History of Bruce Springsteen in Timeline

Bruce Springsteen, nicknamed "the Boss", is an iconic American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He's a pioneer of heartland rock, known for his commercially successful rock music combined with poetic, socially conscious lyrics reflecting working-class American life. With 21 studio albums released over six decades, many featuring the E Street Band, Springsteen is lauded for his descriptive lyrics and high-energy concerts, which often extend beyond four hours, cementing his place as a legendary performer.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1924: Father's Birth Year

In 1924, Douglas Frederick "Dutch" Springsteen, Bruce Springsteen's father, was born.

1925: Mother's Birth Year

In 1925, Adele Ann (née Zerilli), Bruce Springsteen's mother, was born.

September 23, 1949: Bruce Springsteen's Birth

On September 23, 1949, Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. He would later become a famous rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist.

1956: Elvis Presley Performance

In 1956, Bruce Springsteen was inspired to become a musician after seeing Elvis Presley's performances on The Ed Sullivan Show.

1957: Elvis Presley Performance

In 1957, Bruce Springsteen was inspired to become a musician after seeing Elvis Presley's performances on The Ed Sullivan Show.

1962: Pamela Springsteen's Birth

Around 1962, Bruce Springsteen's sister, Pamela Springsteen, was born. She later worked as an actress and a photographer, contributing to three of Bruce's albums.

1964: Inspired by The Beatles

In 1964, after seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, Bruce Springsteen bought his first guitar and started playing in a band called the Rogues.

1965: Joins The Castiles

In 1965, Bruce Springsteen became the lead guitarist and one of the lead singers of the Castiles, with the help of Tex and Marion Vinyard.

1967: High School Graduation

In 1967, Bruce Springsteen graduated from Freehold High School, but skipped his graduation ceremony due to feeling alienated.

1969: Formation of Child

From 1969, Bruce Springsteen performed with the band Child, which later changed its name to Steel Mill.

1969: Family Relocation

In 1969, Bruce Springsteen's parents and sister Pamela moved to San Mateo, California, while he and his sister Virginia remained in Freehold.

January 1970: Steel Mill Show Review

In January 1970, music critic Philip Elwood reviewed Steel Mill's show at The Matrix, praising their performance and Springsteen's songwriting.

1971: End of Steel Mill Era

By early 1971, Bruce Springsteen was still performing with Steel Mill.

1971: Band Performances

Throughout 1971, Bruce Springsteen performed with several bands, including Dr. Zoom & the Sonic Boom, the Sundance Blues Band, and the Bruce Springsteen Band.

May 1972: Audition for Columbia Records

In May 1972, Bruce Springsteen auditioned for John Hammond, a talent scout at Columbia Records, which was a major step in his career.

October 1972: Formation of New Band

In October 1972, Bruce Springsteen formed a new band for his debut album, which would later become known as the E Street Band.

1972: Signing with Columbia Records

In 1972, Bruce Springsteen was signed to Columbia Records by John Hammond, marking a significant step in his professional music career.

1972: E Street Band Formation

In 1972, the E Street Band began forming and would become Bruce Springsteen's backing band.

January 1973: Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. Release

In January 1973, Bruce Springsteen released his debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., establishing him as a critical favorite.

March 1973: Crawdaddy Profile

In March 1973, Crawdaddy magazine editor Peter Knobler wrote a profile of Bruce Springsteen, comparing him to Bob Dylan.

November 1973: Release of The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle

In November 1973, Bruce Springsteen released his second album, The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle.

1973: Early Album Releases

In 1973, Bruce Springsteen released his first two albums, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. and The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. Both albums were well-received by critics.

February 1974: The Stone Pony Opens

In February 1974, The Stone Pony, a music venue and bar, opened in Asbury Park, where Bruce Springsteen played regularly.

May 22, 1974: Jon Landau's Review

On May 22, 1974, music critic Jon Landau wrote in Boston's The Real Paper that, "I saw rock and roll future, and its name is Bruce Springsteen,".

September 1974: E Street Band Name

In September 1974, the band formed in 1972 for Bruce Springsteen's debut album officially became known as the E Street Band.

February 1975: Landau Co-Produces Born to Run

In February 1975, Jon Landau became the co-producer of Bruce Springsteen's album, Born to Run.

