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Road Diary Director Discusses Documenting Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen is back on the road—and now on your screen. In the Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band debuts today on Hulu and Disney+, offering fans a deeply personal glimpse into the music, legacy, and raw emotion of one of rock’s most iconic performers.

Key art for Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

Directed by Emmy® Award winner Thom Zimny, Bruce Springsteen Road Diary takes viewers on a journey that spans rehearsals, behind-the-scenes footage, and powerful performances across continents. It’s more than a concert film—it’s a reflection on connection, community, and what it means to share music in a post-pandemic world.

A Story of Legacy, Music, and Meaning

Zimny, who has worked with Springsteen for nearly 25 years, brings a cinematic honesty to the film. He captures both the intensity of live performance and the quiet introspection that frames Springsteen’s evolving setlists. Old songs take on new meaning. New songs become confessionals. All of it is anchored in Bruce’s voice, used sparingly as narration, like a late-night conversation between friends.

The film is also a tribute to the E Street Band’s enduring chemistry. Through interviews and archival clips, we see the evolution of a band that has shaped generations of music fans. Zimny uses these moments to reflect not just on musical talent, but on brotherhood, mortality, and purpose.

Director Thom Zimny attends the world premiere of Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.

Thom Zimny’s Perspective as Fan and Filmmaker

In a recent D23 interview, Zimny shared how his own dyslexia led him to find creative refuge in music and editing. He recalls his first Springsteen concert at age 18 during The River tour, explaining how that night—and the community around Springsteen—would go on to shape his career.

He approaches Road Diary not with an agenda, but with openness. “The film talks to you,” he says. Zimny lets themes emerge naturally—from aging and resilience to nostalgia and spontaneity. Even accidental footage, like Bruce climbing stairs with quiet resolve, finds purpose in the edit.

Bruce Springsteen performs onstage in Road Diary.

A Cinematic Concert Like No Other

Unlike traditional documentaries, Bruce Springsteen Road Diary blends cinéma vérité, rock concert footage, and spoken-word reflection. There are no formal interviews with Springsteen—instead, his presence is felt in voiceover, as if he’s sharing observations from across a bar.

Bruce Springsteen and Curtis King perform together on an outdoor venue.

The result is a film that flows like a Springsteen show: explosive energy, heartfelt connection, and moments of reflection. From the thunderous crowd in Barcelona to Steven Van Zandt’s wry one-liners, every frame honors the shared experience between artist and audience.

The E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt strums his instrument.

Now streaming, Bruce Springsteen Road Diary is a love letter to fans, to music, and to the moments that remind us we’re all still standing together. Watch it now on Hulu and Disney+.

Garry Tallent, Nils Lofgren, Steven Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen, Max Weinberg, Patti Scialfa, and Roy Bittan seen in Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band

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