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Charles Daye  Asbury Park Press

The Boss was in a lot of pain for at least five shows this year, yet neither the fans nor the E Street Band could tell.

"I got to tell you the truth, we had no idea how much pain (Bruce Springsteen) was in," Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band told USA Today at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last night.

He was speaking of three shows at MetLife Stadium and two at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough in Massachusetts.

Earlier this year, Van Zandt downplayed the illness Springsteen struggled with on tour while Springsteen's birthday, Sept. 23, became “Bruce Springsteen Day” in the state of New Jersey.

Springsteen, 74, would miss when Gov. Phil Murphy issued the proclamation at the inaugural American Music Honors event, presented by the Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music because of COVID.

"It was remarkable when we found out that he had been in pain for five shows at least, he is just a tough guy," Van Zandt said.

He added that the crowds must've helped.

"The adrenaline, I'm sure helps, and the enthusiasm of the audience helps. But many came to me after those shows (and said) they were the best shows they've ever seen," Van Zandt said. "It is amazing that our leader was in pain the whole. We were just as surprised as everyone else to learn the extent of his illness."

Steven Van Zandt at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Friday, Nov. 4, 2023.

He said The Boss "is all good now."

"We are going to come back stronger than ever in March," Van Zandt said.

Multiple members of the band have missed shows on the tour due to COVID, including Van Zandt, Nils Lofgren, Jake Clemons and Soozie Tyrell.

The tour had appeared to be operating in a bubble to minimize chances of infection. Band members were photographed wearing protective masks during rehearsals, security and roadies wore masks, including Springsteen guitar tech Kevin Buell. Photographers with close access to the band, including Danny Clinch and Pam Springsteen, the Boss’ sister, also wore masks.

Charles Daye is the metro reporter for Asbury Park and Neptune, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. @CharlesDayeAPP Contact him: CDaye@gannettnj.com


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The SPL Rocks!







Pulled up to my house today
Came and took my little girl away!
Giants Stadium 8/28/03



Oats

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