Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band
by George Wolf
In early 2020, Bruce Springsteen had a new album to promote, but – thanks to lockdown – no place to play. Instead, Bruce and longtime collaborator Thom Zimny filmed a very exclusive show at his New Jersey ranch, and released the Western Stars concert film.
The music was inspired by the smooth California sound of artists such as Glen Campbell and Burt Bacharach, and featured a band full of orchestral musicians instead of Bruce’s longtime road warriors.
By the time the E Streeters -Rock Hall of Famers on their own – reunited for Bruce’s current tour, they hadn’t been together for six full years. Hulu’s Road Diary digs into that reunion with joy and celebration, showcasing the creative process fueling Springsteen’s reputation as one of the greatest live performers in the history of rock and roll.
Zimny is back to direct, and though we are treated to several Springsteen bangers, the focus here is less about songwriting inspirations and more about the business of how those legendary E Street shows come together.
It starts, of course, with rehearsals, and Zimny’s access gives us fascinating insight into how Bruce gets the two things he wants from the warmups: to “shake off the cobwebs” and to assemble a set list.
Springsteen’s devotion to live performing is inescapable, as is the power of the musical unit backing him up. And while the band is getting prepared for the future, we do get some charming glimpses of their past. Home movies and band interviews bring context for these longtime bonds, and provide the opportunity for warm tributes in memory of Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici.
Obviously, the film is a must for Springsteen devotees, and a thrilling bookend to any show from this current tour. But for anyone who has only heard tell of the Bruce/E Street experience and wondered about the hype, Road Diary should provide a healthy nudge toward the next nearest concert.
Yes, Bruce just turned 75, but this film will also dispel any talk of retirement.
“It’s my job,” he says. “After 50 years on the road, it’s too late to stop now.”
One, two, three, FOUR!