Steven Van Zandt, a long-time member of the E Street Band, recently disclosed that he had a candid conversation with Bruce Springsteen regarding the removal of a song from their tour setlist. The revelation came to light during the filming of a new Disney+ documentary that delves into the band’s recent tour experiences.
The E Street Band, along with Springsteen, embarked on a tour in 2023, their first since the pandemic-induced hiatus. The documentary sheds light on the meticulous curation of their setlists, a topic of great interest for die-hard Springsteen fans. Unlike previous tours where Springsteen would frequently change up the songs played at each show, this tour featured a more consistent setlist, showcasing notable performances such as his rendition of “Nightshift” and a heartfelt medley of “Last Man Standing” and “Backstreets” dedicated to a childhood friend.
However, Van Zandt expressed surprise and confusion over the omission of a particular song, “Burning Train”, from the original setlist. The track, featured in the documentary with a memorable solo by Van Zandt himself, was anticipated to be a significant component of the tour. Van Zandt remarked, “Honest to god – a major part of the tour. I was so glad to see that in the movie. I jammed Bruce with that one. I was like, ‘Listen to that – how could you not play this one live?’”
When questioned about the decision to remove “Burning Train” from the setlist, Van Zandt mentioned, “There’s a lot of good songs, man.” This change in the setlist dynamics echoed the essence of fan requests during live shows, where fans hold up banners with obscure or lesser-known songs for Springsteen to perform, adding an element of spontaneity and surprise to the performances.
Despite fan anticipation for certain tracks like “Jungleland” at specific shows, Van Zandt pointed out the importance of appreciating the curated setlist chosen by the band. He encouraged fans to embrace the show in its entirety, highlighting the joy of being present for each unique performance and the element of unpredictability that comes with live music experiences.
The documentary, ‘Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band’, captures these behind-the-scenes moments and will be available for streaming on Disney+ from 25 October. Fans can look forward to gaining insights into the creative process and dynamics within the E Street Band during their recent tour with Springsteen.
In summary, the candid revelations by Steven Van Zandt offer a glimpse into the intricate decision-making process behind crafting a tour setlist, resonating with fans who eagerly anticipate each live performance while embracing the element of surprise that is synonymous with Springsteen’s legendary shows.