A Shift in Perspective

Bruce Springsteen’s recent release, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, marks a notable departure from his earlier beliefs about documenting live performances. In a candid conversation with Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Springsteen shared his past superstitions regarding filming concerts, believing such acts could disrupt the magic of the performance. “I didn’t believe that the magician should look too closely at his magic trick,” he stated.

The New Era of Filming

In Road Diary, directed by longtime collaborator Thom Zimny, archival footage is prominently featured, including precious clips from a 1975 concert at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. Springsteen acknowledged that much of this filming occurred “almost by accident,” explaining that he was unaware of the filming at the time and didn’t review the footage for decades.

Springsteen’s attitude has evolved in more recent years: “We’re at a point now where we should be filming at least everything we do,” he explained. Documenting concerts has become integral to his artistic process, with previous projects such as Letter to You and Western Stars showcasing his openness to filming.

Thematic Reflections

The Road Diary captures Springsteen’s introspective world tour from 2023 to 2025, where he aimed to explore themes of aging, mortality, and friendship. He articulated a desire to focus on the band’s philosophy and the experience of watching friends navigate life as they grow older. “Those were issues that were on my mind,” Springsteen remarked, illuminating the emotional landscape of his current performances.

One notable aspect of his setlist is the inclusion of the Commodores’ song “Nightshift,” which Springsteen has embraced as a heartfelt tribute to those who have passed. He recalled being moved by the song during a night out, remarking on its depth and meaning, making it a showstopper in recent concerts.

Honoring His Legacy

Road Diary also pays tribute to late E Street Band members Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici, featuring clips from past interviews that highlight their contributions. Zimny emphasized the importance of showcasing their essence and joy through archival footage, connecting past members with the present.

Health Challenges and Future Projects

Although the film reflects a significant period in Springsteen’s life, it does not address his recent health issues, including the postponement of tour dates due to peptic ulcer disease. Springsteen himself noted, “I didn’t think my peptic ulcer was film-worthy,” indicating a desire to keep the focus on more uplifting themes.

Looking ahead, a biopic titled Deliver Me From Nowhere is in the works, featuring actor Jeremy Allen White portraying the musician during the creation of his seminal 1982 album, Nebraska. Springsteen expressed intrigue about the project, finding it fascinating to revisit that chapter of his life.

Engaging with Current Events

As the artist prepares for future tours in Europe and Canada, he contemplates the role of music in addressing contemporary societal issues. Springsteen articulated, “One of the artist’s jobs is to make sense of existence and to contextualize those times,” suggesting that his upcoming work may reflect current democratic challenges.