July 20, 1975: Mixing for Born to Run

On July 20, 1975, the mixing process for the album "Born to Run" was completed, just before Bruce Springsteen began a concert tour.

August 1975: Release of Born to Run

In August 1975, Bruce Springsteen released "Born to Run", which became a breakthrough album that led him to worldwide fame.

October 1975: Newsweek and Time Covers

In October 1975, Bruce Springsteen appeared on the covers of both Newsweek and Time magazine in the same week, resulting in media backlash.

1975: Breakthrough with Born to Run

In 1975, Bruce Springsteen achieved worldwide popularity with the release of his album Born to Run, marking a change in his musical style.

1975: Crawdaddy Profile

In 1975, Crawdaddy magazine editor Peter Knobler wrote a profile of Bruce Springsteen.

June 1976: Private Performance at Crawdaddy Party

In June 1976, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band gave a private performance at Crawdaddy magazine's 10th Anniversary Party, acknowledging their support.

1976: Springsteen Compositions for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes

Between 1976 and 1978, Bruce Springsteen provided four compositions to Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, including "The Fever" and "Hearts of Stone", and collaborated on four more with Steven Van Zandt.

May 1977: Settlement with Appel

In May 1977, Bruce Springsteen reached a settlement with Appel and returned to the studio, beginning nine months of recording sessions with the E Street Band that resulted in "Darkness on the Edge of Town".

1977: Manfred Mann's Earth Band releases 'Blinded by the Light'

In 1977, Manfred Mann's Earth Band reached No. 1 in the US with their version of Bruce Springsteen's 'Blinded by the Light'.

June 1978: Release of Darkness on the Edge of Town

In June 1978, Bruce Springsteen released "Darkness on the Edge of Town".

1978: Darkness on the Edge of Town Release

In 1978, Bruce Springsteen released the album Darkness on the Edge of Town, further solidifying his place in the music industry.

1978: Crawdaddy Profile

In 1978, Crawdaddy magazine editor Peter Knobler wrote a profile of Bruce Springsteen.

1978: Patti Smith Releases 'Because the Night'

In 1978, Patti Smith reached No. 13 with her version of Bruce Springsteen's unreleased song, "Because the Night."

September 1979: Musicians United for Safe Energy Concert

In September 1979, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band joined the Musicians United for Safe Energy anti-nuclear power collective at Madison Square Garden, premiering songs from his upcoming album.

1979: The Pointer Sisters hit No. 2 with Springsteen's "Fire"

In 1979, The Pointer Sisters hit No. 2 with Bruce Springsteen's unreleased song "Fire".

October 1980: Release of The River

In October 1980, Bruce Springsteen released "The River", which topped the U.S. Billboard chart.

1980: The River Tops Charts

In 1980, Bruce Springsteen released The River, which became his first album to top the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant milestone in his career.

September 1982: Release of Nebraska

In September 1982, Bruce Springsteen released the album "Nebraska".

1982: Release of Nebraska

In 1982, Bruce Springsteen released the solo acoustic album Nebraska, showcasing a different side of his musical talent.

June 1984: Scialfa Joins E Street Band for Tour

Early in 1984, specifically June 1984, Bruce Springsteen asked Patti Scialfa to join the E Street Band for the Born in the U.S.A. Tour.

June 1984: Met Patti Scialfa at The Stone Pony

In June 1984, prior to the start of the Born in the U.S.A. Tour, Bruce Springsteen met his second and current wife Patti Scialfa at The Stone Pony during her performance there.

1984: Release of Born in the U.S.A.

In 1984, Bruce Springsteen released "Born in the U.S.A.", which sold 30 million copies worldwide.

1984: Born in the U.S.A. Album Release

In 1984, Bruce Springsteen released Born in the U.S.A. with the E Street Band, which became his most commercially successful album.

1984: Political attention surrounding Born in the U.S.A.

In 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." attracted considerable attention during the presidential campaign, including being mentioned by Ronald Reagan.

May 13, 1985: Marriage to Julianne Phillips

On May 13, 1985, Bruce Springsteen married actress Julianne Phillips at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

August 10, 1985: Springsteen charts entire back catalogue in UK

On August 10, 1985, all seven of Bruce Springsteen's albums appeared on the UK Albums Chart simultaneously.

