Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band is a labor of love for Azaria, a life-long Springsteen fan. “I’ve never worked harder preparing for any role than I did in perfecting a singing vocal impression of Bruce,” said Azaria.
Acclaimed actor and voice artist, Azaria is perhaps best known for his decades of work on The Simpsons. Now he’s using his voice in a new and different way, and having a blast entertaining people in a live, concert setting. Azaria spent months creating an impression of Bruce’s distinctive speaking cadence and singing ‘voice’ to conceive the tribute show. As Azaria told Rolling Stone, “I think of it as a theatrical performance,” he says. “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.”
The tribute performance itself is a joyful, full-tilt rock ’n roll event, and Azaria’s physicality and flair are a true homage to Bruce. Azaria channels many familiar components of Bruce Springsteen’s iconography: intimate, irreverent storytelling, connection to family, preternatural stamina, camaraderie with the band, and a palpable love for performing. Azaria has delivered a show we want to root for – invigorating, upbeat and ambitious.
Members of the EZ Street Band have performed with top artists like Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Lil Nas X, Josh Groban, and Cynthia Erivo, and opened for Modest Mouse, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lake Street Dive, and Charlie Puth. They’ve appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Good Morning America, and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, and played major stages including Coachella, Bonnaroo, Carnegie Hall, and Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Dear Evan Hansen. Their original music and compositions have been featured on The Voice, The Expanse, and across HBO and ESPN programming.
