Hank Azaria has made an exciting announcement regarding an upcoming Bruce Springsteen tribute tour, which is sure to delight fans of both artists. Ahead of this much-anticipated national tour, Azaria will be hitting the stage at the renowned Brooklyn Bowl on November 8, and following that, he will perform at The Stone Pony on November 15 in Asbury Park, the very venue that played a significant role in Springsteen’s early career.
As a passionate lifelong devotee of Springsteen’s music, this tribute project represents a heartfelt labor of love for Azaria. Best recognized for his extensive career as a voice actor on the beloved animated series The Simpsons, Azaria is now embarking on this new and distinct endeavor. Over the past months, he has honed his ability to capture Bruce’s unique speaking cadence and singing voice, meticulously crafting the tribute performance. As he shared with Rolling Stone, “I think of it as a theatrical performance. I’m staying in character as Bruce even though I’m telling stories about myself. It’s a performance piece, but I’m not a Bruce impersonator.”
At the inaugural public performance of Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band held at Le Poisson Rouge, the sold-out celebration of Springsteen’s music created an atmosphere of sheer joy, prompting Azaria to take the show on a cross-country journey. Full details and routing for the highly anticipated tour will be announced soon. Azaria doesn’t simply sing Springsteen’s music; he also shares personal anecdotes about the profound impact these songs have had on his life. Embodying his dedication, he remarked, “I’ve never worked harder preparing for any role than I did in perfecting a singing vocal impression of Bruce.”
The tribute performance is an electrifying, high-energy rock ‘n roll experience, showcasing Azaria’s dynamic physicality and flair as a genuine homage to Bruce. He channels numerous familiar aspects of Bruce Springsteen’s iconic presence, including intimate and irreverent storytelling, a strong connection to family, remarkable stamina, camaraderie with his bandmates, and an undeniable love for the stage. Azaria has crafted a performance that audiences want to wholeheartedly support—invigorating, upbeat, and undoubtedly ambitious.
Learn more and purchase tickets here.
**Interview with Hank Azaria about his Bruce Springsteen Tribute Tour**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Hank! You’ve announced an exciting Bruce Springsteen tribute tour. Can you tell us what inspired you to embark on this project?
**Hank Azaria:** Thank you for having me! I’ve been a lifelong fan of Bruce Springsteen; his music has been a significant part of my life. I’ve always admired his storytelling and the emotional depth of his songs. This tribute is a way for me to express my appreciation for an artist who’s influenced so many of us. It’s truly a labor of love, and I can’t wait to share it with the fans.
**Editor:** You’re kicking off the tour at the Brooklyn Bowl on November 8, followed by a performance at The Stone Pony on November 15. What does it mean to you to perform at these iconic venues?
**Hank Azaria:** Performing at these venues is a dream come true! The Stone Pony, in particular, holds so much history for Bruce and his fans. It feels surreal to step onto that stage, knowing the legends who have performed there. I want to honor that legacy while bringing my interpretation of Springsteen’s music to life.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned honing in on Springsteen’s unique speaking cadence and singing style. Can you share a bit about your process in capturing that?
**Hank Azaria:** Absolutely! I’ve spent a lot of time studying his performances, listening to his live albums, and practicing to get the nuances just right. It’s about respecting his voice while also bringing my own personality to the songs. I want the audience to feel the spirit of Bruce while also enjoying a fresh take on his music.
**Editor:** Fans are clearly excited! Do you have any special plans for the performances or surprises in store?
**Hank Azaria:** I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve, but I’ll keep those under wraps for now to keep fans guessing. However, I can promise a setlist filled with classics and maybe a few deep cuts that true fans will appreciate. It’s all about creating a special night that feels like a celebration of Bruce’s music.
**Editor:** That sounds fantastic! Any final thoughts you’d like to share with your fans before the tour kicks off?
**Hank Azaria:** I just want to say thank you to everyone for their support! This means a lot to me, and I hope to create beautiful memories together through music. Let’s celebrate the joy that Bruce’s songs bring into our lives!
**Editor:** Thanks, Hank! We can’t wait to see you on stage and experience this tribute to the Boss!
**Hank Azaria:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to it!