1985: Springsteen plays on 'We Are the World'

In 1985, Bruce Springsteen played on the "We Are the World" song and album.

1986: Release of Live/1975-85

In 1986, Bruce Springsteen released "Live/1975-85", a five-record box set.

October 1987: Release of Tunnel of Love

In October 1987, Bruce Springsteen released "Tunnel of Love".

1987: Tunnel of Love Release

In 1987, Bruce Springsteen released the album Tunnel of Love, for which he mostly hired session musicians.

February 1988: Tunnel of Love Express Tour Begins

In February 1988, the Tunnel of Love Express Tour began, and Bruce Springsteen convinced Patti Scialfa to postpone her own solo record and join the tour.

July 19, 1988: East Germany Concert

On July 19, 1988, Bruce Springsteen performed a concert in East Germany that attracted 300,000 spectators.

August 30, 1988: Phillips Files for Divorce

On August 30, 1988, Julianne Phillips filed for divorce from Bruce Springsteen in Los Angeles, citing irreconcilable differences.

March 1, 1989: Divorce from Julianne Phillips Finalized

On March 1, 1989, Bruce Springsteen's divorce from Julianne Phillips was finalized.

October 1989: Dissolution of the E Street Band

In October 1989, Bruce Springsteen dissolved the E Street Band.

July 25, 1990: Birth of First Child, Evan James Springsteen

On July 25, 1990, Patti Scialfa gave birth to Bruce Springsteen's first child, Evan James Springsteen.

June 8, 1991: Marriage to Patti Scialfa

On June 8, 1991, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa married at their Los Angeles home in a private ceremony.

December 30, 1991: Birth of Second Child, Jessica Rae Springsteen

On December 30, 1991, Patti Scialfa gave birth to Bruce Springsteen's second child, Jessica Rae Springsteen.

1992: Human Touch and Lucky Town Release

In 1992, Bruce Springsteen released the albums Human Touch and Lucky Town, for which he mostly hired session musicians.

1992: Release of Human Touch and Lucky Town

In 1992, Bruce Springsteen released two albums at once: "Human Touch" and "Lucky Town".

January 5, 1994: Birth of Third Child, Samuel Ryan Springsteen

On January 5, 1994, Patti Scialfa gave birth to Bruce Springsteen's third child, Samuel Ryan Springsteen.

1994: Academy Award Win

In 1994, Bruce Springsteen won an Academy Award for his song "Streets of Philadelphia".

1995: Greatest Hits and The Ghost of Tom Joad

In 1995, Bruce Springsteen reassembled the E Street Band for Greatest Hits, and he recorded the acoustic album The Ghost of Tom Joad solo.

1995: Release of The Ghost of Tom Joad

In 1995, Bruce Springsteen released his second folk album, "The Ghost of Tom Joad".

1995: Springsteen Discusses Relationship with Scialfa and Public Criticism

In a 1995 interview with The Advocate, Bruce Springsteen addressed the negative publicity surrounding his relationship with Patti Scialfa.

1996: Blood Brothers EP

In 1996, Bruce Springsteen released the EP Blood Brothers solo.

1998: Release of Tracks box set

In 1998, Bruce Springsteen released the four-disc box set of outtakes, "Tracks".

1998: Death of Bruce's Father

In 1998, Douglas Frederick "Dutch" Springsteen, Bruce Springsteen's father, passed away.

1999: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Bruce Springsteen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 by Bono.

1999: Reunion Tour with the E Street Band

In 1999, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band reunited and began their Reunion Tour.

1999: Hall of Fame Inductions

In 1999, Bruce Springsteen was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2001: Springsteen Comments on Bruce Springsteen Special Collection

In 2001, Bruce Springsteen commented on the extensive collection of academic journals and papers about him and his band housed in The Bruce Springsteen Special Collection.

2002: The Rising Release

In 2002, Bruce Springsteen released The Rising, an album dedicated to the victims of the September 11 attacks.

2002: Release of "The Rising" and Commencement of The Rising Tour

In 2002, Springsteen released "The Rising", his first studio album with the full band in 18 years, which reflected on the September 11 attacks and became a critical and popular success. The Rising Tour also commenced in 2002 with an Asbury Park appearance on The Today Show, barnstorming through the U.S. and Europe, including 10 nights at Giants Stadium.

