Bruce Springsteen Says Only Death Will Stop Him from Touring: ‘Never Seen a Hearse with Luggage on Top’….

At 75, Bruce Springsteen remains one of the most iconic and enduring figures in rock music, with a career spanning more than five decades. During his appearance on The Graham Norton Show on October 18, 2024, “The Boss” shared insights into his unyielding passion for touring, revealing that he plans to keep performing for as long as he’s able. His message was clear: he won’t be hanging up his boots anytime soon, jokingly adding, “You’ve never seen a hearse with luggage on top, so that will be it for me. I am going to keep going until it’s over.”

Springsteen’s energy and dedication to his craft remain as strong as ever, despite his age. His love for the road, performing live, and connecting with fans has been a constant throughout his career. Having sold millions of albums, won 20 Grammys, and received an Oscar, Springsteen has built an unparalleled legacy. Yet, even after thrilling audiences for more than half a century, his passion remains undiminished.

The Road Never Ends for “The Boss”

While promoting his new documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Springsteen reflected on his love for touring, and his reasons for never wanting to stop. The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rock legend’s life on the road, chronicling his latest tour, which is his first since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted live performances globally. At 75, Springsteen has embraced the challenges of touring as part of his identity. His epic live shows, which famously last for three hours or more, have become legendary.

“It’s fun to overwhelm the audience,” Springsteen said during his interview with Graham Norton. But despite his love for performing, he admitted that even after all these years, he still experiences some anxiety before hitting the stage.

“I get anticipatory anxiety,” Springsteen confessed. “It’s not quite the same thing as nervousness. It’s a natural feeling to have before you go out to challenge yourself. If it wasn’t there, I think there would be something wrong with you, and you couldn’t do the job.”

This insight from Springsteen highlighted the enduring vulnerability that even the biggest rock stars feel before a performance. Despite decades of experience, Springsteen’s commitment to giving his all in every show means that the pressure to perform at the highest level never fades.

Springsteen’s Life on the Big Screen: Biopic on the Horizon

During the conversation, Springsteen also shared exciting news about the upcoming biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere, which will focus on his life. The film centers on the period following the release of The River (1980) and covers his creation of the introspective and stripped-down 1982 album Nebraska.

The role of Springsteen will be portrayed by actor Jeremy Allen White, best known for his work on The Bear. Springsteen expressed his excitement about the project and praised White’s talent, noting that stepping into his boots is no easy task.

“This is not easy to do because you can’t do an imitation, you have to do a personal interpretation,” Springsteen explained. “It’s difficult, but he is a great actor and sings pretty good.”

White, who has been preparing for the role, has been immersing himself in Springsteen’s world. In a recent interview with GQ, the actor shared how he has been studying Springsteen’s performances, speech patterns, and music, calling the experience “really fun.” White also praised Springsteen for his support of the project, saying, “He’s just the greatest guy.”

For Springsteen, the biopic offers a chance to reflect on his own journey. He told Norton that he’s been “involved a little in the project,” though he’s taking a hands-off approach to let the filmmakers bring his story to life. With White taking on the challenge, Springsteen expressed confidence in the film’s ability to capture the essence of the period when Nebraska was born—a pivotal time in his career when he chose a minimalist, raw approach that contrasted with his previous rock albums.

Touring and Staying Lean: The Secret to Endurance

Springsteen’s unparalleled stamina is one of the many reasons fans continue to flock to his shows. At 75, he credits his longevity on stage to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He shared with Norton that keeping a simple, disciplined diet has helped him remain “lean and mean” enough to continue performing at such a high level. His grueling three-hour performances, filled with intensity and emotion, require both physical and mental strength.

But Springsteen has also learned the value of pacing himself as he’s gotten older. “These days, the key to performing those three-hour shows is taking time off between performances,” he said. “That’s been the biggest change.” By giving himself time to rest between shows, Springsteen ensures that every performance is delivered with the same fire and passion that fans have come to expect from “The Boss.”

A New Documentary and a Lasting Legacy

In his new documentary Road Diary, which will debut on Disney+ on October 25, Springsteen offers fans a candid look at his life on tour. The film not only captures the excitement of performing but also explores his relationships with the members of the E Street Band, including guitarist Steven Van Zandt, drummer Max Weinberg, bassist Garry Tallent, and his wife, Patti Scialfa. Scialfa, who has been battling multiple myeloma, continues to be an integral part of Springsteen’s life, both personally and professionally. Her strength and resilience add emotional depth to the documentary, as it portrays the challenges and triumphs that the couple has faced together.

Springsteen’s ability to connect with his audience, both on and off stage, has cemented his place as one of the most beloved rock musicians of all time. His music speaks to generations of fans, and his live performances are legendary for their emotional intensity and physical demands. Whether it’s through his classic albums like Born to Run and Born in the USA or through new projects like Road Diary and Deliver Me from Nowhere, Springsteen’s influence on music and culture remains as powerful as ever.

A Rock Legend with No Plans to Stop

For Bruce Springsteen, the journey is far from over. As he continues to tour and create, he remains driven by the same passion that propelled him to stardom all those years ago. As he joked on The Graham Norton Show, death is the only thing that will stop him from touring, and he’s determined to keep performing for as long as he can.

For his fans, Springsteen’s commitment to live music is a gift that keeps on giving. And as long as “The Boss” is on stage, they’ll be shouting “Bruuuce!” with the same enthusiasm they’ve shown for decades.