David Sancious, the original keyboardist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, has opened up about his decision to leave the group at the height of their success during the Born to Run era. In a candid reflection, Sancious reveals that he always knew his departure was inevitable.
The Early Days with Springsteen
Sancious joined the E Street Band in the early 1970s, contributing his virtuosic keyboard skills to Springsteen’s evolving sound. His work on albums like The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle helped shape the band’s signature style.
A Fork in the Road
Despite the band’s rising fame, Sancious felt a pull toward his own musical explorations. "I knew it would happen," he says. "I had my own creative path to follow." His departure in 1974 came just before the release of Born to Run, the album that would catapult Springsteen to superstardom.
Life After E Street
Sancious went on to work with artists like Sting, Peter Gabriel, and Eric Clapton, carving out a respected career as a session musician and solo artist. Looking back, he has no regrets: "It was the right decision for me at the time."
Legacy and Reflection
Though his time with the E Street Band was brief, Sancious’s influence remains. Fans still celebrate his contributions, and his story serves as a reminder of the personal choices behind even the most legendary bands.
