Bruce Springsteen and Steve Van Zandt Reflect on Band Dynamics and Legacy at TIFF for “Road Diary”

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At the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Bruce Springsteen, alongside his longtime friend and E Street Band guitarist Steve Van Zandt, sat down to discuss their latest project, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. This documentary offers an intimate look into the inner workings of one of rock and roll’s most enduring bands. In an 800-word exploration, Springsteen reflects on the evolution of his relationship with the E Street Band, the unique bond forged over decades, and the significance of their collective legacy in a world where new rock bands struggle to emerge. His insights reveal not only a deep love for his craft but also a profound gratitude for the camaraderie that has sustained the band through the years.

Returning to the Band: A Reawakening of Collective Spirit

Springsteen’s career has been marked by versatility, from his solo endeavors like the critically acclaimed Broadway run of Springsteen on Broadway to the cinematic Western Stars project. However, his return to the E Street Band with the 2020 album Letter to You marked a significant shift. As the interviewer at TIFF noted, this album welcomed the band’s input in a way that hadn’t happened since Born in the U.S.A. nearly 40 years earlier. This collaborative spirit continued with Road Diary, a film that, for the first time, delves into Springsteen’s roots and methodology as a band leader, explaining how a band functions and what it takes to sustain such a creative force.

When asked if being among the last of his original bandmates reawakened his love for band interaction, Springsteen’s response was heartfelt. “You do all kinds of work, and I get completely committed to everything that I do, but the band is the band,” he said. He attributes this deep connection to the longevity of their relationships, having known each other since they were young. “We’ve been good a long time,” he added, emphasizing the countless nights spent on stage together. These performances are not just shows; they are acts of vulnerability. “You are risking yourself because that is what you’re doing. You are coming out, you are talking to people about the things that matter the most to you, you are leaving yourself wide open,” Springsteen explained. Yet, in this vulnerability, there is strength in unity. He is not alone on stage—he can look to his left and see Steve Van Zandt, to his right and see Nils Lofgren, or spot Patti Scialfa when she’s able to join. Even newer members like Jake Clemons evoke memories of those who came before, like Clarence Clemons, reinforcing the band’s enduring spirit.

The Rarity of Band Longevity: A Benevolent Dictatorship

Springsteen’s reflections on the E Street Band’s longevity are tinged with both humor and realism. He acknowledges that bands breaking up is “the natural order of things.” Citing examples like The Kinks, Sam & Dave, and The Everly Brothers—who famously couldn’t even keep two people together due to personal conflicts—Springsteen marvels at how rare it is for a group to stay united. “If you can’t get two people to stay together, what are your odds?” he quipped. Yet, the E Street Band has defied these odds, a feat Springsteen attributes to what he calls a “benevolent dictatorship.”

This term, delivered with a knowing smile, encapsulates the band’s dynamic. “I don’t think anybody would disagree. We don’t quite have a small unit democracy because small unit democracies don’t work,” Springsteen noted. Instead, the E Street Band operates as an “enormous collective” where everyone has a defined role and a chance to contribute. This structure allows each member to “own their place in the band,” fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. It’s a model that Springsteen believes should be more common in the workplace. “This is what people want from their work, and I wish it on everyone,” he said. “We don’t quite live in a world where everybody gets to feel that way about their jobs or the people they work with, but I sincerely wish that we did because it’s an experience like none I’ve ever had in my life.”

A Legacy in a Changing Musical Landscape

The conversation at TIFF also touched on the broader context of rock and roll today. The interviewer pointed out a sobering reality: no new successful rock band has emerged this century. In this landscape, the E Street Band stands as one of the last bastions of a bygone era, a “last man standing” in Springsteen’s own words. Road Diary serves as a valuable service, offering insight into how a band operates, from the creative process to the emotional bonds that sustain it. For aspiring musicians and fans alike, the film is a masterclass in what it takes to build and maintain a musical collective over decades.

Springsteen’s gratitude for his journey with the E Street Band is palpable. “If I went tomorrow, I’d be okay. What a ride,” he concluded, reflecting on a career that has spanned over five decades. This sentiment underscores not just his personal fulfillment but also the collective achievement of the band. Each performance, each album, and now this documentary, cements their legacy as more than just musicians—they are storytellers, risk-takers, and a family bound by shared history.

The Emotional Core of Band Life: Risk and Reward

At the heart of Springsteen’s reflections is the emotional core of performing with a band. The act of stepping on stage is inherently risky, as it involves baring one’s soul to an audience. Yet, the presence of bandmates transforms this risk into something manageable, even empowering. “You’re risking everything you have, but you’re not alone,” Springsteen emphasized. This duality of vulnerability and support is what makes the E Street Band’s dynamic so special. Whether it’s seeing familiar faces like Van Zandt or feeling the presence of past members through newer ones, Springsteen finds strength in the collective.

This sense of togetherness extends beyond the stage to the creative process, as seen in albums like Letter to You, where the band’s input was integral. It’s a reminder that while Springsteen may be “The Boss,” his leadership is not about control but about fostering an environment where everyone can shine. This balance of individual contribution within a unified vision is perhaps the secret to their longevity—a lesson that Road Diary aims to impart to a new generation of musicians.

A Ride Worth Taking

Bruce Springsteen’s conversation at TIFF, alongside Steve Van Zandt, offers a window into the soul of the E Street Band through Road Diary. It’s a story of reawakening, of rediscovering the joy of band interaction after years of solo projects. It’s a testament to the rarity of their endurance in an industry where breakups are the norm. Above all, it’s a celebration of the emotional bonds that make their work possible—the shared risks, the collective triumphs, and the unspoken understanding that they are never alone on stage. As Springsteen looks back on his career with gratitude, calling it “a pretty good ending,” fans and viewers of Road Diary are reminded of the power of music to connect, to heal, and to build something lasting. In a world hungry for new rock icons, the E Street Band’s story remains a beacon of inspiration, proving that the ride, with all its challenges, is worth taking.