the recently oft-used politician who shan't be named. But I agree the device can be stale.

Good one from Brockwell. Thanks.

Tricky in places.
COD 12a.
Liked several others.
Yes theme - see a dozen or so. Was helpful.

Thanks to the ever reliable Brockwell for another challenging but amusing Prize.

I seen to have found it much more difficult than you guys, but I think that's probably more down to me being out of sorts. For example, when I tell you that it took me 10 minutes to get 19a, you'll see what I mean!

COD; The outstanding 28a with 20a as runner-up.

The mini theme did make me wonder if Brockwell maybe had a case of the munchies when he composed this - I jest, of course;-)