Bruce Springsteen Reflects on Life, Band, and the Unstoppable Power of Live Music
Bruce Springsteen, often referred to as “The Boss” (a nickname he’s actually not too fond of), has become a legend in rock music for both his relentless touring and the authenticity he brings to his music and performances. With decades of hard-hitting rock anthems behind him, Springsteen’s journey has taken him from small-town New Jersey roots to global acclaim, and now, at 75, he’s touring yet again with the E Street Band, showcasing the resilience that’s defined his career. But in a recent documentary, Road Diary , Springsteen reveals that it’s not all rock and roll glamour, as he discusses the toll of aging, the importance of his fans, and the unique connection he shares with his bandmates—even if he rarely sees them offstage.
This new tour marks a return to the stage after the long pause due to the pandemic, and with it, fans get a rare look behind the scenes. Despite a bit of rust from the hiatus, the band is as tight as ever. Springsteen shares candidly that rehearsals for the tour were at times relaxed, with guitarist Steve Van Zandt joking about potential song flubs, and Springsteen humorously noting that some small mistakes are what fans pay to see—it’s a testament to the beauty of live, authentic performance. In his words, these imperfections are “what they’re paying for” and what make each show a unique, unforgettable experience.
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Springsteen’s humility comes through as he discusses the ways he’s felt driven to overcome his own shyness and rise as a frontman. From early performances in pizza parlors and supermarkets to the packed stadiums he now commands, he reflects on the evolution of his craft and his deep connection to his music. He recalls the almost cinematic trajectory of his early struggles to find an audience, eventually exploding into stardom with albums like Born to Run , Darkness on the Edge of Town , and Born in the U.S.A. , which resonated with a generation and cemented his place in American rock.
Throughout the tour, Springsteen connects deeply with his audiences, often playing through challenging conditions, like the pouring rain that led to him temporarily losing his voice in Sunderland, England. To him, the fans are what make it all worthwhile. He emphasizes that he performs for those who have stayed with him over the years, through both personal highs and lows. For Springsteen, the act of performing is more than entertainment—it’s a genuine connection, a mutual exchange of energy that revitalizes him as much as it does his audience.
Surprisingly, one secret to the E Street Band’s longevity may be the time they spend apart. When not on tour, Springsteen admits they “rarely see each other.” Rather than dissolving into the rivalries that broke up other iconic bands, this distance seems to keep the group’s dynamic fresh, free from unnecessary drama that could distract from the music.
Road Diary offers an intimate glimpse into the legend’s life, showing both his light-hearted side and his deeper reflections on mortality and legacy. His wife, Patti Scialfa, a musician in her own right, is also a subject of concern and admiration in Springsteen’s life. Though health issues have limited her participation in this tour, Springsteen beams with pride, knowing that she’s working on a new record of her own.
Despite his age, Springsteen shows no signs of stopping. “The wheels will come off eventually,” he says, but until then, he’s determined to keep bringing the joy and raw power of his music to the world, reminding us all of life’s fleeting vitality.
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