2003: Grammy Awards and Tribute to Joe Strummer

In 2003, "The Rising" won the Grammy for Best Rock Album and was nominated for Album of the Year. Also in 2003, the title track won for Best Rock Song and for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, and was nominated for Song of the Year. At the ceremony, Springsteen performed the Clash's "London Calling" with Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl, Steven Van Zandt, and Tony Kanal in tribute to Joe Strummer.

2003: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums List

In 2003, Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list included several Bruce Springsteen albums: Born to Run, Born in the U.S.A., The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Nebraska, The River, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J., and Tunnel of Love.

2004: Vote for Change Tour

In 2004, Springsteen and the E Street Band participated in the Vote for Change tour, with John Mellencamp, John Fogerty, the Dixie Chicks, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Bright Eyes, the Dave Matthews Band, Jackson Browne, and other musicians.

2004: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs List

In 2004, on their 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list, Rolling Stone included Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run", "Thunder Road", and "Born in the U.S.A.".

April 2005: Release of "Devils & Dust" and Start of Solo Tour

In April 2005, Springsteen released his solo record "Devils & Dust", a mostly acoustic album, and started the solo Devils & Dust Tour, playing both small and large venues.

2005: Bono's Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2005, Bruce Springsteen inducted Bono into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2005: Devils & Dust Release

In 2005, Bruce Springsteen released the folk album Devils & Dust.

April 2006: Release of "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" and Tour

In April 2006, Springsteen released "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions", an American roots music project, and began a tour with the 18-strong ensemble of musicians dubbed the Seeger Sessions Band.

2006: We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions Release

In 2006, Bruce Springsteen released We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions, his first cover album.

July 2007: Death of Terry Magovern

In July 2007, Terry Magovern, Springsteen's long-time assistant, died. The hidden track on the Magic album, "Terry's Song," is a tribute to Magovern.

October 2007: Release of "Magic"

In October 2007, Springsteen's album "Magic" was released, featuring new songs and a hidden track. It debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., Ireland and the UK.

2007: Magic Album Release

In 2007, Bruce Springsteen released the album Magic with the E Street Band.

April 2008: Obama Endorsement

In April 2008, Bruce Springsteen announced his endorsement of Barack Obama's presidential campaign and appeared at several rallies in support.

2008: Final Tour for Danny Federici

The Magic Tour was the final tour for longtime E Street member Danny Federici, who died in 2008.

2008: Support for Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign

Throughout 2008, Springsteen supported Barack Obama's presidential campaign, giving solo acoustic performances and debuting the song "Working on a Dream" with Scialfa at a November 2 rally. After Obama's victory, "The Rising" was played after his victory speech.

January 11, 2009: Golden Globe Award for "The Wrestler"

On January 11, 2009, Springsteen won the Golden Globe Award for Best Song for "The Wrestler", which he supplied for free after receiving a letter from Mickey Rourke.

January 2009: Release of "Working on a Dream"

In late January 2009, "Working on a Dream", dedicated to Federici, was released.

January 18, 2009: Obama Inaugural Celebration Performance

On January 18, 2009, Springsteen was the musical opener for the Obama Inaugural Celebration, performing "The Rising" with an all-female choir. He also performed "This Land Is Your Land" with Pete Seeger.

February 1, 2009: Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show Performance

On February 1, 2009, Springsteen performed at the Super Bowl XLIII halftime show with the E Street Band and the Miami Horns. His 12-minute 45-second set included abbreviated renditions of "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out", "Born to Run", "Working on a Dream", and "Glory Days."

November 2009: End of the Working on a Dream Tour

The Working on a Dream Tour ran from April to November 2009. The band performed five final shows at Giants Stadium, opening with a new song highlighting the historic stadium, and Springsteen's Jersey roots, named "Wrecking Ball".

December 6, 2009: Kennedy Center Honors

On December 6, 2009, Springsteen received the Kennedy Center Honors. President Obama gave a speech highlighting Springsteen's incorporation of regular Americans' lives into his songs.

2009: Kennedy Center Honors

In 2009, Bruce Springsteen received the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing his contributions to American culture.

