Bruce Springsteen Reflects on Mortality and Music in New Documentary

Bruce Springsteen candidly shares insights from his 50-year career in music, his relationship with the E Street Band, and his upcoming documentary, "Road Diary," which captures the essence of his latest tour amid the realities of aging and personal challenges.

Bruce Springsteen has stepped into the spotlight once again, this time sharing reflections on his storied 50-year career with the E Street Band in the Disney+ documentary, "Road Diary." The charismatic musician, now 75, acknowledges the bittersweet nature of time, revealing that the tour's very existence is a testament to his realization that waiting to do things is no longer an option. "We're closer to the end than we are to the beginning," says Steve Van Zandt, Springsteen's guitarist and long-time friend, as both contemplate the legacy they want to leave behind.

Preparing for the tour after a six-year slumber, the documentary offers a unique glimpse into their rehearsals, which Springsteen approaches with a casual nonchalance that makes his fellow bandmates anxious. Even as Van Zandt worries about the lack of structure, Springsteen remains unfazed, proclaiming, "That's what they’re paying for. They want to see it live. That means a few mistakes!"

Springsteen's first gig 60 years ago as a kid remains etched in his memory. He reflects on his humble beginnings playing gigs at pizza parlors and bowling alleys, ultimately transforming into the vibrant performer we know today. "Introversion is a funny thing," he muses, linking his internal struggles with the vibrant music that emerges from them.

"There’s a yin and a yang to it," he explains. His breakthrough album, "Born To Run," catapulted him to fame and sold six million copies in the U.S. alone. "The songs throbbed with longing," he says, as they encapsulated the struggles of ordinary life in America, an experience he knew all too well.

With time weighing heavily on him, Springsteen acknowledges the inevitability of aging. His recent albums face mortality head-on, driven by the fact that he may be the "last man standing" from his early bands. "I wouldn't want to be a young band starting today," Springsteen remarks, although he finds hope in new artists like Zach Bryan, who continue to captivate large audiences.

As a stalwart of the live music scene, he bravely performs under harsh conditions, including one memorable show in Sunderland, where he sang for three solid hours despite losing his voice amidst torrential rain. "I look out and I go, 'These are my people,'" he states, emphasizing the emotional connection he feels with his audience.

With his wife, Patti Scialfa, facing health challenges yet still creating music, Springsteen's personal life adds another layer of poignancy to his journey. As he prepares for an upcoming string of European dates in 2025, he recognizes that the magic of their camaraderie lies in distance. "When we're not playing, we rarely see each other. We've seen each other enough!" He detests drama and emphasizes their commitment to continuing until "the wheels come off," showcasing the resilience that defines their enduring legacy.

"Road Diary" premieres on October 25 on Disney+, providing fans with an exclusive look into the triumphs and tribulations of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band as they navigate music, mortality, and the complexities of life.