Film Shows Springsteen Recording ‘Darkness’ Album

An Emmy Award-winning filmmaker has collaborated with Bruce Springsteen on a new documentary that chronicles the recording of the Boss’ 1978 album.

The film, “The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town,” will premiere Sept. 14 at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Filmmaker Thom Zimny gained access to never-before-seen footage of rehearsals and recording sessions shot from 1976-78.

At the time, Springsteen was working to move past years of legal trouble and match the success he had with Born to Run.

Photo: Bob Mussell
HSBC Arena, Buffalo, N.Y.

The Darkness album featured many songs recorded with a full band immediately after being written. Tracks covered the plight of average Americans, from the struggling everyday hero in “Badlands” to hopelessness in the title track.