2009: Working on a Dream Album Release

In 2009, Bruce Springsteen released the album Working on a Dream with the E Street Band.

2010: Rolling Stone Ranking

In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked Bruce Springsteen 23rd on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".

June 18, 2011: Death of Clarence Clemons

On June 18, 2011, Clarence Clemons, the E Street Band's saxophonist and founding member, died of complications from a stroke.

March 2012: Release of "Wrecking Ball"

In March 2012, Springsteen's 17th studio album, "Wrecking Ball", was released. It became Springsteen's tenth No. 1 album in the U.S.

July 31, 2012: Longest Concert Ever

On July 31, 2012, in Helsinki, Finland, Springsteen performed his longest concert ever at four hours and six minutes with 33 songs.

2012: Reflections on Catholic Upbringing

In 2012, Bruce Springsteen reflected on how his Catholic upbringing influenced his music more than his political ideology.

2012: Wrecking Ball Album Release

In 2012, Bruce Springsteen released the album Wrecking Ball, which topped album charts worldwide.

2012: Evan Springsteen Wins Singer/Songwriter Competition

In 2012, Bruce Springsteen's son, Evan, won the Singer/Songwriter Competition held during Boston College's Arts Festival.

2012: Campaigning for Barack Obama's Re-election

In 2012, Springsteen campaigned for President Barack Obama's re-election, appearing and performing at Obama rallies in several states.

2012: Billboard Touring Awards and Grammy Nominations

In 2012, the Wrecking Ball Tour was named Top Draw by the Billboard Touring Awards. Springsteen finished second only to Madonna as the top money maker of 2012. Additionally, "Wrecking Ball" was nominated for three Grammy Awards.

July 2013: Release of "Springsteen & I" Documentary

In late July 2013, the documentary "Springsteen & I", directed by Baillie Walsh and produced by Ridley Scott, was released in cinemas worldwide.

2013: MusiCares Person of the Year

In 2013, Bruce Springsteen was named MusiCares person of the year, honoring his philanthropic efforts.

January 2014: Release of "High Hopes"

In January 2014, Springsteen released his eighteenth studio album, "High Hopes", featuring re-recorded versions of previous songs and covers. It became his eleventh No. 1 album in the US.

August 2014: Jessica Springsteen's Show-Jumping Debut

In August 2014, Bruce Springsteen's daughter, Jessica Springsteen, made her show-jumping debut with Team USA.

2014: High Hopes Album Release

In 2014, Bruce Springsteen released the album High Hopes, which topped album charts worldwide.

August 6, 2015: Performance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

On August 6, 2015, Springsteen performed "Land of Hope and Dreams" and "Born to Run" on the final episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

November 2015: Performance at Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America

In November 2015, Springsteen performed "American Skin (41 Shots)" with John Legend at Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America.

December 19, 2015: Saturday Night Live Appearance

On December 19, 2015, Springsteen made his first appearance on Saturday Night Live since 2002, performing "Meet Me in the City", "The Ties That Bind", and "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town".

January 2016: Start of The River Tour 2016

The River Tour 2016 began in January 2016 in support of The Ties That Bind: The River Collection box set. Initial shows included an in-sequence performance of "The River" album.

April 2016: North Carolina Concert Cancellation

In April 2016, Bruce Springsteen canceled a show in Greensboro, North Carolina, to protest the state's newly passed Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, also known as the "bathroom law".

April 2016: Boycott of North Carolina's Anti-Transgender Bathroom Bill

In April 2016, Springsteen was one of the first artists to boycott North Carolina's anti-transgender bathroom bill.

May 2016: European Leg of The River Tour 2016

In May 2016, The River Tour 2016 expanded to include dates in Europe.

August 2016: North American Leg of The River Tour 2016

In August 2016, another North American leg of The River Tour 2016 started.

September 7, 2016: Longest Show in the United States

On September 7, 2016, Springsteen performed his longest-ever show in the United States, clocking in at four hours and four minutes, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

September 2016: Release of "Chapter and Verse" and Autobiography "Born to Run"

In September 2016, "Chapter and Verse", a compilation album, was released. His 500-page autobiography, "Born to Run", was also published and quickly became a best-seller.

