Bruce Springsteen is back on the road, captivating audiences once again after facing health challenges over the past year. The legendary musician, known affectionately as "The Boss," resumed his tour with the E Street Band, which he had to postpone due to peptic ulcer disease. Springsteen kicked off the tour on April 2024, launching it from Phoenix and then extending his musical journeys across the United States and Europe.
While Springsteen managed to play good nights full of energy and excitement, he did have to hit pause on certain European shows due to vocal difficulties. Nevertheless, the setbacks didn't dampen his optimistic outlook; he announced plans for another European tour next summer, signaling his unwavering commitment to his craft.
2024 has also been marked by several engaging highlights beyond touring. Early January saw reports of a movie titled Deliver Us From Nowhere, based on the making of Springsteen’s iconic 1982 album Nebraska. The film, directed by Scott Cooper and starring Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen, is currently under production, promising to deliver fans another layer of appreciation for the artist’s storied career.
Midway through his tour, Bruce made headlines by surprising audiences with appearances alongside fellow musician Zach Bryan. During shows, he performed the collaborative track “Sandpiper,” much to the delight of fans. Their musical pairs also shimmered at Bryan’s Philadelphia concert, where they enchanted audiences with renditions of "Sandpiper" and Springsteen's own "Atlantic City."
Springsteen's involvement doesn't stop with music; he was also seen guest-starring on the HBO Max series Curb Your Enthusiasm. The episode took on humorously absurd undertones with Springsteen’s character catching COVID-19 from Larry David, showcasing the artist's known penchant for fun and light-hearted interactions offstage.
His achievements this year go beyond music and entertainment. The Ivors Academy recognized Springsteen’s contributions to songwriting, making the iconic artist the first international songwriter to become Academy Fellow—representing British and Irish musical expertise. This prestigious honor reflects the respect and admiration his peers hold for his tremendous impact on the industry.
2024 marked the 40th anniversary of his ground-breaking album Born in the U.S.A., celebrated through the release of a special anniversary edition on translucent red vinyl. The record, which skyrocketed to the top of charts, remains a cornerstone of American rock, showcasing Springsteen's mastery as both performer and storyteller.
Meanwhile, Forbes magazine reported on Springsteen's financial success, alleging he had reached billionaire status. Yet, the singer himself dismissed these claims, perhaps alluding to the complicated nuances of wealth and legacy surrounding celebrity culture.
The Sea. Hear. Now festival saw Springsteen returning to his roots as he headlined to crowds at his hometown of New Jersey. His performance blended classic hits with newer material, captivating both long-time fans and new followers. Among the audience sharing the stage were fellow Jersey musicians, the Gaslight Anthem, demonstrating the tight-knit community from which Springsteen emerged.
Springsteen also contributed to the tribute album for Jesse Malin, delivering the track “She Don’t Love Me Now” alongside fellow E Street Band member Jake Clemons. This collaboration emphasizes Bruce’s commitment to supporting fellow artists and his influences beginning at the heart of the New York punk scene.
Looking behind the curtain, Bruce shared glimpses of life on tour with the documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, featured at the Toronto Film Festival. The documentary revealed personal aspects of Bruce's life, including candid discussions from his wife, Patti Scialfa, who has been battling multiple myeloma. Her struggle has limited her participation, giving fans insight not only to their professional life but the reality of managing health challenges as well.
At 75, Springsteen reflects on his longevity and stamina, often attributing his performance endurance to strict diet and exercise regimes. Notably, Coldplay’s Chris Martin shared how inspired he was by Springsteen’s dietary practices, claiming his own eating habits significantly changed after spending time with the star. Martin emphasized, "I don’t actually do dinner anymore. I stop eating at 4 and I learned from having lunch with Bruce Springsteen."
Springsteen himself reiterated his focus on health, stating, "I’ll have a bit of fruit in the morning and then I’ll have dinner. That has kept me lean and mean," during his 2024 interview with The Times. This approach indicates his serious commitment to maintaining his health to deliver the performances fans expect.
Throughout the years, Springsteen has recognized the strenuous nature of performing, likening it to “sprinting and screaming.” He has remained consistent with fitness over time, with his longtime bandmate Steve Van Zandt humorously confirming, “He never did drugs and has been running on treadmills and lifting weights with his trainer for 30 years.”
Springsteen’s mindfulness around routine extends to quality time with family as well. Ryan Charles, who shared meals with Bruce, noted the artistic and caring aspect involved, commenting on the importance of the bonding experience through cooking for loved ones.
The artist’s interactions also reflect his ethos when it came to personal care, helping other artists achieve their pinnacle performance. Zac Brown recounted how he, too, was inspired by Springsteen’s disarming advice: "You need to sweat for an hour a day. I don’t care what you do, doesn’t matter. You need to sweat for an hour a day," proving the powerful impact Springsteen has not just through music but personal well-being advice.
These candid insights not only shine light on the challenges faced by Springsteen as he navigates health obstacles but reveal the passion and commitment to bring joy to fans across generations. With each performance, he reminds the world why he remains one of rock's enduring legends.
Indeed, Bruce Springsteen continues to inspire: through tales spun ingloriously across stages, ambitious projects, and grounded moments of self-care—all evident as he strides confidently even at 75 years old.
