Photo credit: Danny Clinch
Fifty years after he first hit the road with the E Street Band, Bruce Springsteen still lives on the road, and as fans eagerly await The Boss’ return after the final date of their US summer tour on September 15, we’ve got something to help pass the time with the new trailer for Road Diaries: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, a documentary about the star’s journey, due to premiere on Hulu and Disney+.
First announced in May, Road Diary seeks to capture Springsteen and the E Street Band’s 2023-2024 world tour with unprecedented behind-the-scenes coverage. Today’s preview conveys just how close that perspective is, with the artist sharing heartfelt reflections on himself, the band, and his legacy in vulnerable, honest terms. From an early assertion that touring is “a way to justify my existence on this earth” to a heartfelt recollection that “you can’t forget the guys you’ve played with for so long, but it’s too late to quit now,” Springsteen’s remarks here point to the core themes of this latest effort in his career: life, memory, and community.
Told in 2024, the new documentary is directed by Thom Zimny, who previously collaborated with the artist on Western Stars and Springsteen on Broadway. Following the band from their earliest rehearsals to sold-out arenas around the world, Road Diary offers an unprecedented look at how the icon unfolds on tour, from meticulously crafting setlists to working with the band to “shake off the cobwebs” and define the “rhythm of the show.” In addition to interviews with the frontman and ensemble, the film also includes never-before-seen archival footage and professionally shot video of the band’s performance from earlier this year.
The threat of retirement looms as fans and onlookers have become conditioned to expect the classic rock star to fade away, even as Springsteen continues to draw crowds of tens of thousands. In today’s preview, Springsteen reiterates his commitment to keeping the show going, stating, “As long as the audience keeps coming with me, I’m going to keep going until the wheels come off,” echoing a statement he made in Philadelphia last month when he spoke out against “farewell tour nonsense,” declaring, “I’m not going anywhere!”
Road Diaries: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be available on Hulu and Disney+ in October, although an exact release date has yet to be determined. Springsteen will return to the stage on October 31 to close out his year on the road with an eight-stop Canadian tour. For tickets and more information, visit brucespringsteen.net/tour/.
Check out the new trailer below:
