Behind the Curtain: A Preview of ‘Bruce Springsteen: Backstage and Backstreets’
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A Rare Glimpse into Rock Royalty
Bruce Springsteen, often referred to as “The Boss,” has been a towering figure in rock and roll for nearly five decades. His music, rooted in the struggles and dreams of the working class, has resonated with millions worldwide. Now, a new ABC News special, Bruce Springsteen: Backstage and Backstreets, offers an unprecedented look at the man behind the legend. With rare backstage access during one of Springsteen’s tour stops with the E Street Band, this preview provides an intimate perspective on life on the road, the camaraderie of a band that has defied the odds, and personal revelations about family and health. Airing this Sunday at 10 Eastern, the special promises to pull back the curtain on one of music’s most enduring icons.
Backstage with The Boss: Pre-Show Rituals
The special begins with a glimpse into Springsteen’s pre-show routine, a ritual that underscores his dedication to delivering unforgettable performances. In his dressing room, The Boss is seen finalizing the setlist for the night, a process he approaches with meticulous care. “This is what I spend my time doing before the show,” Springsteen explains to the interviewer, revealing that his goal is to avoid repeating setlists across the 130 shows of a tour. His books, filled with lists upon lists of songs, are a testament to this commitment. “I try not to repeat any two,” he notes, highlighting the challenge and creativity involved in keeping each concert unique. This attention to detail ensures that his “guarantee”—that fans leave with more than they came with—is always met.
Life on the Road: The 104th Stop of a Worldwide Tour
This backstage access comes during the 104th stop of a massive worldwide tour, the E Street Band’s first in six years. The tour’s significance is captured in the new Hulu documentary Road Diary, which chronicles the band’s rehearsals after an extended hiatus. For Springsteen, reuniting with his bandmates evokes a “deep, profound sense of camaraderie.” The footage reveals a well-oiled musical machine, a group that has remained mostly intact for nearly five decades—an extraordinary feat in an industry where breakups are the norm. As Springsteen reflects on seeing everyone together again, it’s clear that the band’s bond is as much a source of strength as their music.
The E Street Band: A Testament to Collaboration
One of the most striking aspects of the E Street Band is their longevity. “Most bands break up, most duos break up,” Springsteen observes, citing examples like Simon and Garfunkel, Sam and Dave, and the Everly Brothers, who couldn’t sustain their partnerships. Yet, the E Street Band, with its sprawling lineup of five, six, or even fifteen members at times, has endured. “As time goes on, you realize that the strength comes from that collaboration,” Springsteen explains. This unity, bolstered by the absence of a “Plan B,” has kept them together through challenges that would have fractured lesser groups. Watching them perform, one sees not just a band, but a family forged by shared history and mutual respect.
Little Steven Van Zandt: A Brother on Stage
Among the familiar faces backstage is Little Steven Van Zandt, Springsteen’s best friend and longtime E Street Bandmate. At 73, Van Zandt remains a vital part of the band’s dynamic, exuding a cool, effortless vibe as he prepares for the show. When asked if he still gets nervous before performances, he responds with a calm assurance: “No, no. That’s the only place I really feel that peace, you know, it’s on stage.” His words reflect the comfort and purpose that the stage provides, a sanctuary where decades of experience dissolve any pre-show jitters. Van Zandt’s presence is a reminder of the deep personal connections that underpin the band’s professional success.
A Personal Revelation: Patti Scialfa’s Health Battle
Notably absent from the stage on this night is Patti Scialfa, Springsteen’s wife of 33 years and a member of the E Street Band. In a poignant segment of Road Diary, Scialfa reveals for the first time that she has been battling multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, for six years. Springsteen shares an update on her condition, saying, “She’s doing good. We caught it early, which was important.” The decision to keep her diagnosis private for so long stemmed from a desire to shield their personal lives from public scrutiny. However, with Scialfa stepping back from performing, questions arose—“Where’s Patti?”—prompting the couple to share their story. Now, she occasionally joins the band on stage to sing a song or two, a testament to her resilience.
Tougher Than the Rest: Patti’s Strength and Symbolism
Scialfa’s courage shines through in moments like her appearance at the Sea.Hear.Now Festival in Asbury Park, where she performed “Tougher Than the Rest” alongside her husband. The song choice was deeply symbolic, reflecting her strength in the face of illness. “She is tougher than the rest,” Springsteen affirms, a sentiment echoed by those who have witnessed her journey. Her ability to return to the stage, even briefly, underscores the band’s enduring spirit and the personal battles they’ve faced together. Scialfa’s presence, whether on stage or in spirit, remains a powerful force within the E Street Band.
From Rock Star to Hands-On Dad: Patti’s Influence
Beyond her musical contributions, Scialfa has profoundly shaped Springsteen’s personal life. He credits her with transforming him from a “lazy musician” into a hands-on father to their three children. Initially, Springsteen admits to following his own father’s distant approach, sleeping until 11 a.m. while his kids went off to school. Scialfa challenged this, urging him to engage more fully in family life. “If you don’t get up, you’re going to miss it. You’re going to miss it all,” she told him one night. Taking her words to heart, Springsteen began waking at 6:30 a.m., grumbling but determined, to make pancakes for his children. In time, he became a “very good short-order cook,” embracing the unique and special moments of fatherhood that he had nearly overlooked.
A Glimpse Inside the Springsteen Home
This anecdote offers a rare glimpse into the Springsteen household, revealing a side of The Boss that fans seldom see. Far from the rock star persona, Springsteen’s mornings spent cursing and bopping down the stairs to prepare breakfast paint a relatable, human picture. These small acts of care allowed him to become the father he hoped to be, a role he clearly cherishes. Scialfa’s influence reoriented his priorities, grounding him in the everyday joys and responsibilities of family life—a stark contrast to the larger-than-life image he projects on stage.
The Power of Staying Together: A Band’s Legacy
The E Street Band’s ability to remain united for nearly 50 years is nothing short of remarkable. In an industry rife with conflict and dissolution, their commitment to each other stands as a powerful example of collaboration’s strength. Springsteen reflects on this with a sense of awe, acknowledging that the odds were against them. Yet, through shared purpose and the absence of alternative plans, they’ve built a legacy that transcends music. Their story, as captured in Backstage and Backstreets, is one of perseverance, friendship, and the magic that happens when a group chooses to stay together against all odds.
A Must-See Special for Fans and Beyond
Bruce Springsteen: Backstage and Backstreets promises to be a captivating exploration of one of rock’s greatest talents and the band that has stood by his side for decades. From pre-show preparations to personal revelations about health and family, this ABC News special offers a multifaceted portrait of Springsteen’s life on and off the stage. Airing this Sunday at 10 Eastern, it’s an opportunity to witness the camaraderie of the E Street Band, the resilience of Patti Scialfa, and the humanity of a rock icon who learned to make pancakes at 6:30 a.m. For fans and newcomers alike, this behind-the-curtain look at Bruce Springsteen is a reminder of the power of music, family, and the enduring bonds that define a legendary career.
