As a Jersey boy myself, I have been following Bruce Springsteen for several decades as my friends and I went down to the Jersey Shore for summer adventures over the years. We met Bruce on several occasions in Asbury Park before he became so big we could never have front row seats again. When he was young, he played his music as if he were older. Now that he is old, he plays his music as if he were younger. I liked his transition from hard rock and roll to folk rock. It was the opposite transition that Bob Dylan, another icon of folk, took in his later years. Dylan was vilified for his transition, but Springsteen makes the transition as smooth as silk. His comfort with acoustic guitar and piano seemed like he is actually relieved that he can play to a more intimate atmosphere with his audience. His rendition of Born in the USA gives us the real feeling behind the composition of that piece, which was misinterpreted by millions during his heyday. It was not a song of proud Americanism and patriotism, but a lamentation of a returning veteran from the Vietnam War; another event I attended when I was younger. This one was a lot more entertaining.
36 Reviews
SPRINGSTEEN THE RISING
ArmenPandolaITSJUSTAMOVIECOM24 March 2019
Springsteen On Broadway is two and a half hours of just Bruce (his wife, Patti Scialfa, makes a brief appearance) telling stories and playing music. It is NOT a concert and he plays only a few of his many 'hits.' Instead, Springsteen On Broadway is the story of a man who made his living performing the magic act of making spellbinding, story-based music. He uses the usual microphones you see at a musical performance instead of those used in the theatre and this establishes, immediately, that he is not an 'actor' but rather a performer who tells stories. In fact, he ignores the mics and often walks away from them so that his voice has no amplification and this makes his performance even more 'real.' Director Thom Zimny has done a masterful job of keeping the show moving, having unobtrusive stage hands bring out to Bruce various guitars and an harmonica.
One for the fans
clairedoobie7 September 2019
Well I am a fan and I've just read the autobiography so I was interested to see this. When I had 2.5 hours to spare.
It's not just singing, he's also a bit of a raconteur. The stories will be familiar to anyone who's read the book.
He does state right at the start that he'd never worked in a factory and done five days a week ('until now. I hate it'). It's surprising to me that one reviewer is disappointed in this. Somehow hearing that someone is making it all up (writing that is) means they're a fraud. As if a writer cannot use their imagination! And for Springsteen it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to imagine what his life would've been like if he hadn't got the rock 'n' roll bug. Because that was his family background, so yeah why wouldn't he sing about blue-collar working people? Now if he was from a well-to-do professional family that would be different (though surely even the middle classes might be allowed to use their imagination too?).
Recommended especially for fans.
It's not just singing, he's also a bit of a raconteur. The stories will be familiar to anyone who's read the book.
He does state right at the start that he'd never worked in a factory and done five days a week ('until now. I hate it'). It's surprising to me that one reviewer is disappointed in this. Somehow hearing that someone is making it all up (writing that is) means they're a fraud. As if a writer cannot use their imagination! And for Springsteen it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to imagine what his life would've been like if he hadn't got the rock 'n' roll bug. Because that was his family background, so yeah why wouldn't he sing about blue-collar working people? Now if he was from a well-to-do professional family that would be different (though surely even the middle classes might be allowed to use their imagination too?).
Recommended especially for fans.
Brilliant
pamela_cook22 December 2018
I am NOT a Springsteen fan. Never cared much for his radio hits and never bought an album. This performance made me laugh, cry, and everything in-between. Made me feel nostalgic for my childhood. Made me reflect on my love for my dad and the moment when, near death from cancer, he expressed his apology for not having been a better dad. The talent and storytelling gifts manifested here were not at all what I expected. If you appreciate a true artist expressing from the heart, love live, raw music, piano, acoustic guitar, and harmonica intertwined with vivid storytelling that cuts to the heart, this show is for you. I won't soon forget this experience.
Masterful
kbarnett-166-95750517 December 2018
A brilliant and intimate portrait of an essential American voice. The songs, the stories are all great and Springsteen inhabits the screen with such charisma and personality, that the show seems much too short.
Tremendously moving and inspiring.
Worth every minute
scutter218 December 2018
Springsteen, as a songwriter and author is carefully constructive with words, sentences, ideas, characters, consequences, and stories. His spoken content, when colored by instrumental piano or guitar musical accompaniment, elevates the moving and poetic to perfection. The songs are chosen for this audience as opposed to the arenas, and weave a story that while it is definitely all about Bruce, the kid who grows up to be a rock star, is also completely relatable to all because it's about mothers, fathers, family, fatherhood, purpose, and being American. I advise you to Listen carefully, pay attention to every word, every lyric, and every elicited emotion. This performance will resonate with me forever not just as a way to know Bruce's story, but to see the correlation to mine and everyone I know.
