Some know him firmly as The Boss, but to everyone else, he’s known as Bruce Springsteen.
Throughout history, rockstars have seemingly picked up their fair share of silly nicknames during their time spent on stage.
Take Jim Morrison, for instance. His slithering, languid body earned him the nickname “The Lizard King.” David Bowie’s adoration for space travel earned him his very own Starman moniker. Eric Clapton’s history with the guitar earned him the title of “Slowhand” And if you’re Bruce Springsteen, well, you’re also ‘The Boss.”
He was the leader of the E Street Band.
On stage, he soaks in the spotlight and sings his heart out.
Offstage, he also led his band in all other areas. As part of his duties, he collected money from venues after the show and paid the bandmates individually. It was through this simple act alone that he gained his lasting nickname. But Springsteen has also done a great amount to keep it, proving time and time again that he really is the boss.
He arrived in the 1970s and stayed for life.
Throughout his career, Springsteen has managed to continuously and magnetically draw an incredible audience.
Almost 50 years later, he draws the same crowd. He’s done this by being an all-around good and relatable guy. From the beginning, Springsteen has spoken to the blue-collar everyman, always seemingly ready to share a beer, a joke, an ear and most certainly a song.
His time spent in the limelight has been comprised of hard work and dedication.
Across his career, he’s been able to churn out some of rock’n’roll’s most beloved hits and albums.
Without haste, he’s proven that he’s a crafted songwriter with solid roots and the ability to appeal.
Take this live 1985 performance of “I’m On Fire” in Paris, for example.
With almost six million views and 14,000 likes, it seems the internet firmly agrees that they, too, are on fire.
This most intimate portrait of a song proves that it delivers time and time again.
Jackson Browne had this to say of Springsteen’s 1982 hit:
“‘I’m on Fire’ is one of his most intimate songs. And it’s not claiming any high ground. It’s about fundamental deep-seated desire. The drums are played with a cross stick [on the snare]. He says, “I’m on fire,” but he lets all this muscular playing fall away. The performance has its own power. It’s something that exists in him. It’s just there. And it’s astonishing to see somebody who relied that much on physical power to let the music and his voice be understated like this. It’s a great moment.”
One listen and you’ll know exactly what he’s talking about—this stripped-down Springsteen is sure to please.
As the familiar notes of the song begin to play out on the guitar, Springsteen guides the audience with a small anecdote.
He recalls, as a child, watching his father waiting for him at night to come home.
His father would sit in the kitchen with all the lights out, drinking and smoking, waiting for Springsteen to return home. He would try to sneak in, but his father would always call him back.
From there, he launches into the familiar song, ripe with emotion.
Watch Springsteen sing about desire in this intimate and bare performance linked below!
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