As the legendary Bruce Springsteen prepares for his upcoming tour, he opens up about the fleeting nature of time, his camaraderie with the E Street Band, and the life lessons learned from decades of performing. The recently released documentary "Road Diary" provides a glimpse into the artist's perspective as he navigates his 75th year, striking a balance between mortality and vitality, all while longing for the audience's connection.
Springsteen: Embracing Mortality While Rocking On
Springsteen: Embracing Mortality While Rocking On
In a candid interview, Bruce Springsteen discusses the realities of aging, his enduring bond with the E Street Band, and the motivations behind his latest tour.
Springsteen recognizes the importance of the experiences he's shared with fans and the evolution of his music, shaped by both joy and nostalgia, ultimately revealing the profound relationship he continues to have with his craft.
Bruce Springsteen has shuffled into the spotlight once again, embodying the charisma and stage presence that has captivated audiences for decades. The musician, whose roots trace back to a modest upbringing in New Jersey, humorously greets each member of the BBC film crew during an engagement that teems with anecdotes and playful banter.
Despite being labeled “The Boss” early in his career—a term Springsteen personally despises—he welcomes the opportunity to share the process behind his new Disney+ documentary, "Road Diary." The film details his preparations for his first tour post-pandemic, showcasing everything from handwritten notes to lively band rehearsals.
But those rehearsals appear far less regimented than one might expect. Guitarist Steve Van Zandt frets over their informal approach, yet Springsteen rationalizes the need for spontaneity. As he puts it, “That’s what they’re paying for. They want to see it live. That means a few mistakes!” which rings true for fans who have witnessed the high-energy and near-perfect performances characteristic of Springsteen’s shows.
This tour marks a significant milestone, taking place 60 years after Springsteen's inaugural gig with The Rogues. Acknowledging his age—he turns 75—the artist reveals an urgency to document his experiences and cherish his time on stage. “I could be dead by the next one,” he laughs, underscoring a philosophy that intertwines with both vitality and mortality.
The music icon reminisces about a rain-soaked performance at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, where he pushed through a three-hour set for an audience of 50,000, even risking his vocal health. “These are my people,” he declares, emphasizing the mutual respect and connection he has with his loyal fanbase.
As a young man, Springsteen’s journey began on the tiny stages of pizza parlors and bowling alleys, marked by a transformative moment when he decided to step out from behind the guitar and embrace the world of performing. This leap became crucial during a pivotal five-night stint at the Bottom Line Club, which propelled his career with the release of "Born To Run."
Yet behind the glitz lies a candid acknowledgment of the realities of aging and the challenges that accompany it. With the loss of bandmates and the health struggles of his wife, Patti Scialfa, Springsteen remains fiercely optimistic about the future. He confirms she is on the mend and readying for a new record.
While touring remains a vital aspect of his life, Springsteen is mindful of the distance maintained with his bandmates between performances. “We rarely see each other,” he admits, attributing this space to the longevity of their collaboration. “The band started out crazy and made its way to sanity,” he says, prioritizing a no-drama policy to ensure a harmonious dynamic.
The excitement continues, with plans for additional European dates and the promise to keep performing until they “fall off the stage.” As he muses on the therapeutic nature of performing, Springsteen underscores its significance in combating personal demons. “I definitely go on stage to lose myself,” he shares, revealing how the act of performing offers an escape and self-discovery.
With "Road Diary" set to premiere on October 25, Bruce Springsteen’s legacy as a rock icon remains ever-present, and his journey, marked by resilience and joy, serves as an inspiration to both fans and fellow musicians alike.
Bruce Springsteen has shuffled into the spotlight once again, embodying the charisma and stage presence that has captivated audiences for decades. The musician, whose roots trace back to a modest upbringing in New Jersey, humorously greets each member of the BBC film crew during an engagement that teems with anecdotes and playful banter.
Despite being labeled “The Boss” early in his career—a term Springsteen personally despises—he welcomes the opportunity to share the process behind his new Disney+ documentary, "Road Diary." The film details his preparations for his first tour post-pandemic, showcasing everything from handwritten notes to lively band rehearsals.
But those rehearsals appear far less regimented than one might expect. Guitarist Steve Van Zandt frets over their informal approach, yet Springsteen rationalizes the need for spontaneity. As he puts it, “That’s what they’re paying for. They want to see it live. That means a few mistakes!” which rings true for fans who have witnessed the high-energy and near-perfect performances characteristic of Springsteen’s shows.
This tour marks a significant milestone, taking place 60 years after Springsteen's inaugural gig with The Rogues. Acknowledging his age—he turns 75—the artist reveals an urgency to document his experiences and cherish his time on stage. “I could be dead by the next one,” he laughs, underscoring a philosophy that intertwines with both vitality and mortality.
The music icon reminisces about a rain-soaked performance at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, where he pushed through a three-hour set for an audience of 50,000, even risking his vocal health. “These are my people,” he declares, emphasizing the mutual respect and connection he has with his loyal fanbase.
As a young man, Springsteen’s journey began on the tiny stages of pizza parlors and bowling alleys, marked by a transformative moment when he decided to step out from behind the guitar and embrace the world of performing. This leap became crucial during a pivotal five-night stint at the Bottom Line Club, which propelled his career with the release of "Born To Run."
Yet behind the glitz lies a candid acknowledgment of the realities of aging and the challenges that accompany it. With the loss of bandmates and the health struggles of his wife, Patti Scialfa, Springsteen remains fiercely optimistic about the future. He confirms she is on the mend and readying for a new record.
While touring remains a vital aspect of his life, Springsteen is mindful of the distance maintained with his bandmates between performances. “We rarely see each other,” he admits, attributing this space to the longevity of their collaboration. “The band started out crazy and made its way to sanity,” he says, prioritizing a no-drama policy to ensure a harmonious dynamic.
The excitement continues, with plans for additional European dates and the promise to keep performing until they “fall off the stage.” As he muses on the therapeutic nature of performing, Springsteen underscores its significance in combating personal demons. “I definitely go on stage to lose myself,” he shares, revealing how the act of performing offers an escape and self-discovery.
With "Road Diary" set to premiere on October 25, Bruce Springsteen’s legacy as a rock icon remains ever-present, and his journey, marked by resilience and joy, serves as an inspiration to both fans and fellow musicians alike.
