Bruce Springsteen, radiating his signature charisma, begins with a laugh and a joke about being called “Springstein,” an amusing contrast to the title “The Boss,” which he admits he’s never liked. The new Disney+ documentary Road Diary captures a more relaxed Springsteen, offering fans a rare look at his tour preparations, which include a few playful rehearsals and the camaraderie with his long-standing band.
With six decades in music, he jokes, “I could be dead by the next one,” acknowledging the urgency of performing as time progresses. His dedication to fans remains undiminished; he recently braved torrential rain in a three-hour show, insisting, “These are my people.” Performing live is about connecting with those who’ve been with him on his musical journey, and he plays each concert as if it were for friends.
Reflecting on his career, Springsteen sees himself as part of a rare legacy that endures. Songs like Born to Run captured his own dreams of escaping a blue-collar life, and now, at 75, he plans to continue performing, even as personal challenges, such as his wife Patti’s health issues, weigh on him.
His deep connection with the E Street Band has remained remarkably free of drama—a testament to their resilience and shared history. The band, which “started out crazy and made its way to sanity,” avoids backstage drama and prioritizes the music.
Springsteen also reveals that performing helps him manage his mental health, describing the stage as a space to “lose himself” and find clarity. With a few new aches but endless passion, he’s committed to sharing his journey with fans, discovering something new about himself in every performance.
