TORONTO – Bruce Springsteen encapsulates his latest documentary in a few words: “That’s how we make the sausage.”

The rock icon from New Jersey premiered “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band” (set to stream on Hulu starting Oct. 25) at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday evening. Directed by Thom Zimny, this marks their 14th collaboration over 24 years, in addition to 40 music videos together. The film captures the band’s world tour in 2023 to 2024, which is their first tour in six years, and highlights Springsteen in his role as a band leader.

Springsteen narrates the film as it features rehearsal clips, illustrating his approach to band practice and the way he curates a set list that includes fan favorites while also reflecting on themes of aging and mortality. One poignant moment is his song “Last Man Standing” from the 2020 album “Letter to You,” which resonates with the fact that Springsteen is the last surviving member of his initial band.

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The documentary also reveals that Patti Scialfa, Springsteen’s wife and bandmate, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2018. Due to this rare type of blood cancer, her current “new normal” involves performing only a few songs at concerts occasionally. In a touching scene where they sing “Fire” in a close embrace, she shares in voiceover that performing together offers “a side of our relationship that you usually don’t get to see.”

During a Q&A after the screening, Springsteen expressed about the unique bond he shares with his longtime bandmates: “We have the only job in the world where the people you went to high school with, at age 75, you’re still with them. You witness their life journey, from marrying to divorcing, seeing them through various life experiences, and even being there towards the end of their lives.”

Jon Landau, who has collaborated with Springsteen for 50 years, believes the film highlights an essential aspect of both Springsteen and his band that has sustained their relevance: “What has always drawn me to Bruce, since my critic days in the ‘70s, is his remarkable vision—a clear purpose behind every song, album, and detail.”

“Letter to You” and the current world tour featured in “Road Diary” signify Springsteen’s return to being part of a band after his solo project “Springsteen on Broadway” and the 2019 album/film “Western Stars.”

“I am fully dedicated to everything I do. But the band is the band,” Springsteen explained. “We’ve been strong for a long time. Every time we step on stage, we take a risk. By sharing what matters most to you, you open yourself up—you’re not alone.”

“This is a rare occurrence for bands,” he remarked. “Typically, bands disband—it’s a natural outcome. The Kinks and The Who have struggled to maintain unity. Simon and Garfunkel have their issues. You can’t even keep a pair of group members together; the odds are slim.”

Yet, the E Street Band has thrived, which Springsteen describes as “a benevolent dictatorship.”

“We have this incredible collective where every member has a defined role and the opportunity to contribute and take ownership,” Springsteen stated. “Not everyone experiences that sense of fulfillment in their jobs or collaboration. I truly wish they could because it’s a unique experience like none I’ve ever encountered in my life.”

“If I were to pass tomorrow, I would be okay. What a (expletive) journey it has been.”