Communal Solitude: Western Stars at the Toronto International Film Festival, September 12, 2019
Bruce Springsteen introducing Western Stars at TIFF Last night, Bruce Springsteen's new film "Western Stars" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film consisted primarily -- at least in terms of time -- of live versions of the songs on the "Western Stars" album, performed at Bruce's barn in New Jersey over a period of several days, for an audience of friends. Bruce has put out accompanying video material to studio releases before; this took the concept to another level. I was among the fortunate 1800 or so to be in attendance at Toronto's Roy Thompson Hall for the first showing. This film is for fans, especially for fans who'd like to see live performances of the new album. Bruce has been emphatic that he will not be touring behind this album, so this is likely as close as we'll come to seeing him perform it live. An orchestra of approximately 30 members backed the live performances at the barn. Several member