"It dogged me my whole life": Bruce Springsteen opens up about 'Boss' nickname

Bruce Springsteen, now 75, recently spoke about how the nickname “The Boss” has followed him since the early 1970s and how he never really welcomed it. On The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast (May 1, 2025), he stated,

“The Boss, which dogged me my whole life, still does. I’ve gotten used to it. I’ve given up and gotten used to it, I suppose.”

The musician stated that he never really liked the title but finally accepted its presence in his career. Despite his long-standing discomfort, he said he has just "given up" trying to get it to stop.

At the same time, Springsteen announced Tracks II: The Lost Albums, a box set of seven previously unreleased records recorded between 1983 and 2018, set for release on June 27, 2025.

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The origin of the nickname in the early days of Bruce Springsteen's career

The nickname "The Boss" originated in the early 1970s when Bruce Springsteen was responsible for collecting and distributing the band's earnings after performances. His role as the one handling his bandmates' salaries led his bandmates to refer to him as "Boss" in a casual, joking manner.

Springsteen explained,

"There was no exalted reason behind [the nickname]. That was just because I paid people’s salary and it was literally like, ‘What are we going to do? Hmm, I don’t know. Somebody better ask the Boss.’"

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Springsteen's discomfort with the title

Despite the nickname's widespread use, Springsteen has expressed discomfort with it. Bruce Springsteen has stated,

"I hate bosses. I hate being called the boss,"

Indicating his aversion to the authoritative connotation of the term. In live performances, he would sometimes alter lyrics to express his feelings, such as changing a line in Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)

"You don’t have to call me lieutenant, Rosie. Just don’t ever call me Boss!"

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The persistence of the nickname and Springsteen's acceptance

Over time, the nickname persisted, especially after E Street Band member Steven Van Zandt began using it, lending it more credibility. Bruce Springsteen acknowledged that the moniker has become an integral part of his public persona, even if it doesn't align with his personal identity. Bruce Springsteen noted,

"It was not meant like Boss, capital B, it was meant like 'Boss, where's my dough this week?' And it was sort of just a term among friends. I never really liked it."

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What listeners will hear on Tracks II: The Lost Albums

Apart from discussing his nickname, Bruce Springsteen also announced the upcoming release of Tracks II: The Lost Albums, a collection of seven previously unreleased albums recorded between 1983 and 2018. It is set to be released on June 27 via Sony Music, the collection includes diverse projects such as the planned soundtrack for an unproduced movie titled Faithless and an orchestral album called Twilight Hours. Springsteen expressed excitement that fans will finally get to hear music he has privately cherished for years.

Bruce Springsteen said,

“The Lost Albums were full records, some of them even to the point of being mixed and not released. I’ve played this music to myself and often close friends for years now. I’m glad you’ll get a chance to finally hear them. I hope you enjoy them.”

Springsteen's reflections on his nickname and the forthcoming release offer insight into his journey as an artist who, despite personal reservations, has embraced the aspects of his identity that resonate with his audience.

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