The E Street Band is mainly a backing band working with Bruce Springsteen since 1972. Springsteen also makes solo efforts, but he mostly records his songs with the band. The musician is still in collaboration with them today.
Springsteen made a career decision that also affected the E Street Band by the late 1980s. This decision made him give $2 million to each of his bandmates and proved that he deserves to be called ‘The Boss.’
Springsteen Gave His Band Members That Much Money For A Reason
Springsteen went to the studio with the E Street Band in 1982 to start the recording sessions for ‘Born In The U.S.A.’ He released the album in 1984, and it became his most successful musical effort. Steven Van Zandt decided to part ways with the band after the recordings to focus on his solo career.
Springsteen and E Street Band were enjoying a huge commercial success during that period. They decided to embark on a tour to support the album. The tour turned out to be successful just like the record, and it grossed around $80–90 million.
Bruce Springsteen decided he wanted to focus on his solo projects by the late 1980s. He then put the E Street Band on hiatus. Each band member had separate musical careers outside the band, but they weren’t happy with the decision. Springsteen then realized he was free to do whatever he wanted unlike his bandmates, so he made a pleasant offer to them.
Springsteen, aka The Boss, offered each member $2 million in severance pay. We should also note that each band member gets an equal share when they are on tour together — including Springsteen.