Bruce Springsteen Battled Depression in 1980s
In a 15-page profile on Bruce Springsteen in this week’s New Yorker, author Dave Remnick documents a darker side of the singer-songwriter that many haven’t seen before. Remnick completed one of the most extensive profiles ever written on “The Boss,” including interviews with Springsteen and his band that transpired over the course of several months.
The author reveals that the 20-time Grammy winner battled depression in the ‘70s and ‘80s. His father, Douglas Springsteen, struggled with depression and self-isolation that the singer feared he had inherited.
“My dad was really nonverbal, you couldn’t really have a conversation with him. I had to make my peace with that,” Springteen told Remnick. He described his family’s struggles as “the subject of my life. It’s the thing that eats at me and always will. … Those wounds stay with you, and you turn them into a language and a purpose.”
Several times a week, Springsteen would drive past his parents’ old home in Freehold, N.J., In 1982, Springsteen started to see a therapist.
Dave Marsh, a biographer and longtime friend of Springsteen’s, said, "The depression wasn't shocking, per se. He was on a rocket ride, from nothing to something, and now you are getting your ass kissed day and night. You might start to have some inner conflicts about your real self-worth."
The Boss buried his “inner conflicts” on stage, often playing for four hours at a time to burn himself out. He described these times as “pure fear and self-loathing and self-hatred.”
His concerts drew people from around the world. Not just for his fans, the concerts gave the singer solace.
“There is a tremendous push toward self-obliteration that occurs on stage. You are free of yourself for all those hours; all the voices in your head are gone. Just gone,” he said.
Last year, news of fellow band mate Clarence Clemons’ death shook Springsteen and the E Street band to the core. This year he emerged stronger than ever, with “Wrecking Ball,” his 10th No. 1 billboard album, and a world tour. Clemons’ nephew Jake went on tour with the band, taking his uncle’s place.
Springsteen warned Jake in January, "When you blow that sax on stage with us, people won't compare you to Clarence on the last tour. They'll compare you to their memory of Clarence, to their idea of Clarence."
Last week, Springsteen, 62, brought his daughter Jessica, 20, up on stage for his ‘80s hit “Dancing in the Dark.” He has three grown children with his wife, Patty Scalfia. The pair have been together since 1988, and the currently reside on a 380-acre farm in Colts Neck, N.J.