This is why he is loved
mls418230 January 2022
Springsteen is more than his music. What other rock star could do this? The man is self made and did it the hard way. He is still unassuming, down to earth and sensitive.
Now we know where the sadness from behind the eyes came from.
Now we know where the sadness from behind the eyes came from.
you changed me Into something better
dannehh16 December 2018
I'm gonna keep this short!
I'm 24 years old and I have seen springsteen three Times in my life on the stage. He has hade a big influence on me, and saved me many Times! It's because of him I sing and play guitar and write songs.
And this show, was simple amazing! Wish I could have been there live, but I live in Sweden and have no money so... But I laught and cried, and never have 2 hours and 30 minutes gone by so fast. If you're a fan or not SEE IT!! How one man can have so mutch in him...
Thank you Bruce for everything! For making me belive that I could be more than what I am and that I could make my dreams come true...even though the probably never will...
And this show, was simple amazing! Wish I could have been there live, but I live in Sweden and have no money so... But I laught and cried, and never have 2 hours and 30 minutes gone by so fast. If you're a fan or not SEE IT!! How one man can have so mutch in him...
Thank you Bruce for everything! For making me belive that I could be more than what I am and that I could make my dreams come true...even though the probably never will...
Epic show
drozgurozturk19 December 2018
It is not a show, it is like reading a 500 page novel which attracts you so much that you forget to sleep in order to read another chapter. Springsteen undoubtfully one of the most important american artists of all time, tells the epic story of the second half of 20th century in this touching, moody, expansive melodic show; so lay on your couch, and take a ride in time with music; and thank to universe that we are humans and we have artists like him who define their eras
Irrational reviews as usual
alfredvankuik18 January 2021
Rationality is, as per usual, hard to find in these user reviews. It's always either a 1 or a 10, whereas the reality lies somewhere in between. People call it either a great masterpiece or a self-centered POS. Well, it is quite self-centered, but what do you expect out of a one man show?
The thing is: Springsteen knows how to tell a story. As a European fan, I like the little travel capsule his music and this show give me into a regular American life that I sometimes dream of. This very much does that, diving into Bruce's youth, his parents and his hometown. It's standard Springsteen material and no matter how many times it's repeated, I still gobble it up. There's some real touching stories in there.
Now the songs... I can't say I was a fan of the stripped down versions. I love me some acoustic, but this was different. The lyrics were there but the entire songs were changed to the point some were hard to recognize and it didn't really sit well with me for most. Tom Joad was nice and Brilliant Disguise was decent but those were really the only two where I didn't feel weirded out by how much the songs stray away from the flow and style of the originals. You could see this creative approach as positive, but to me it really wasn't.
At 2.5 hours, it's a little on the long side and I caught myself yawning here and there, but all in all it manages to feel shorter than it is and it usually stays interesting enough with a decent mix of story and song.
Conclusion: If you don't like Springsteen, this won't convince you. If you like Springsteen, you won't need convincing and you'll probably enjoy it.
The thing is: Springsteen knows how to tell a story. As a European fan, I like the little travel capsule his music and this show give me into a regular American life that I sometimes dream of. This very much does that, diving into Bruce's youth, his parents and his hometown. It's standard Springsteen material and no matter how many times it's repeated, I still gobble it up. There's some real touching stories in there.
Now the songs... I can't say I was a fan of the stripped down versions. I love me some acoustic, but this was different. The lyrics were there but the entire songs were changed to the point some were hard to recognize and it didn't really sit well with me for most. Tom Joad was nice and Brilliant Disguise was decent but those were really the only two where I didn't feel weirded out by how much the songs stray away from the flow and style of the originals. You could see this creative approach as positive, but to me it really wasn't.
At 2.5 hours, it's a little on the long side and I caught myself yawning here and there, but all in all it manages to feel shorter than it is and it usually stays interesting enough with a decent mix of story and song.
Conclusion: If you don't like Springsteen, this won't convince you. If you like Springsteen, you won't need convincing and you'll probably enjoy it.
1+1=3
jaladren16 December 2018
The Boss confesses himself in this wonderful, emotional, emotive, amazing spectacle. He talks -and sings- about his childhood, his love, his friends who are gone and who not, his father, his mother, his country. About everything that makes him be himself. And that's a lot. Two hours and a half to emotion, motivate you, to make you cry, of course, but also to make you laugh and to leave you a great feeling on the human being.
Because, although he is the best, he is The Boss, he is, above all, a human being. He has problems, he cries, he prays, he feares himself... The only thing that makes him special is that he is able to tell us in an unique way. Please, whether you love or don't know Bruce Springsteen -I'm supposing everybody who knows him likes him- or not, please don't miss this magical journey through his life. You won't be disappointed.
