In the world of rock and roll, few names command as much respect as Bruce Springsteen.
Known for his iconic voice and storytelling through music, the 75-year-old legend continues to influence both the music and entertainment industries. Recently, Springsteen expressed his admiration for actor Jeremy Allen White, who portrays him in an upcoming biopic centered around the making of his 1982 album Nebraska. The film, Deliver Me from Nowhere, has not only intrigued fans of Springsteen but also piqued the interest of movie buffs who are curious to see how White’s portrayal of the “Boss” will unfold on the big screen.
Springsteen’s appearance on The Graham Norton Show on Friday, Oct. 18, shed light on his involvement in the project and his thoughts on White’s performance. When asked about the biopic, Springsteen had nothing but praise for the The Bear actor, specifically pointing out his vocal talent. “It’s a lovely cast, and I am involved a little,” Springsteen revealed. What truly stood out in the conversation was Springsteen’s acknowledgment of the difficulty of portraying a living legend. “This is not easy to do because you can’t do an imitation, you have to do a personal interpretation,” he remarked, recognizing the challenge White faced in not merely copying his persona but bringing a unique take to the role.
Springsteen further complimented White’s singing ability, a crucial aspect of capturing the essence of the rock icon. “It’s difficult, but he is a great actor and sings pretty good,” Springsteen added, emphasizing that White’s musical performance was no small feat, especially for someone stepping into the shoes of a man whose voice has defined generations.
The film, Deliver Me from Nowhere, takes its title from Warren Zanes’ 2023 nonfiction book of the same name, which dives deep into the creation of Springsteen’s Nebraska album. Released in 1982, Nebraska stands out as one of Springsteen’s most unique works, characterized by its stark, acoustic sound and raw, storytelling lyrics. It was a departure from the more polished, full-band sound that fans were used to, making the album an intimate exploration of American life through the lens of Springsteen’s artistry.
The prospect of seeing Jeremy Allen White embody Springsteen during such a significant period in his career has garnered considerable attention. Earlier this year, in March, Variety confirmed White’s casting as Springsteen, and the news was met with a mix of excitement and curiosity. White, known for his standout role in The Bear, has established himself as a versatile actor, and stepping into the world of music biopics is no easy task. Yet, Springsteen’s approval of both White and the project speaks volumes about the quality of the script and the vision behind the film.
Springsteen previously shared his thoughts on the biopic in an interview with fellow musician Zach Bryan for Rolling Stone. The rock star revealed that after reading the script and speaking with the director, he felt optimistic about the direction of the film. “I’ve seen the scripts and I’ve talked to the director. They’re just putting it all together, so I don’t have an awful lot to say about it, but I’m excited about it happening,” he said. His enthusiasm for the project reflects his confidence in the storytelling and the team behind it. “It’ll be an interesting story,” he added, describing the screenplay as “really good” and affirming that he “feels good about the whole project.”
While Springsteen has only a minor involvement in the film, his endorsement of the project has heightened anticipation for Deliver Me from Nowhere. Fans of both Springsteen and White are eager to see how the film captures the essence of Nebraska and the period in which it was created. The album itself was recorded on a simple four-track cassette recorder, and its minimalist production belies the depth of the narratives within the songs. It is this emotional and artistic depth that will be critical to convey in the film, and with Springsteen’s approval, there’s hope that Deliver Me from Nowhere will do just that.
In addition to discussing the upcoming biopic, Springsteen also touched on his documentary, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, during his appearance on The Graham Norton Show. The documentary offers fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the band’s world tour, showcasing the trials, triumphs, and camaraderie that have defined their journey. “I get anticipatory anxiety. It’s not quite the same thing as nervousness,” Springsteen explained when asked about whether he still gets stage fright. Despite having spent decades performing, the rock star admitted that some level of anxiety remains before hitting the stage. “It’s a natural feeling to have before you go out to challenge yourself. If it wasn’t there, I think there would be something wrong with you and you couldn’t do the job,” he added, highlighting the importance of this tension in keeping him sharp and motivated.
As for his plans for retirement, Springsteen was characteristically candid, stating, “You’ve never seen a hearse with luggage on top, so that will be it for me. I am going to keep going until it’s over.” This statement, delivered with Springsteen’s signature wit, is a reminder that despite turning 75 on September 23, he has no immediate plans of slowing down. His passion for music and performance remains undiminished, much to the delight of his fans around the world.
In summary, Bruce Springsteen’s remarks on The Graham Norton Show provided valuable insight into his thoughts on Deliver Me from Nowhere and Jeremy Allen White’s portrayal of him. Springsteen’s praise for White’s singing skills and acting abilities, coupled with his positive outlook on the biopic’s script and production, has generated considerable excitement for the film. Additionally, his reflections on the nature of performance, stage anxiety, and retirement further solidify Springsteen’s status as an enduring figure in the world of music. As fans eagerly await both the biopic and his documentary, it’s clear that Springsteen’s legacy will continue to inspire and captivate for years to come.