The origin of the nickname
The nickname “The Boss” was not given to Springsteen by his admirers, but by his bandmates in the early days of his career. According to various sources, Springsteen was in charge of collecting and distributing the money after their gigs, which earned him the title of “The Boss” among his fellow musicians. He also acted as the leader and spokesperson of the band, both on and off stage.
However, Springsteen never intended the nickname to be used publicly. He once said in an interview with Creem magazine in 1980: “It was never meant for public dissemination. And then, somebody started to do it on the radio. I hate being called ‘Boss’ (laughs). I just do. Always did from the beginning. I hate bosses. I hate being called the Boss.”
The contradiction of the nickname
Springsteen’s dislike for the nickname stems from his political and social views, which are often reflected in his songs. Springsteen is a vocal supporter of workers’ rights, unions, and social justice. He has also been critical of corporate greed, political corruption, and war. Many of his songs, such as “Born in the U.S.A.”, “The Ghost of Tom Joad”, and “The Rising”, depict the struggles and hardships of ordinary people in America.
Springsteen’s nickname, therefore, seems to contradict his image as a champion of the working class and an opponent of authority. He once said in a biography by Peter Carlin: “I hate bosses. I hate being called the boss”. He also said in a documentary by Thom Zimny: “I’ve never seen myself as a boss. I’ve always seen myself as a band member”.
The acceptance of the nickname
Despite his aversion to the nickname, Springsteen has learned to accept it over the years, as it has become a part of his identity and legacy. He has even used it ironically or humorously in some occasions, such as when he introduced himself as “the Boss” at a concert with Paul McCartney in 2012, or when he appeared on Saturday Night Live with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in 2015.
Springsteen has also acknowledged that the nickname has a positive connotation for many of his fans, who see him as a role model and a source of inspiration. He once said in an interview with Rolling Stone in 2016: “I think people have come to understand that it’s just a term of endearment”
