Rock music and tragedy have often gone hand in hand, from the “27 Club” to the untimely losses of icons like John Lennon. Yet Bruce Springsteen has taken deliberate steps to avoid what he calls the “death cult” that looms over the industry. By setting firm boundaries on his and his bandmates’ lifestyles, he has helped shield his E Street Band from the pitfalls that have claimed so many in the music world.
Springsteen, no stranger to the wild atmosphere of the 1970s rock scene, has always maintained limits for himself and his band. Despite the party culture surrounding him, he established a clear rule: professionalism on stage meant being in control. “Drugs were around, but there was a line,” he explained. He allowed his band members their freedom but made it clear that performing under the influence wouldn’t be tolerated. This approach has helped the E Street Band remain grounded and focused, even decades into their career.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Springsteen discussed his approach following the shocking passing of Liam Payne from One Direction. Though Payne’s fame soared across the Atlantic, Springsteen could see the parallels with his own experiences. Reflecting on the tragedies that have hit the music industry, he noted that the idea of dying young, often glorified as a part of the rock-and-roll lifestyle, serves record labels but destroys lives. “It’s a grift,” he said, emphasizing how the myth of self-destruction in fame is harmful.
Springsteen’s personal discipline has set an example not only for his band but for the broader music community. In a 2012 interview with *Rolling Stone*, E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt praised Springsteen’s healthy lifestyle. Van Zandt noted that his bandmate doesn’t preach about sobriety but embodies it, showing what’s possible when you prioritize health. Despite occasional drinks, Springsteen has never leaned on substances to fuel his performances. His dedication to fitness and nutrition has kept him in excellent shape, a testament to the idea that rock stars can age gracefully without self-destructive habits.
Years later, Springsteen and the E Street Band are still active and performing, proving that their sensible choices have allowed them longevity in an industry that often cuts careers short. As Van Zandt puts it, avoiding drugs and staying fit isn’t complicated; it’s common sense. Springsteen’s choices have not only preserved his career but continue to inspire both his fans and fellow musicians to rethink the myth of the “death cult” in rock music.
