The Graham Norton Show: Fans Confused Over Apparent Boos for Bruce Springsteen, but There’s More to the Story
Viewers of The Graham Norton Show were left puzzled during Friday night’s episode (18 October) when what sounded like boos rang out as legendary musician Bruce Springsteen was introduced. The moment, which sparked confusion on social media, came just as Springsteen took the stage to promote his upcoming Disney+ documentary Road Diary. What initially seemed like disapproval from the studio audience, however, quickly turned out to be something entirely different.
The episode featured a star-studded lineup including actors Amy Adams and Vanessa Williams, comedian Bill Bailey, and musician St Vincent, but it was Springsteen who commanded the most attention. As host Graham Norton introduced “The Boss,” a distinctive noise echoed through the crowd. Some viewers at home mistook the sound for boos, leading to an outpouring of confused reactions on social media platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter).
One user asked, “Why did the audience boo Springsteen on The Graham Norton Show?” Another wondered if they had misheard, posting: “Is that booing or something else?”
Social Media Misunderstanding: “They Weren’t Booing”
However, fans familiar with Bruce Springsteen’s concerts and dedicated fan base were quick to correct the misunderstanding. It turns out that the noise was not boos, but rather fans affectionately shouting “Bruuuce!” – a long-standing tradition at Springsteen’s live performances.
One Springsteen fan took to social media to clarify: “They weren’t booing, they were shouting ‘Brruuuuccceee!’ It happens at all his shows.” Another added: “For those who don’t know, this is a sign of love for Bruce! It always sounds like booing, but it’s ‘Broooce,’ not ‘Boo.’”
This isn’t the first time that people unfamiliar with Springsteen’s concerts have been confused by the chant. The misinterpretation has happened numerous times over the years, especially at televised events. But for his longtime fans, the call is a heartfelt expression of admiration for the music icon, who has been wowing audiences for over five decades.
Graham Norton’s Reaction
Even The Graham Norton Show host, known for his quick wit and light-hearted banter, joined in on the joke. After noticing the confusion, Norton quipped, “To me, it still sounds like booing. But it’s not – they love you, Bruce!” Springsteen laughed off the mix-up, clearly familiar with the reaction he often receives from fans.
Despite the initial confusion, the warm reception that followed made it clear that the audience was filled with die-hard Springsteen fans. As the conversation flowed, Springsteen discussed his new documentary, his long-standing career, and his secret to performing energetic, marathon-length shows, even at age 75.
Springsteen’s New Documentary: Road Diary
Springsteen’s latest project, Road Diary, is a deeply personal documentary set to premiere on Disney+ on 25 October. The film follows the rock legend on his most recent tour – the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic – offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road with the E Street Band.
The documentary explores Springsteen’s unique position as both a global musical icon and the driving force behind one of the most enduring bands in rock history. It highlights his close relationships with band members, including Steven Van Zandt, Max Weinberg, Garry Tallent, and his wife, Patti Scialfa, who plays a central role in both his personal life and his music. In the film, Scialfa opens up about her recent battle with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, which has added a layer of poignancy to the couple’s work.
In an interview with The Times, Springsteen spoke candidly about aging and how it has changed the way he approaches his famously long and intense live shows. “These days, the key to performing those three-hour shows is taking time off between performances,” he said. “That’s been the biggest change. If we do that, we can play at our top form, which is what I like to do at this point.”
Springsteen also emphasized his commitment to giving fans the best possible experience, noting, “I don’t want to go out there tired, because we put the pedal to the metal for three hours straight. It’s fun to overwhelm the audience.”
Springsteen at 75: Lean, Mean, and Still Rocking
Despite his age, Springsteen shows no signs of slowing down. At 75, he remains as energetic and passionate about performing as ever, attributing his longevity to a basic, disciplined lifestyle. He told The Times that maintaining a healthy diet helps him stay “lean and mean” for the physically demanding nature of his shows. Fans often marvel at his endurance and ability to command the stage for hours, delivering hit after hit with the same vigor that has made him a rock icon.
Springsteen’s classic albums, including Born to Run, Nebraska, and Born in the USA, remain touchstones of American rock, and his live performances are legendary for their intensity, often stretching for three hours or more. His connection with audiences around the world, built over decades, is perhaps the reason why fans are so fiercely devoted, and why the chant of “Bruuuce” continues to echo at every event he attends.
A Misunderstanding with a Happy Ending
Though some viewers were initially perplexed by what they thought were boos for Bruce Springsteen, the situation was quickly cleared up, leaving many amused by the misunderstanding. The “Bruuuce” chant is a hallmark of Springsteen’s connection with his fans, a sign of their deep affection for the legendary musician.
As The Graham Norton Show wrapped up the segment, the confusion was put to rest, and the episode went on to highlight Springsteen’s incredible career, his enduring legacy, and his latest documentary. For fans old and new, it was another reminder of why Bruce Springsteen remains “The Boss” – an artist whose music transcends generations and whose performances continue to inspire awe.
As the anticipation builds for the release of Road Diary, Springsteen’s fans can look forward to an intimate glimpse into the life of one of rock’s most beloved figures. And for those watching his appearance on The Graham Norton Show, it was a moment of clarification and celebration – a chance to laugh, cheer, and, of course, shout “Bruuuce” once again.