November 7, 2016: Performance at Hillary Clinton Rally

On November 7, 2016, Springsteen supported Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign by performing an acoustic set at a rally in Philadelphia.

2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Bruce Springsteen was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

2016: Mention of Autobiography

In 2016, Bruce Springsteen's autobiography was released, which would later be used as material for his performances of Springsteen on Broadway.

2016: Statements on Faith

In his 2016 autobiography, Bruce Springsteen discussed his personal relationship with Jesus and his complex relationship with Catholicism, noting that he considers himself "still on the team."

January 12, 2017: Performance for the Obamas at the White House

On January 12, 2017, Springsteen and Scialfa performed a special acoustic set for Barack and Michelle Obama at the White House's East Room.

June 2017: Announcement of Springsteen on Broadway

In June 2017, Springsteen on Broadway, an eight-week run at the Walter Kerr Theatre, was announced.

2017: Springsteen on Broadway Debut

In 2017, Bruce Springsteen began performing the critically acclaimed show Springsteen on Broadway.

2017: Tax Evasion Admission

In a 2017 interview with Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen admitted that he evaded taxes early in his career due to lack of government oversight until his 1975 Time cover appearance.

December 15, 2018: Final Performance of Springsteen on Broadway

On December 15, 2018, the last performance of Springsteen on Broadway occurred, after being extended three times.

December 2018: Release of "Springsteen on Broadway" Live Album

In December 2018, the live album "Springsteen on Broadway" was released and reached the top 10 in more than 10 countries.

2018: Springsteen on Broadway Album Release

In 2018, an album version of Bruce Springsteen's Broadway performances was released, after a year of critically acclaimed performances.

June 2019: Release of "Western Stars"

In June 2019, Springsteen's nineteenth studio album, "Western Stars", was released.

July 23, 2019: Western Stars Film Premiere Announcement

On July 23, 2019, it was announced that Bruce Springsteen's film, "Western Stars", which he co-directed with Thom Zimny, would premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2019.

2019: Western Stars Album Release

In 2019, Bruce Springsteen released the solo album Western Stars.

May 29, 2020: Dropkick Murphys Livestream Performance

On May 29, 2020, Bruce Springsteen made a remote appearance during a livestream concert by the Dropkick Murphys at Fenway Park in Boston, where he performed "Rose Tattoo" and "American Land" alongside Ken Casey.

June 2020: "Rosalita" Performance Milestone

As of June 2020, Bruce Springsteen has played the song "Rosalita" live 809 times, making it the ninth-most played song in his concert catalog.

October 13, 2020: "Streets of Philadelphia" in Anti-Trump Video

On October 13, 2020, Don Winslow released a video critical of Donald Trump featuring Bruce Springsteen's song "Streets of Philadelphia".

October 2020: Letter to You Album and Documentary Release

In October 2020, Bruce Springsteen released his twentieth studio album, "Letter to You", along with an accompanying black and white documentary of the same name directed by Thom Zimny.

December 12, 2020: Saturday Night Live Performance

On December 12, 2020, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band appeared as musical guests on Saturday Night Live, performing "Ghosts" and "I'll See You in My Dreams", marking their first performance since 2017.

2020: Letter to You Album Release

In 2020, Bruce Springsteen released the album Letter to You with the E Street Band.

February 2021: Renegades: Born in the USA Podcast Announcement

In February 2021, it was announced that Bruce Springsteen would release an eight-part podcast on Spotify titled "Renegades: Born in the USA" featuring conversations with Barack Obama.

May 2021: Woody Guthrie Prize

In May 2021, Bruce Springsteen became the eighth recipient of the Woody Guthrie Prize, which honors artists who speak out for social justice.

June 7, 2021: Springsteen on Broadway Return Announcement

On June 7, 2021, Bruce Springsteen announced the return of his "Springsteen on Broadway" shows for a limited run starting on June 26, 2021, at Jujamcyn's St. James Theatre.

June 10, 2021: Collaboration with The Killers Announced

On June 10, 2021, Bruce Springsteen announced an upcoming collaboration with The Killers, later revealed to be a song titled "Dustland".

June 26, 2021: Springsteen on Broadway Returns

Bruce Springsteen's "Springsteen on Broadway" show returned for a limited run at Jujamcyn's St. James Theatre on June 26, 2021.