Because, although he is the best, he is The Boss, he is, above all, a human being. He has problems, he cries, he prays, he feares himself... The only thing that makes him special is that he is able to tell us in an unique way. Please, whether you love or don't know Bruce Springsteen -I'm supposing everybody who knows him likes him- or not, please don't miss this magical journey through his life. You won't be disappointed.
Stories, with a little bit of music
KyleLicht16 July 2020
This is a great live concert to put on. I never realized how much of a charismatic storyteller Bruce Springsteen is. Much of the show is autobiographical monologues, interspersed with music. So, if you're just looking for some music, you're better off listening to an album.
For fans only
alfredsmith16 December 2018
Completely not what I expected. An overly Introspective talkfest from Springsteen that his fans will undoubtedly love but the rest of us will have trouble listening to him for over two and a half hours talking of his life and playing songs "unplugged". He finishes with "Born to Run" as you've never heard it before. It just doesn't work because he's no balladeer. I've seen a similar show with Jimmy Barnes called "Working Class Boy" that is far more watchable than this. Unlike Springsteen, Barnes plays with a complete backing band. I think that's probably why "On Broadway" doesn't work for me.
If you're one of his fans go for it, otherwise I cannot recommend it.
If you're one of his fans go for it, otherwise I cannot recommend it.
An 11 star rating should be created for this
mikegibb-604186 February 2020
I am not a total Springsteen devotee. I have a few of the more folkie albums but that's about it. So I approached this not knowing what to expect and I was blown away. The music is wonderful stripped back to the basic guitar or piano and voice. But that is only half of the charm. The linking narrative is spellbinding and for two and a half hours I was totally captivated. It is moving and fascinating and just a joyous affair. So even if you are not a big Bruce fan or even not a fan at all give this a try. You won't be disappointed
simply THE BOSS
gadgettech23 December 2018
It's for fans, sure it is, but specially for the ones who love good music with meaningfull lyrics, and not only the crap that is 90% of the music made today. this a genuine, true musician, that has songs with a message, with content, not only repeated lines all over.
I love his music, is message, and consider him one of the greatest american song writers of all time, a true and genuine performer...it will always be THE BOSS
Like fine wine hes getting better with age..AMAZING!!!!
danatural-7594823 December 2018
A fan or not of BS this is an absolute MUST WATCH...make sure you watch it alone if your not fan of shedding tears in front of others because trust me your gonna feel EVERY emotion one can feel multiple times no doubt...if your from NJ ( Wildwood myself) theres so many awesome references & memories. Its like Bruce just sees life at a much higher level and is the best ive ever saw relay his memories/messages..last but not least myman maybe knocking on 70's door age wise but mentally,physically, and performance wise i cant imagine him being more on point EVER then he is on broadway..true master of his craft and a mutha fn legend whos done Southern NJ so proud..YOUR THE MAN SPRINGSTEEN!!!!!!
The Soundtrack to My Life
Lorenz106023 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I still can't quite believe that The Boss is eight years older than I am - making him 68 at the time these shows were taped (the Netflix show is taken from two concerts filmed in front of invited audiences in July 2018). After 50 years onstage his unbridled energy is still astounding. Good grief: he'll turn 70 in 2019!
My pre-teen years were dominated by a band with these four guys from Liverpool who were together for about a decade, but when I hit my mid-teens, Springsteen's first albums began to appear, and they never stopped. I have been lucky enough to have heard him in arena concerts five times on two continents, including the first time the E Street Band got together after a break. I was also at one of the first concerts after the sad, premature death of Clarence Clemons, and the emotions that night are etched into my soul.
This has, quite simply, been the music of my life. My soundtrack!
These concerts became an important document of music history the second they were released by Netflix.
The production qualities are high (especially the lighting, and the glorious 5.1 Digital Dolby audio mix when played on my Surround Sound system), and even when Springsteen spontaneously moves away from the microphones, you can still hear his voice resonating throughout the 960-seat Walter Kerr Theatre, one of the smallest on Broadway.
I read a few of the negative reviews (how many are there? two?) and they must be from people who are too young to be able to appreciate this style of rock, mostly associated with arena-filling audio here reduced to acoustic guitar, piano, and harmonica. Also, there seems to be more talk (not one second of it boring or unnecessary) than music for about the first 90 minutes, before the music builds and builds and dominates the last hour (the running time is 2 hours 33 minutes).
I was laughing out loud at the opening monologue about Springsteen's youth in Asbury Park and the beginnings of his musical life, and was in tears just as soon as I heard the opening riff of "My Hometown." The duets with Patti Scialfa are terrific and just long enough. "Born in the USA," played in a minor key and sung mostly a cappella in a damaged, blues style, is bone-chilling and, in our current times, takes on an even deeper meaning.
Had Springsteen wanted to just talk and play a few snippets for another two-and-a-half-hours, I'd still be hanging on to every word and every note. I just hope his days of touring with a full band are not over.
