Bruce Springsteen Reunites E Street Band for Special Live Show

## A Historic Gathering at Monmouth University

“The full E Street Band right here!” Bruce Springsteen declared to a vibrant crowd packed into Monmouth University’s Pollack Theatre on Saturday afternoon. He had just performed “Thunder Road” alongside seven musicians, six of whom made up a unique blend of original and current E Street Band members. This lineup included Steven Van Zandt, Garry Tallent, David Sancious, Roy Bittan on keys, Ernest Carter, and Max Weinberg on dual drums, plus veteran saxophonist Ed Manion. Remarkably, it was the first time this specific assembly of artists had shared the stage, blending elements from the jazz-influenced pre-1975 E Street Band with the longstanding version known for its powerhouse performances.

### A Celebration of “Born to Run”

Following “Thunder Road,” the band performed “Born to Run,” concluding an all-too-brief two-song set at a symposium celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic album. The event was hosted by the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, and as they played, the 700-seat auditorium transformed into a makeshift stadium filled with enthusiastic fans who eagerly joined Springsteen in the chorus.

This thrilling conclusion capped off a day filled with on-stage panels, interviews, and discussions that featured not only Springsteen but also many of the individuals involved in the album’s creation. Participants included members of the E Street Band, engineers like Jimmy Iovine, and others who played pivotal roles in bringing “Born to Run” to life.

### Tributes to Collaborators

Despite Springsteen being the anticipated highlight of the day, the symposium honored numerous musicians and industry figures who contributed to making “Born to Run” the legendary album it is today. Reflecting on his journey, Springsteen remarked, “These were the guys that were there when you needed them,” honoring his bandmates and industry connections during discussions about the album’s recording.

This gathering took place during a time of intensified legacy-building for Springsteen, coinciding with next month’s biopic, *Deliver Me From Nowhere.* Although this film focuses on *Nebraska*, the year has prominently featured retrospectives of Springsteen’s career, especially marking the 50th anniversary of his most iconic record.

### Insights and Anecdotes

Throughout the panels, the stories shared provided a captivating glimpse into the album’s history. Former manager Mike Appel recounted his tactics with major publications, while Iovine shared poignant moments with Springsteen during a recent drive. Photographer Eric Meola highlighted the dynamic atmosphere during the album’s photoshoot, showcasing a blend of exhaustion and exuberance among the band members.

Springsteen himself participated fully, being spotted in the wings enjoying the humor of a panel focusing on the 1975 tour. He triumphantly reflected on how “Born to Run” resonates 50 years later, humorously stating, “It sounds like I fucking sound!”

### A Moment of Self-Reflection

During discussions, Springsteen recalled light-hearted memories from his childhood while sharing the story behind naming a character in “Born to Run.” He candidly admitted to borrowing elements from other songs and his initial feelings of insecurity working with seasoned professionals.

In a humorous twist, he requested the lyrics to “Backstreets” be pulled up on a teleprompter, joking, “I want all of them. I’m 76; I don’t know any of them!”

As the day drew to a close, Van Zandt showcased a guitar to illustrate a pivotal change in the “Born to Run” riff, demonstrating its historical significance. The audience laughed as Van Zandt transformed the minor chord into a major one, with Springsteen noting how such small changes can alter musical history.