September 11, 2021: 9/11 Tribute Performance

On September 11, 2021, Bruce Springsteen performed "I'll See You in My Dreams" in tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks.

September 2021: Collaboration with John Mellencamp

In September 2021, Bruce Springsteen provided co-lead vocals and guitar on John Mellencamp's song "Wasted Days".

December 13, 2021: John Henry's Friends Benefit Concert

On December 13, 2021, Bruce Springsteen gave a surprise four-song performance at the John Henry's Friends benefit concert for children diagnosed with Autism, joined by Steve Earle and the Dukes.

December 16, 2021: Sale of Music Catalog to Sony Music

On December 16, 2021, Bruce Springsteen sold the masters of his entire catalog and music publishing rights to Sony Music for $500 million.

2021: Continued Springsteen on Broadway Performances

In 2021, Bruce Springsteen continued performing the critically acclaimed show Springsteen on Broadway.

May 24, 2022: International Tour Announcement

On May 24, 2022, Bruce Springsteen announced an international tour with the E Street Band for 2023, marking their first tour since 2017.

July 17, 2022: Becoming Grandparents

On July 17, 2022, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa became grandparents when their son Sam and his fiancée had a daughter.

November 24, 2022: Thanksgiving Performance on The Tonight Show

Bruce Springsteen performed on a special Thanksgiving episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on November 24, 2022, to promote his new album.

2022: Only the Strong Survive Album Release

In 2022, Bruce Springsteen released the solo covers album Only the Strong Survive.

January 2023: Rolling Stone's Greatest Singers List

In January 2023, Rolling Stone named Bruce Springsteen the 77th-greatest singer of all time.

February 1, 2023: Launch of the 2023 Tour

On February 1, 2023, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band launched their first tour in six years, scheduled to conclude in July 2025.

April 2023: "Bruce Springsteen Day" Proclamation

In April 2023, the governor of New Jersey issued a proclamation announcing September 23 as "Bruce Springsteen Day".

June 15, 2023: David Sancious Announces Return

On June 15, 2023, former E Street Band member David Sancious announced that he is set to appear on a follow-up to "Only the Strong Survive" and expects to tour with Springsteen in 2024.

September 2023: Postponement of US Concerts

In September 2023, Bruce Springsteen announced the postponement of all his US concerts beginning that month through December due to ongoing treatment for peptic ulcer disease.

October 2023: Collaboration with Gaslight Anthem and Bryce Dessner

In October 2023, Bruce Springsteen provided vocals on the song "History Books" by the Gaslight Anthem and collaborated with Bryce Dessner on "Addicted to Romance".

2023: National Medal of Arts

In 2023, Bruce Springsteen was awarded the National Medal of Arts, recognizing his impact on the arts.

April 2024: Announcement of Nebraska Biographical Film and Release of Compilation Album

In April 2024, 20th Century Studios announced a film, "Deliver Me from Nowhere", based on the making of Nebraska, and Springsteen's "Best Of" album was released on April 19.

May 23, 2024: Academy Fellowship Induction

On May 23, 2024, Bruce Springsteen became the first international songwriter inducted into The Ivors Academy Fellowship in its 80-year history.

July 2024: Forbes Reports Springsteen's Billion-Dollar Net Worth

In July 2024, Forbes reported that Bruce Springsteen had a net worth exceeding $1.1 billion, making him one of the richest celebrities and musicians.

August 23, 2024: Denouncement of Farewell Tour Rumors

During his August 23, 2024, show in Philadelphia, Bruce Springsteen publicly denounced rumors of a farewell tour.

September 2024: Road Diary Documentary Release

In September 2024, Disney+ and Hulu released a documentary about Springsteen's 2023-2024 tour, "Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band".

October 3, 2024: Endorsement of Kamala Harris

On October 3, 2024, Bruce Springsteen endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election.

2024: Continued Musical Success

As of 2024, Bruce Springsteen has sold more than 71 million albums in the U.S. and over 140 million worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

2024: Born in the U.S.A.'s Continued Success

As of 2024, Bruce Springsteen's 1984 album Born in the U.S.A. remains his most commercially successful album and is the 23rd-best selling album of all time.