Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band Review

Few touring acts have achieved the legacy and reputation of Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band. Boasting one of the most consistent discographies in rock history, Springsteen’s studio work already solidifies his place among music’s greats—but it’s his live performances that truly make him one of the world’s most revered artists. Known for his legendary, 3+ hour marathon shows, his deep connect with his audience, and a rotating setlist that brings fans a fresh experience every night, Springsteen has built a devoted fanbase willing to follow him across the globe. Though Springsteen is rightly celebrated as a remarkable frontman, he’s often unfairly viewed as a solo act, with many overlooking the vital contributions of his outstanding backing band, the E-Street Band. With a lineup that’s remained mostly unchanged for over 40 years, the E Street Band is essential to Springsteen’s enduring impact, specifically in terms of touring.

For a group of musicians that thrive on the road and live for live performances, the arrival of COVID proved to be a major setback. Touring came to a halt, and the future of the live music industry was uncertain. For Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, known for their relentless touring schedule, a six-year break from live shows was monumental. Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band captures their reunion and chronicles their return to the stage post-pandemic. This documentary is a tribute to live music and, more than any previous Springsteen documentaries, it celebrates the E Street Band—a group often dismissed as Springsteen’s backing band, yet whose talent and unity make them so much more

Despite being now 75, as are much of his E Street band members, Springsteen remains a commanding stage presence, retaining all the energy and charisma that initially made him one of music’s most compelling A-listers. The film captures Springsteen and his band as they gear up for their tour and provides a back stage look at how they prepare, their comradery, and how important the passionate fanbase is to Bruce and the gang. The documentary sees him and his band as they gear up for their long-awaited tour, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at their preparations, camaraderie, and the deep connection they share with their passionate fanbase. Much like many previous Disney+ backed music documentaries, the film offers more than a typical talking-heads documentary, giving audiences a front-row seat to some of Springsteen’s most electrifying performances on this current tour.

However, the biggest issue with Road Diary is how it feels more like a companion piece to the tour than a worthwhile documentary in its own right. That being said, avid Springsteen fans will likely enjoy it, but it doesn’t reveal information that they did not already know. For newcomers, it provides an introduction to the E Street Band and their role in Springsteen’s career, yet it falls short of offering a deep exploration of their legacy or appealing to those outside the fanbase. While the tour footage is crisp and immersive, the rest of the film lacks stylistic flair, making it feel unengaging at times.

In the end, Road Diary is definitely worth a watch for fans, especially those who are planning to see or have already seen Springsteen on his current tour. He and the E-Street Band bring a captivating on-screen presence, each radiating passion for their craft, and their energy help carry much of the film. Ultimately, the film barely scratches the surface and falls short of previous Springsteen documentaries like 2019’s Western Stars.

still courtesy of Disney+

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Tristan French