Many artists decide to retire once they reach a certain age. Not only is touring taxing on the body, but many grow tired of the rock star life by age 70 or 80. However, there are a few who never seem to slow down. These exceptional artists only continue to improve with age. Bruce Springsteen intends to be one of these artists. Find out which band inspired Springsteen to never go on a farewell tour below.
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“The Stones are a Great Inspiration”
Springsteen has already proven himself to be an artist who consistently elevates his work over time. While many of his peers resort to acoustic sets, Springsteen and the E Street Band continue to electrify crowds.
When asked what keeps him wanting to tour, Springsteen pointed a finger at his predecessors. In particular, he cited The Rolling Stones as a “great inspiration.”
“And the Stones are a great inspiration right now,” Springsteen once said. “I think the Stones are playing better than they’ve ever played, as is Paul McCartney. And Bob Dylan is out there. So these guys, they’re a little in front of me, and they’re showing, ‘Hey, it’s not time to sleep yet. There are many miles to go.’”
The Rolling Stones’ Enduring Career
Though Springsteen mentioned a couple of other artists, the Stones are likely the best example of a band that can’t give up life on tour.
“When I turn 33, I’ll retire,” Mick Jagger once said. “That’s the time when a man has to dedicate himself to other things. I don’t want to be a rock star all my life.”
Stones fans can’t help but laugh at that quote, given that Jagger is still rocking in his ’80s. His plan didn’t exactly work out…Springsteen isn’t too far behind Jagger and his bandmates in terms of years on the road. But he has a few more to go if he wants to rival their track record.
Given Springsteen’s continued fervor for the stage, we can’t imagine he’d ever be ready to retire. Not that we’re complaining in the slightest. Springsteen fans can rest easy. The Boss isn’t going anywhere. Revisit one of Springsteen’s best live moments below.
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