Bruce Springsteen Opens Up About Life, Tours, and the E Street Band

In the midst of Bruce Springsteen's triumphant return to the stage, he reflects on his evolving relationship with music, aging, and the spirit of live performance alongside the E Street Band.

 

Bruce Springsteen has stepped into the spotlight once again, this time sharing his thoughts on aging, the camaraderie within the E Street Band, and the essence of live performances in a new documentary premiering on Disney+. Yet, despite his appreciation for his bandmates, he confesses that they rarely see each other outside of tours. “We've seen each other enough,” he acknowledges, hinting at the importance of maintaining personal space to preserve the group's chemistry.

Springsteen's recent endeavor, "Road Diary," chronicles the process of reuniting his band for their first tour since the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst moments of relaxation, guitarist Steve Van Zandt expressed concerns about the casualness of the preparations, to which Springsteen responded with his signature nonchalance. “There’s a certain percentage [of songs] that we’re gonna [screw] up anyway. That’s what they’re paying for. They want to see it live,” he stated, reinforcing his belief in the unpredictability that makes live music special.

At 75 years old, Springsteen reflects on the fragility of life and the impending limits of his career. “We're closer to the end than we are to the beginning,” he admitted, but emphasized that this tour aims to celebrate life’s vitality. A notable highlight was his performance at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, where he delivered a three-hour set in torrential rain, demonstrating his devotion to his fans.

Born in New Jersey, Springsteen’s love for music ignited when he watched Elvis Presley perform on television. His formative years were spent playing in various venues, and he acknowledges his initial shyness onstage. However, he eventually transformed this nervousness into captivating performances that resonate with concert-goers to this day.

His rise to fame was met with challenges, facing the possibility of being dropped by record labels. Yet, shows at the Bottom Line Club on the cusp of releasing "Born To Run" marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his newfound confidence and ability to connect with audiences. “On my own, I can be very internal,” Springsteen remarked, articulating his dual nature as both reflective and joyful.

Despite the challenges of the past few years, including his wife Patti Scialfa's health issues, Springsteen remains active and ambitious. He will be returning to Europe for additional tour dates, embracing the connection he shares with his audience. In illuminating his life alongside the E Street Band, he highlights the absence of drama within their journey, a conscious choice to maintain harmony among band members.

Using humor and candor, Springsteen examines the importance of live music to his mental health, hinting that performing acts as a form of therapy. “You have to surrender to the moment and see what comes up,” he mused, ultimately revealing that, at this stage of his life, his back may be his greatest lesson learned.

The documentary "Road Diary" debuts on October 25 on Disney+, serving as both a tribute to Springsteen's enduring career and as a reflection on the impermanence of life. Fans eagerly await the chance to witness these insights unfold on screen, knowing that Springsteen's legacy continues to resonate worldwide.