Bruce Springsteen Contemplates Mortality With Toronto Film Festival Documentary ‘Road Diary’: ‘If I Went Tomorrow, It’s OK. What a F—ing Ride!’

As a lifelong fan who has witnessed countless concerts and experienced the power of Bruce Springsteen‘s music, I can confidently say that “The Boss” continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his unwavering spirit and dedication to his craft. The world premiere of “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band” was a poignant reminder of the deep bond shared between Springsteen and his bandmates, as well as the transient nature of life itself.


Toronto welcomed “The Boss” on Sunday night.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I found myself immersed in the introspective world of Bruce Springsteen at the Roy Thomson Hall during the global premiere of “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.” This captivating exploration delved into the iconic rock star and his cherished bandmates, simultaneously offering a profound reflection on life’s transience.

Tomorrow I’ll go, and that’s alright,” Springsteen shared with the audience, eliciting thunderous applause. “What an incredible journey!

In the documentary, too, Patti Scialfa – Springsteen’s wife and bandmate in the E Street Band – disclosed that she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in 2018. Her health struggles have made it tough for her to perform live, so she has decided to minimize her touring activities.

Since it impacts my immune system, I need to be selective about what activities I engage in and where I go,” she said in the film. “Every so often, I attend a performance or two and perform a few songs on stage, which has been enjoyable. That’s my current way of life, and I find it acceptable.

The ‘Road Diary’ showcases videos from Springsteen’s recent global tour, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on the preparations. When he stepped onto the stage, Springsteen quipped, “This is how we make the sausage.” Springsteen isn’t the only music legend at this year’s event. Elton John graced the festival earlier this weekend with the premiere of “Elton John: Never Too Late,” a documentary that delved into his musical successes and personal hardships. Meanwhile, Pharrell Williams brought his unique life story to Toronto through “Piece by Piece,” a creative narrative told using Legos.

Speaking of the E Street Band and Springsteen, together they’ve earned Grammy Awards, scored number one hits, and given us countless memorable live performances spanning over several decades.

Springsteen commented, “You’re putting it all on the line, but you don’t have to go it alone.” He added, “Band breakups are common, it’s just the way things usually unfold. Every band eventually calls it quits. Even keeping two members together is a challenge. Simon and Garfunkel didn’t see eye to eye.

Bruce Springsteen attributes part of the E Street Band’s longevity, despite occasional splits and downtimes, to functioning as a “benevolent dictatorship.” This likely means that he, as “The Boss,” plays an influential role. He explains that traditional small democracies don’t work for them because they are part of a large collective where each member has their specific role and opportunity to contribute significantly to the band.

“Road Diary” was orchestrated by Thom Zimny, who has delved into the life and artistry of Springsteen through films such as “The Promise: The Creation of Darkness on the Edge of Town” and “Western Stars,” which were previously showcased at TIFF. In this latest project, Zimny takes us back to Springsteen’s beginnings in the ’70s music scene, uncovering the formation of the iconic E Street Band.

I’ve known this person for such a long time, since we were barely more than sprouts,” I shared. “We’ve grown together, and our bond has been strong for ages. Each night we step onto that stage, it’s not just about performance; it’s about baring oneself. It’s about revealing ourselves, sharing our deepest thoughts, exposing our truest selves to the audience.

Despite The E Street Band continuing to pack arenas, the passage of time has left its mark. The album “Road Diary” serves as a tribute to two departed members whose influence remains palpable: Clarence Clemons, the saxophonist who passed away in 2011, and Danny Federici, the keyboardist who died in 2008.

Springsteen expressed his hope for everyone to have a delightful and fulfilling time with their friends. This situation brings to mind a moment from the movie ‘Blade Runner’… “I’ve witnessed things that would astound you.” In essence, we’ve experienced some extraordinary moments together.

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2024-09-09 07:46