In Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, the legendary musician known as “The Boss” offers fans a front-row seat to the magic behind his electrifying performances and his drive to keep the music going, even after decades on stage. The documentary not only highlights the world tour Springsteen set into motion post-COVID but also gives a closer look at his philosophy of resilience, his commitment to his craft, and his political vision.
The documentary, directed by Thom Zimny, a frequent Springsteen collaborator, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and will soon be streaming on Hulu and Disney+. In the trailer, Springsteen is seen reflecting on his promise to fans during the pandemic, vowing to throw “the biggest party I could” once it was safe to return to the stage. That promise blossomed into his latest global tour, featuring The E Street Band in all its rock glory. With unseen footage of band rehearsals, backstage exchanges, and archival clips, Road Diary is the most extensive behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and creativity that Springsteen brings to every show.
“There are two things I try to accomplish in rehearsal,” Springsteen says in the trailer. “One, you’ve got to shake the cobwebs off the band. And two, figure out what the rhythm of the show will be.” The heart and soul of Springsteen’s live performances shine through as he works to bring out the best from his band. Longtime E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg also shares his view on the tour’s intensity, saying, “We wanted this show to be a real rock show. It’s all connected.”
Fellow guitarist Steve Van Zandt adds a deeper dimension to Springsteen’s story, noting the dramatic transformation he’s witnessed in his friend. “I grew up with Bruce, and he was the most introverted guy you’d ever met in your life,” says Van Zandt. “To go from that to the world’s greatest entertainer — it blows my mind.” This sentiment echoes throughout the film, which not only captures the spectacle of Springsteen’s performances but also examines the evolution of the artist himself.
Springsteen known for his progressive values and connection with working-class audiences, Springsteen has been vocal about his support for Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. His endorsement highlights Harris’s vision for unity and progress, values that resonate with Springsteen’s own, and the documentary reflects on the ways he believes artists can help inspire change.
At the end of the trailer, Springsteen pledges to keep performing “until the wheels fall off.” The phrase underscores his determination to remain on stage for as long as his fans will have him. “It’s my job,” he says, and his dedication is clear. For fans, Road Diary offers a rare glimpse into Springsteen’s world—his art, his politics, and his enduring promise to stay connected to audiences who’ve followed him for generations.
Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band arrived on Hulu and Disney+ on October 25, providing an unfiltered look at a rock legend still committed to leaving it all on stage and supporting the causes that matter to him.
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