My pre-teen years were dominated by a band with these four guys from Liverpool who were together for about a decade, but when I hit my mid-teens, Springsteen's first albums began to appear, and they never stopped. I have been lucky enough to have heard him in arena concerts five times on two continents, including the first time the E Street Band got together after a break. I was also at one of the first concerts after the sad, premature death of Clarence Clemons, and the emotions that night are etched into my soul.
This has, quite simply, been the music of my life. My soundtrack!
These concerts became an important document of music history the second they were released by Netflix.
The production qualities are high (especially the lighting, and the glorious 5.1 Digital Dolby audio mix when played on my Surround Sound system), and even when Springsteen spontaneously moves away from the microphones, you can still hear his voice resonating throughout the 960-seat Walter Kerr Theatre, one of the smallest on Broadway.
I read a few of the negative reviews (how many are there? two?) and they must be from people who are too young to be able to appreciate this style of rock, mostly associated with arena-filling audio here reduced to acoustic guitar, piano, and harmonica. Also, there seems to be more talk (not one second of it boring or unnecessary) than music for about the first 90 minutes, before the music builds and builds and dominates the last hour (the running time is 2 hours 33 minutes).
I was laughing out loud at the opening monologue about Springsteen's youth in Asbury Park and the beginnings of his musical life, and was in tears just as soon as I heard the opening riff of "My Hometown." The duets with Patti Scialfa are terrific and just long enough. "Born in the USA," played in a minor key and sung mostly a cappella in a damaged, blues style, is bone-chilling and, in our current times, takes on an even deeper meaning.
Had Springsteen wanted to just talk and play a few snippets for another two-and-a-half-hours, I'd still be hanging on to every word and every note. I just hope his days of touring with a full band are not over.
Amazing Performance
rjh-9565221 December 2018
The Last Schmaltz
TwittingOnTrender22 December 2018
Of course his fans are lapping it up - he could play Yankee Doodle on a kazoo for two and a half hours and IMDB would be swamped with 10 star reviews. Some of his great songs survive the radical overhaul (Born in the USA is a casualty, turned into a belicose shouty blues number) but really, this was money for old rope. Overheads low, ticket sales exploitative. The monologues are sickly, schmaltzy and manipulative - basically chunks of his autobiography bellowed like a fairground barker. So for actual MUSIC fans (rather than people obsessed with celebrity) your choices are see him like this or as a dot on the horizon in some huge ballpark. It's a pity, because in there somewhere is a great musician.
That's how great BOSS is.
maria_russo26 December 2018
Simply beautiful.. Bruce reaches the heart and soul, fills them with that blissful feeling and such a positive energy which is really hard to describe.. That's why you gotta listen him sing, watch him smile and tell you a story with that good humor of his :) And then you smile. You just forget all the worries and trifles of everyday life and suddenly you are on a journey to that land of hopes and dreams with everything that really matters.. And guess what? Boss is driving :)
Superb
gcorken-275-42419722 December 2018
I've read a few reviews, critical reviews, stating "boring unless you're a fan" and "for groupies"....
Well, yeah. Obviously. It's superb. Why would you even watch if you're not a fan? Don't. It's not for you.
It's for me. 10/10
Well, yeah. Obviously. It's superb. Why would you even watch if you're not a fan? Don't. It's not for you.
It's for me. 10/10
A transcendent and emotional journey with The Boss
ntaradilis24 December 2018
From "Growin' Up" through to "Land of Hope and Dreams" Bruce Springsteen is enchanting, emotionally bare, and thoroughly captivating. Springsteen On Broadway is a landmark occasion, allowing Bruce to guide the audience through carefully selected chapters of his life that correspond with the music he has written across his entire career.
The journey is a sprawling odyssey at over two and a half hours, but always intimate and engaging. It is also filmed in much the same way, always focused on the man as he shares the fears of his youth, his personal grief, and the legacy that pervades the paternal and guiding ancestral role he plays in our lives.
This is essential for any Springsteen fan, but even non-fans will be converted after experiencing an eloquent and entertaining evening with a truly rare master of his craft.
The journey is a sprawling odyssey at over two and a half hours, but always intimate and engaging. It is also filmed in much the same way, always focused on the man as he shares the fears of his youth, his personal grief, and the legacy that pervades the paternal and guiding ancestral role he plays in our lives.
This is essential for any Springsteen fan, but even non-fans will be converted after experiencing an eloquent and entertaining evening with a truly rare master of his craft.
You must see this!
ari-perkkio2 May 2019
This concert is stunning. What a man! He uncovers his hole life telling these stories between the songs. Saw him once in Stockolm in -81 and the concert lasted 4 hours with just one little break in the beginning of the show
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