4/5
Glory Road Trip
100 Mins. Starring: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. Director: Thom Zimny. On: Disney +.
Even the planet's pandemic couldn't stop 'The Boss' Bruce Springsteen from getting back on the road like his beat version of Keourac's American dream. Yet on his new tour documentary, 'Road Diary', with his legendary E Street Band, he takes stock at this moment, with all that's come before and all that's left. Giving fond fans his most intimate 'Letter To You' yet. Streaming on Disney +, this Hulu and Star original directed by Thom Zimny (the wonderful 'Western Stars' movie), is the closest you'll get to the boss of all bosses this side of 'Springsteen On Broadway'. It really is the year of the Jersey boys on the documentary stage, Jon. As this diary follows the marvellous miniseries of 'Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story'.
Jon Bon saved someone's life recently. Just like, Bruce has been giving hope to those who work hard in boot leather and worn denim for their own slice of the American dream. Something that's needed now, more than ever, as we are all 'Working On A Dream' towards a new election day we hope doesn't hit us like a 'Wrecking Ball'. An inspired, in-depth look at the most influential band on the concert circuit, no Springsteen catalogue is complete without this backstreets, backstage, behind the scene's footage of rehearsals, rare archival clips and reflections from the man himself. All before this band on the run takes to the road for their legendary live shows. Signature in the fact that they last as long as 'The Godfather' trilogy with the don doing everything from silencing the crowd (check out the friendly fan at the front), to collecting all their banner song-title favours ('Devils Arcade', 'Trouble In Paradise') and performing it all, off the cuff and with tremendous power that blows the house down.
Proving it all night, Springsteen is embarking on another world tour. Despite illness forcing the 75-year-old, who still puts on mammoth three-hour plus sets, to postpone some of his shows last year. Even the great Taylor Swift can't deliver epic eras like this. 'Born To Run'. 'The River'. 'The Rising'. We still need his 'Magic'. The 'High Hopes' he gives us with his E Street Shuffle. 'Only The Strong Survive' and this documentary is a dedication to his dearly departed friends and bandmates Danny Federici and Clarence 'Big Man' Clemons (like his classic cover of The Commodores' 'Nightshift'), honoured by the young man that is his nephew, Jake Clemons. Not to forget Bruce's beautiful mother, the late, Adele Zerilli Springsteen, as this film concludes, post-credits, with their last dance and waltz on the porch. Bruce Springsteen has been through it all, over the decades, born in the USA. War, 9-11, the recession, his own great depression. Love, loss. The American dream and nightmare. And now, heart and soul, he stares down his own mortality.
Life's impermanence is a fate none of us can escape. It seems cruel, but there can be beauty in it too as you look back on the life you have lived and loved. All the work you've done and all the shifts that are still to come in this long and winding road. Because this concert movie of sorts is more than a BTS look at the man that is to rock music what Korea is to pop. Sure, you'll love to see the mighty Max Weinberg and legendary Stevie Van Zandt give their terrific testimonials to the touring times. Just like you will the beauty of the love between Bruce and the real boss, Patti Scialfa that still burns like 'Fire', because remember, "brunettes are fine, and blondes are fun, but..." Getting the job done, The Boss takes us from the boardwalk to Barcelona and all the bold and beautiful moments in-between. Making every stop on the way, as there's still life on the road yet, and pages in the diary to write to the letter. Ending on a powerful quote by Jim Morrison, open the doors on this definitive and delightful documentary, breaking on through to the other side, and your fire will really be lit once more. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Further Touring: 'Springsteen On Broadway', 'Bruce Springsteen: Western Stars', 'Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story'.
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