When the world came to a standstill in 2020, the absence of live music hit hard, especially for fans of artists like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. With fewer performances and dwindling time to embrace their craft, these seasoned musicians faced unique challenges as they approached the twilight of their careers. The last they had gathered was during the recording of Letter to You (2019), and the question loomed: how would they reconnect with their audience after such disruption?
To navigate these uncharted waters, Thom Zimny directed the documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, offering viewers an authentic glimpse behind the curtain as the band prepares for their return to touring. Zimny, who has chronicled Springsteen's music for years, shares a remarkable rapport with the band, capturing candid moments and thoughtful reflections as they craft their setlist.
The film begins by showcasing the band's rehearsal sessions, where Springsteen narrates his intentions to unearth the story behind each song. He admits to feeling the weight of their age and wonders if they can deliver the powerful performances fans expect. The stakes are high; after years away from the stage, it’s not just about playing music — it’s about preserving the legacy they’ve built together.
Throughout the first part of the documentary, Springsteen confronts loss and remembrance directly. He reminisces about his roots with The Castiles, honoring departed bandmates like E Street saxophonist Clarence Clemons and keyboardist Danny Federici. These tributes are woven seamlessly throughout the film, creating an emotional backdrop for the performances. Springsteen’s objective is clear: the power of their music is not solely measured by precision but by the connections it fosters between the band and their audience.
Interspersed with contemporary rehearsal footage are vivid flashbacks to concerts from bygone years. This juxtaposition offers viewers intoxicante euphoria and nostalgia. Steven Van Zandt, often stealing the spotlight during practice sessions with his humor and candor, asserts his role as Music Director, mustering both levity and focus as they prepare to return to the stage.
One particularly captivating aspect of the film is the gradual evolution of their setlist. While audiences have come to love the unpredictability of Springsteen's setlists—which traditionally change from night to night—the documentary reveals how they painstakingly shape the narrative of each show, often consulting the emotional themes within the songs themselves. Each song becomes interconnected, telling not just the story of Springsteen’s career, but also the legacy of the band and its relationship with their loyal fans.
Springsteen’s cover of the Commodores' Night Shift serves as a poignant illustration of this endeavor. Initially, there was something amiss in his interpretation; he stripped away the harmonies and the song felt lacking. Yet, as rehearsals continued, he collaborated with fellow musicians, reintroducing the richness of those harmonies, shifting Night Shift from merely acceptable to a highlight of the tour. Witnessing this transformation adds layers of excitement, emphasizing the joy of live performance.
Interviews with devoted fans provide additional insights, as they share their eagerness to witness the revival of live music. These moments serve as touchstones, grounding the narrative and enhancing the emotional depth. Although these interviews feel somewhat disconnected from the overall flow of the documentary, they do highlight the anticipation surrounding the band’s return.
Through this lens, the film captures more than just musical practice; it showcases the vulnerability and determination of artists confronting their mortality. Springsteen's original composition Last Man Standing resonates with themes of grief and reflection, encapsulating the bittersweet essence of their tour. The earnestness with which Springsteen interprets this song captures the raw beauty of their craft.
Unlike many road documentaries, Zimny’s work refrains from sensationalism. He respectfully chronicles the process with which Springsteen navigates his career, reflecting on every aspect from setlist choices to practice rigors. The film's strength lies not just within rehearsals but within the intimate moments of reflection shared among band members, all depicted under Zimny's patient guidance.
At its core, Road Diary is not simply about Springsteen's return to live performances; it delves deeply beyond surface-level nostalgia to address the enduring spirit of artistry and remembrance. The film entwines moments of joy with underlying sorrow, echoing the truth of aging artists who navigate both the highs and lows of their legacy. Through this lens, Road Diary emerges as touching and deeply personal — naked emotionally, yet vibrant musically.
With its release on Hulu, this documentary engages viewers not only by showcasing the familiar melodies of the iconic band, but also by offering new perspectives on the musicians behind the music. The film serves as both tribute and call to action — to honor what has been, to cherish what is, and to invite audiences to share their collective experiences with the songs anew.
