Here’s How Bruce Springsteen Found Out About Hank Azaria’s Tribute Band

Hank Azaria’s Bruce Springsteen tribute band has gotten The Boss’ stamp of approval.

The Friends actor joined Live With Kelly and Mark on Monday (Feb. 24), where he discussed his Springsteen tribute band, the EZ Street Band, and what inspired its formation. “I’m from Queens. Queens is just like Asbury Park but less water,” he joked of his and Springsteen’s different hometowns, before explaining while imitating the rocker, “I’ve been imitating Bruce since I was a teenager. A lot of my early impressions are based on hero worship, Bruce being at the top.”

When asked if Springsteen knows about the band, Azaria revealed that he does — thanks to his friend, who is an oral surgeon in New York City. “He texted me one day, ‘Text me your favorite video of the band.’ So, I text him ‘Thunder Road’ — he’s a big Springsteen fan,” he recalled. “Later that night, he texted me that Patti Scialfa, Bruce’s wife, was in his chair. I said, ‘Oh, dear, if I had known that, I really wouldn’t have sent the video.’ Then he sent me a text that Patti showed it to Bruce, and they had watched it twice, actually. What he got is that it’s a loving tribute, which is what it is. I was like, ‘Please make sure they know it’s all for charity.’”

While Springsteen hasn’t made it to a show yet, Azaria said that “is a goal of ours.”

Azaria and the EZ Street Band went on to perform Springsteen’s 1985 hit “Glory Days” on the show, with Azaria looking and sounding exactly like the superstar. Watch the performance here.

The EZ Street Band are touring throughout the spring, with a full list of tour dates and ticket information available on the group’s website here.

Watch Azaria’s full Live With Kelly and Mark interview below.